It was largely because of what I read at this forum that I took the plunge with Dr. Eaton, and now I owe it to him and you to report back.

I had my NA with him at the end of February 2005 and am still nearly 100% cured in mid-August 2005. As advertised, Dr. Eaton took care of me in a little more than an hour, and years of suffering were behind me. I left his office with a few tiny bandages where he had perforated my fingers, palm, and the underlying bands with his instrument. I could have driven myself away, but allowed my wife to take care of the transportation.

Not certain of what to expect, we had arranged to stay with friends in Jupiter, Florida for several days before and after. This proved unnecessary (although enjoyable), and I was fully prepared to return three months later on a red-eye, let Dr. Eaton have at me again, and fly back home to New Jersey the same day. But the repeat trip has so far proven unnecessary.

I regard NA as a medical miracle. Previously, I had been eyeing collagenase and had volunteered for Dr. Badalamente's clinical trial. I was not accepted, and it seems to have stalled. According to Dr. Eaton, the technique employed by Dr. Badalamente is essentially NA with the perforation of the bands performed by chemicals applied over a lengthy period of time rather than by an instrument applied in one short office visit. Both techniques require the weakened bands to be broken by a sharp, not entirely painless, jerk on the fingers.

Be that as it may, I strongly recommend doing what's available to be done while something can still be done in your case, instead of waiting for Camelot until your case is beyond the point of cure.

Sherry -

I had NA in January - not much pain involved. The snapping of the fingers takes place after the cords have been weakened/severed. Dr. Eaton is a very approachable physician.
I would discuss your fears with him prior to the procedure

Steve

I am a total wimp at the dentists office, I would walk right back in tomorrow or today if i had an appointment and havethe other hand done (though to be honest it isn't really "ready".) the first shot stings the most and the finger pulling was a surprise and yet I never felt the need desire to bolt and I was even able to relax as I have never done at the dentist.

The truly amazing thing is that the procedure is just as simple as people try to make it sound. I know I started getting weird two days before thinking "SURGERY! MY GOD IT IS SURGERY!!!!" but in reality it is an office procedure, Dr. Eaton was wearing a suit for goodness sake, not even scrubs!

The doctor is one of the most down to earth people, he has a very gentle but positive approach to this procedure. He is simply the best. my wife was very impressed and she does not like doctors as a rule.

My wife was included in the discussion before the procedure, and Dr. Eaton answered her questions as well as mine. She did not sit in on the procedure; I do not know what Eaton's philosophy is on this - I guess it would depend on whether or not he found it a distraction. Again, as Randy has noted, this is a very simple procedure.

Steve

Carol,
I did the PT myself and there was no pain. What were you doing to split the stitches? What kind of hand lotion are you using?