Tradul,

A very good question for someone who must make an important personal choice. If I had to do the choosing at this time, here's what I'd consider:

If time and experience are the only factors contributing to expertise in the practice of NA, then by definition Dr. Eaton cannot possibly be as expert Dr. Badios. On the other hand, as an experienced and trained hand surgeon, Dr. Eaton will surely come to the table with a far better knowledge of the inner workings of the hand than Dr. Badios, who I believe came to the practice of NA as a rheumatologist.

Also, from what I've read, there appears to be degrees of difficulty to performing NA depending on the Stage, particular finer joint(s) involved and how the disease has spread into them. Other posts on this forum indicate that for now, Dr. Easton is only taking the "easy" cases and referring the more advanced stuff back to Dr. Lermusiax who trained him. Dr. Eaton should be able to verify that for you. God Speed.

I chose to have my NA procedure done by Dr. Badois because
he was affiliated with Lariboisiere Hospital and I had confidence that he was experienced in performing the procedure a few thousand times. I speak limited French; he
speaks excellent English. The French have a modern and
sophisticated approach to medicine equal to other European
countries and the US. I would have willingly gone to Italy,
or Switzerland also; I peferred France. I assume(d) that if
my case were too complicated, Br. Badois would have advised me to seek different treatment, (hand surgery.) The French
Doctors are professionals comme tous le Monde. Dr. Eaton is
an experienced hand surgeon with excellent knowledge and
experience. He is new to the Aponeurotomy (Aponevrotomy)
procedure and can appreciate the benefits. Naturally, he will fall back on his experience. Patients have anxieties.
We are referencing experienced, qualified medical professionals, not quacks. Do homework, have evaluations,
meet the Doctor, accept responsibility, accept insurance limitations. Who cares if it costs $500 or $1000; get a diagnosis and a treatment plan from someone that 1. you have
confidence in, and 2. has performed the contemplated procedure under considerable supervision.
I will offer the observation that while imminently qualified, Dr. Eaton chose to "observe" Dr. Lermusiaux
rather than do a residency "under" Dr. Lermusiaux. I am
not suggesting any shortcoming on Dr. Eaton's part. I am merely sharing my limlited understanding. As a patient,
my question is: "How many times have you done this Doc?"
"Where?" "Under what circumstances?" "what are your results?" There are many NA practioners: start with
Dr. Lermusiaux and work your way through language, location,
experience, accessibility, etc. Just do it! NA works in the
short to near term (2-4 years.) It is cost effective. It
is (almost)painless. If you fear travel for any reason; go
to Dr. Eaton. (Aussies, I hope you get better local choices.) Boueff!

You can reach both through their web site. They both are well spoken of. I had my NA with Dr. Lermusiaux and am completely satisfied.

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/f.badois-dupuytren/html/gbassoc.html

As some of you know I have an appointment for NA with Dr. Badois in Paris on January 19, 04. My airline reservations are done, now I am looking for a nice hotel (in the $90 to $100 range per night)not on the opposite side of Paris from where he is located.

I know I have read in the past of hotels some of you have used, but this Forum sometimes gives me a headache, can’t remember where I have read what.

I would so appreciate some helpful advise, such as the name of a hotel, location and approximate price. Dr. Badois gave me a recommendation, (an Ibis Hotel close to the Eiffel Tower)) but that hotel will not allow 2 girlfriends travelling with me and myself to stay in one room. I do know many of them do though.

So, fellow sufferers, I need help and know I will receive it from this audience. I promise to share my thoughts and the results of the treatment when I return. Thanks. Traudl

I have been to both Drs. Badois and Lermusiaux. Badois is in a suburb north of Paris, Lermusiaux in a suburb to the east. Lermusiaux is within walking distance of the Gagny train station, Badois requires a taxi or bus ride from the Soisy sous Montmorency station.

As for hotels, I HIGHLY recommend a book called GREAT SLEEPS PARIS by Sandra Gustafson. I've been going to Paris every year for 20 years (long before Dupuytren's set it) and have relied on this book. Have a wonderful time (next time go in April,May,Sept. or October to see it at it's most beautiful. Kristen