Amanda,
I also know at least that many with DC and I am not at all associated with the medical industry. It is not an uncommon disease among older people. Many people just think it is part of getting old. I didn't know any of these acquaintances had DC until they were asking about my surgery. Most knew something was wrong with their hand, but it didn't bother them enough to get it checked. Many people can have DC for most of their elderly lives and not bother them enough to have a procedure done on them. Of the people who have had surgery, none have had the problems expressed by some in this forum. Some people do have problems however because there aren't any procedures that can stop or slow down someone with a very negative diathesis. My family doctor said he sees it frequently. Many chose not to do anything about the disease and just live with it. Most do not feel pain unless it is in conjunction with other diseases.

Jake,
What specifically is your problem? I have said nothing negative about the surgeon and/or NA in Florida. I can't remember saying anything negative about NA. I have had some questions, however(is that bad?). I also have used one name on this forum, Sean. I do agree with others who have been on this forum who have had successful surgery and don't think it is educational to have the same people over and over tell of their bad experience as though it is the norm. I did say that Dr. Eaton's credentials are of the highest quality. I have no problem with NA in Florida, how much clearer can I state that? Maybe now we can get off the stance that the AMA is the fault that NA is not in the U.S. and that all hand surgeons are greedy because they do not perform NA.
Have a good day. I

Sean,

"Many chose not to do anything about the disease and just live with it." What happens? Do your fingers curl up into your palm? How do they function with a fist like that? My Dad may have had DD but most of his fingers were blown off during WW 2. Do you have any idea how many or what percent of those who have DD just live with it? I guess "no action" is always an alternative, eh?

Charlie,
I can think of nine people that I know fairly well that have DC and have not had a procedure done and don't plan to unless absolutely necessary. Three of them are older than 80 and have had DC for quite some time without contraction (just nodules). The others (ages 50 - 60) have had some contraction but not enough that it is much more than bothersome. It seems that they all are in a dormant stage or extremely slow in development. Everyone is different. Mine was slow for five or six years and then became very rapid.