This sucks. I am seriously obsessing about my hand. I dreamt last night that I was undergoing Xiaflex injections. I woke up this morning, like every morning, thinking about how miserably stiff my hand is. I'm pissed that I, a "perfect candidate for the multi cord clinical trial" is closed out of that trial because it's full. I have to wait and hope that some drops out or is cut, about 2 weeks more. I hate the thought of no matter what treatment I choose, I'll have to deal with the pain. I hate the fact that this is happening. I think that if I have to undergo numerous treatments on my right hand, I may just want to go under the knife for surgery, because my left hand surgery ten years ago was so successful. I just want to do nothing, really, as this is not life threatening. But, I hate that if I do nothing my right hand, my dominant hand will be severely compromised if I do nothing. I hate that I'm always thinking about this and just want it to be over.

Thanks for listening/reading my rant. I hate this.

~Diane

Hi Diane,

Though I'm looking at other options than surgery... the last time I had it I think they brought a knee specialist to the table! I have to agree with callie..... it really isn't that big a deal..... so sort out a guy who'll do a proper job and go get it done - you'll be all healed up before spring!!

potter

I'm definitely tempted to go for the surgery. If the multi cord trial falls through, I will definitely talk to my doc about it. As for the study, Dave, yes you remember correctly. It's at Stony Brook in NY, which is about 15 minutes from where I live. It's crazy, but they are only placing ten people into the study. I asked, "Isn't that a ridiculously small sample?" She replied that she thinks it is, but based on the outcome of these ten people, they would likely expand it to more, and there is nothing they can do about that number; not even add a single addition person - me, though I am next on line if someone drops out. But, I can't wait for a second round of study. If someone doesn't drop out, it's surgery inquiry time.
~Diane

Seph:

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Diane; I don't understand why you wouldn't try NA. Its cheaper so there is no money in it for surgeons or drug companies but it is simple and effective.

I've had RT, NA, and surgery. I think Seph gave some sound warnings about Xiaflex, and I'd rather not have it. Diane, the type of cord dictated by decision. My left hand had a long thin cord, and I used NA on it. It improved it. My right hand had a thick node turned into a thick cord, and I wanted all that junk out! So I went for surgery, which only inconvenienced me for 3-4 weeks, I'd say. Not bad at all. The NA hurt much more. Getting injections into those sensitive nodes was painful. If my left hand gets worse, I may opt for surgery on that. But I want to check with my RT doctor first to see if I should get RT before surgery to blunt the potential regrowth from the trauma of surgery. I'm not sure about the sequencing. I'm five weeks post-surgery now and lead a normal life again.