It is not like me to feel this way. I am starting to fall into depression and I believe that it has alot to do with my Dupuytren's. I have had nodes since I was 26 and knuckle pads since I was 13...in September I started to develop a contracture in my hand.

Do any of you feel quite down from this?

Kristine

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Do any of you feel quite down from this?
Kristine

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I do! My reasons are that after having a very serious RTA in my teens I became totally reliant on others (family) but fortunately recovered fairly well but with only full use of one hand which now has Dupuytrens (I'm now 46). The consultant I saw suggested waiting to see what happens and then get referred for surgery (with a lot of scarring - his words not mine!) when the fingers start to get drawn in. Surgery and long recovery would once again leave me helpless but I do not have the family for support this time. I have been generally walking a psychological tightrope since my RTA and the future prospects with this are difficult to get my head round. Whether I can hack it or not remains to be seen?

This is an interesting topic. Long before I got a nodule, I had a fear of loss of use of my hands. Probably due to memories of my grandmother who I am sure had Dups plus arthritis resulting in hands that looked like every picture on Dr. Eaton's website combined. I had a pretty high stress career but always wanted to pursue art. Getting a bent pinkie and Dups diagnosis was one of many reasons I finally decided to junk the high stress stuff and do what I really wanted. I may not have perfect hands for the rest of my life but right now they are good and I am doing what I enjoy.

Discovering NA was a real boost because my dups recurred quickly after traditional surgery. Even if I have to repeat it every year the NA still beats surgery in my book. Having this website and the previous one to share information and learn that there can be decent results is also a mood lifter.

Wolfgang:

Thanks for that post.

Many of us need that kind of encouragement.

Mark

I Know those feelings very well.Most of the blue feelings I get now adays are not from what I can;t do anymore.It hits me the worst when I look at my 9y.o. son and worry if he is going to get this as bad as me.What has hit me the hardest and I will admitt that I did cry when I was alone.My son had discovered he really liked baseball(I used to play highschool ball and love the game) it didn't dawn on me till I tried to put a ball glove on and couldn't(I have dp in both hands 4th and 5th fingers are at 90degrees.).Then trying to hold a bat then hit the ball it was not a pretty sight or feeling.We enlisted the help of a cousin of mine.That day left me feeling very very sad.We have found stuff to do together that my hands don't interfer much with.It does get better you just have to go with the punches and not plant your feet.Also THANK YOU for listening to me ramble that helps to.