Having had four surgeries for dupuytrens disease over the last ten years I feel I'm quite "qualified or exper-
ienced" to discuss the need for a better alternative. My
surgeries have been extensive, involving all of the joints
of all the fingers on the left hand and palm. On my right
hand only two fingers and a portion of the palm. These
surgeries have resulted in scar tissue, nerve and blood
vessel damage that is worse than the DD. The last two
surgeries were performed in 2000 and 2002 after I had
learned of NA. My esteemed surgeon convinced me (yes he
talked me out of NA) that only surgery could help for DD.
What an ignorant, close minded group some of these plastic
and ortho surgeons are! My dear wife Mary Beth has
researched alternatives and literally begged these surgeons
to provide me w/injections, topical verapamil, or less
invasive surgical procedures. They haughtily informed us
none of it would work! In March, I found a dermatologist
who started injecting my nodules with kennalog (triamcin-
olone acetonide). Within weeks the nodules were decreasing
in size and becoming softer. The intense itching stopped,
and the pain from simple things like turning a door knob
diminished. In May I started using topical verapamil on
the ledderhose in my toes of left foot. The nodules have
not increased in size as they had been and seem to be soft-
ening. I have just returned from Europe where over three
days NA was performed on both my hands. The results were
spectacular considering what my European Dr. had to work
with. The fingers and part of the palm on my right hand
where no surgery had been done were completely straightened.
The remaining fingers were straightened or improved, some as
much as 95 percent. For over four months the pain in my
left hand, elbow and shoulder had required medications to
relieve the pain. Mary Beth asked me this morning if the
pain had lessened and it occured to me that I had felt none
of the usual cramps and aches that had so distracted me of
late.
I have owned and operated businesses for some 25 years
or so. I have found you can't buy a truck from a grocery
store and you might as well talk to a barber as to a sur-
geon if you want any options for dealing with DD.
In all cases surgery should be the last resort for
dupuytrens because alternatives do exist.
Respectfully,
Richard B.

Just one word of advice to all new sufferers. Do NOT have surgery unless absolutely necessary. A huge waste of money and ruins your fingers. Limits future options. Worst mistake I have ever made. NA much better. I have had experience of both and believe me, I would NEVER consider surgery again. Sean must be the most fortunate person to have such a good result.

Sara,
I am sorry that you had a bad experience with surgery
but I truly mean it. Believe me, you are not the only one,
nor are 4 or 5 others. Many have and you are so right, it
is a waste of money not just yours but your insurance co's
as well. It does ruin fingers and limit future options just
as you stated. Sean says that thousands of these surgeries
are done annually, where does he get his info? Full of it
(uh info, I mean). Make sure you post your email address.
You will hear from us soon. HE reminds me of Custer, does
not see the last stand is near.

Warning to newcomers: Gary/Sean is only looking out for the interests of the American medical industry. Some theorize that he is paid to sway people away from viable alternatives. Do not be intimidated by his insults, pseudo knowledge, and high handed hyperbole. Please, if so inclined, take your time and read through the threads and many postings and make up your own mind.

You'll also notice, that when reading the effusive praises of the French NA technique, that Sean/Gary is nowhere to be found and uncharacteristically silent.

John:

It would be great if NA became an alternative in the US and Canada. However in my opinion the injectable collagenase (created by the sponsor of this forum) has a better chance of acceptance much sooner. I'll be relieved when the long awaited FDA Phase III gets underway. What I like about the possibilities is that is actually dissolves the unwanted tissue, therefore removing it, rather than just cutting it in two. When you deduct the cost of travel to Europe and the fact that it will be covered by insurance, the cost will not be a consideration. I think that's our long term hope, with NA as a temporary back up solution. It would be great to have a clinical study comparing the safety and effectiveness of both, but now I'm really dreaming. And don't worry; I haven't been hired by BioSpecifics to hype their product. I'm just optimistic. Phase I and II went quite well.