To All:

My comment about Dr. Kline was *completely* from the perspective of the CHS. They are simply far more likely to be impressed by a fellow CHS. That's all I meant. The fact is, most European NA practitioners aren't even surgeons to begin with. Dr. Kline is *highly* qualified to do NA. I am personally scheduled to be treated by him later this week as it happens! Looking forward t it.

Have not posted in a bit but my story was told before. I have DD major in my left ring finger and minor in my right hand. My brother has a similar case. About three years ago he visited a hand surgeon at Kaiser in NorCal and was told to come back for OS in a few years. He went back recently and was introduced to NA by the same surgeon, who was trained by Dr. Denkler in Larkspur, CA.

When I finally saw a hand guy in Kaiser Oregon he gave the standard “your only option is OS” answer. When I stated I was aware of NA, and that is was accepted by at least one doctor in the Kaiser system, he closed the discussion, not even reading, or accepting a few articles I had brought in. The entire discussion and evaluation of my hand lasted less than 5 minutes. He got defensive, I think, and never even described the surgery. He just put me on a list to schedule OS.

I asked my primary for a referral to another doctor in or out of the Kaiser system and was told he could not do that. I then sent a very strong email to the hand physician asking for a second opinion and/or referral to the doctor in California who was to treat my brother.

Independently I called my brother’s doctor and he agreed to see, and treat me with NA after reviewing photos I sent via email. Eventually I got a referral, reluctantly, from my hand surgeon which made it administratively palatable in this HMO world.

I must note that the Kaiser admin staff was more than helpful. They kind of got it, that Kaiser was Kaiser, and alternative treatment was worth a look. But the obstacles presented by the physicians, both primary and specialist, were difficult to overcome.

Bottomline my brother will get NA tomorrow and I will get NA in California by the same doctor two weeks later.

I would like to commend this forum for educating me and many others, about the options available. I will post a message about my experiences, and my brother’s in coming days.

Dr. Harry Belcher fron the UK filmed one of his recent NA treatments and shows it on YouTube.

Here is the link

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=tG4K5WoB2cU

The video is shorter but from a close up perspective and shows the treatment of a progressed stage.

Thank you to Dr. Belcher for providing this film!

Our web site also has been updated to include links to videos of NA: http://www.dupuytren-online.info/needle_aponeurotomy.html

Wolfgang

Man, now I know why I didn't video my husband's procedure. I can't stand to watch the video!!! My husband loves to watch, since he didn't get to see his own. I hope the videos don't turn anyone off. For me it seems live the video is worse than the actual procedure because the video is so upclose and personal.

I was right there for my husband's procedure and it was much easier in person than watching it on video.

Anyone else get "queezy"......Sandie

I went to Dr Kline last week for both hands and it felt a little bit like going to the dentist. The only pain was the first time he used the needle to deaden my hand, after that there wasn't any pain even afterwards when the deadening agent had worn off.

Dr Kline and his nurse were really great, I wouldn't hesitate going back if needed.

John