Yes, that's the "story". They have enough money to get Phase III started but whether or when they complete it is anybody's guess. I suppose if the trials go well, new investors might be easier to find.

Personally, I've all but written off Collagenase injections. They are still years in the future and I suspect some other, simpler treatment may become available before then. I plan to go to Europe for NA next time I need a contracture released.

Mike,

How about a bake sale. How many cakes and pies equal a research study?

Sean,

I would take me about 10 microseconds to sign the consent form for the procedure Betsy described. I'm just hoping that other American hand surgeons hear about it and understand that it's what a lot of patients want.

Excuse me for being obtuse, but has it been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that Betsy's doctor performed NA?

I'm not yet convinced that this is what happened. Has anybody contacted this doctor and been able to confirm that he performs this procedure?

I'm very glad Betsy is satisfied with her treatment. Yet, in my reading of her letter, she apparently went in for surgery and the doctor surprised her by performing a procedure she believes to be NA. Now if I go to a doctor for treatment and he 'surprises' me by doing something I didn't anticipate or different from what I was told to expect, I'd be a little concerned if not downright angry.

I reiterate, has anybody contacted this physician and confirmed, independently, that he does indeed perform NA?

I have been in contact with Betsy's Dr. repeatedly over the past 2 weeks and have found him very open and responsive. He is NOT planning on doing any more procedures at this time but is very interested in studying the technique in Paris and hopes to do so soon. The procedure worked for Betsy but he appears aware that, although it is much simpler than conventional surgery, there is still a learning curve. By the way, he has very impressive credentials.

I have personally been struggling with how to proceed in my case for 6 months now, convinced that traditional surgery is out. I have a Dr. close who will do a fasciotomy if I request that. For those who say "Just go to Paris", that also is not a simple thing for many folks to accomplish.

I think that everyone would agree that, knowing there is not a "cure" for us, each individual has to decide how best to proceed for their individual situation. Living in the "land of the free", I would like to have all available options open to us here and NOT be dictated to by what a particular hand surgeon "Feels" is best. These are my hands and after looking at all available info, it should be my choice what to have done. The NA procedure appears to be a simple, quick, effective way to release contracture - that is my ultimate goal - just release the contracture. No procedure "guarantees" success or prevention of reoccurance.

My approach has been to share everything I know with each surgeon I see (4 so far). I have found some to be completely closed minded (god complex) and others to be open to a patients wishs, tempered with logic/common sense.

There is no reason NA can not be done in America, our people are as competent is any. I think there just has to be a continued push/demand for it by us.

Instead of trying to pick each other apart and argue about details - we would be better served in investing ALL OUR ENERGY in getting American surgeons to see our need for better choices. I believe we can make a change.

I appreciate so very much people like Betsy, Kim, Jerry, Walt, many, many others and even good old Sean sharing their input and feelings towards this issue. Diversity is a wonderful thing.

There is an old saying that "the squeaky wheel gets the grease", let's invest ourselves in letting the American Medical Association know that we, their patients, want better options for this condition.

I believe a concerted effort by all afflicted can and will make a difference. Whether NA, Collagenase or something not yet found - there should be all options open to us here in the USA.

Please forgive the "soapbox" speech, I don't wish to offend anyone and value all input I have found on this forum. As I told Betsys Dr.; While not "life threatening", this issue is certainly "life altering". I recognize that my hands will never be what they were but I certainly would like for them to be all that they "can be".