I'm new to the forum and I'm looking for some help. I have self diagnosed Dupuytren. My father has it and has had the surgery. I have the dimple in my left hand but my right hand rind finger has the raised nodule and it is tender to the touch. I don't have any contracture and can stretch my fingers 100%. However, I'm a 38 year old dentist and I'm worried about what lies ahead and what I should do and when? Do I worry about it now? or wait until I actually have problems with it? What would you do if you had caught it early and recommend I do? Thanks for any advise.

Matt

I agree with callie. Monitor it - keep a log and photo record. Make a note of strange aches, tingles, cramps, spots, anything at all changing on the hand(s). If the disease appears to become active or accelerate, with new lumps then consider having radiotherapy to try and slow or stop it.

Thanks for the quick responses. Most of me feels like I should leave it alone until I have a problem. Another part of me thinks I should nip in in the bud early. The last thing I want to do it to stir things up and have it progress quickly. I need to work for another 15-20 years. I didn't know if some of you wished you had done radiation early on?

Thanks,
Matt

Thanks, I don't want see a specialist unless I have to. Just in case I need to buy some disability insurance in the future, I don't want there to be a pre-existing condition and then they will deny me. The fact that you have had treatment on one hand and are opting not to treat the other hand early in the disease process tells me that waiting is probably the best option. Along with the others on the board that seem to agree with you. Thanks Again.

Matt