David:

The bottom line is that you have two choices:

One, believe that you surgeon knows *exactly* what he is talking about, has *all* the facts on NA, and have full Open Surgery.

Two, Attempt the use of NA to avoid OS even though you have an aggressive disease.

Here is why I believe you should do #2:

I've have *both* NA and OS and would *never* do another OS unless NA failed to help. The fact that your surgeon is misinformed should be evident by the scads of personal testimonies found here. The most prestigious association for hand surgery (American Society for Surgery of the Hand) will be hosting a number of surgeons who will, for the very first time, instruct their colleges on NA. If your doc attends he will learn a thing or two. This is because Dr. Charles Eaton has performed over 2,500 NAs without nerve damage and at a much lower rate of complications than OS. Also, he has clearly documented that the outcomes of NA are equlivent to OS.

The downside to NA is a higher rate of recurrence than with OS. However, as NA is nearly infinitely repeatable and far less expensive, so this is not an issue for the majority. The only way to know *your* case is to try NA. If your recurrence is off the chart, then you move up to the *far* more aggressive OS. But you should know, OS is no cure either. You only get about three shots with OS and your hand can't be operated on further. NA can be done over and over. Also, once you do OS, NA can become more difficult in that location because of the scaring that *will* occur.

Study Eaton's sight deeply. You'll learn quite a but. You will see for yourself that you surgeon is mistaken. You *do* have a very legitimate choice. I see no reason not to go with the safer, less expensive and less invasive procedure first before going under the knife. It's a no brainier, nothing to loose proposition. Postponing your OS while you investigate and try NA is my strong advice. It's your hand. You doc will find something else do on Tuesday.

http://www.handcenter.org/newfile16.htm

David,

Unfortunately from Denver, NA will include plane ride, as it has for many of us. I went from LA to Florida. Your closest is Dr. Denkler in SF. He is quite experience in NA. The going rate is aprox $700 and is covered by insurance with a little effort. Your out of pocket is the plane. You could do a one day turnaround to avoid hotel. It would be quite an adventure. Your hand will be numb after NA and you'll need to keep it iced and elevated. I'm experience so the one day turnaround would be doable for me.
I'd talk to Dr. Keith Denkler about it.

You may just decide to go OS, which would not be the end of the world. But I'd call a time out while you sort out this new info.

Phone: 415-924-6010
info@aestheticsurgery.com
http://www.plasticsurgerysf.com/dupuytrens/

KEY: FT = FRENCH-TRAINED

Charles Eaton, M.D. (FT)
Paul Zidel, M.D. (FT)
CERTIFIED HAND SURGEONS
The Hand Center
1002 Old Dixie Hwy, Suite 105
Jupiter, FL 33458
Phone: 561-746-3420
http://www.handcenter.org/newfile16.htm

David Kline, M.D (FT)
BOARD CERTIFIED EMERGENCY ROOM PHYSICIAN
Dupuytren's Clinic
Holy Rosary Medical Center
351 SW 9th St
Ontario, OR 97914
phone: 208-344-5628
http://dupuytrenscenter.com/

William Bourland, M.D.
CERTIFIED HAND SURGEON
The Hand Clinic
6286 Briarcrest Avenue
Memphis, TN 38120
Appointments: 901-259-1600 or 901-259-1684
bourland@orthomemphis.com
http://www.orthomemphis.com

Keith Denkler, M.D. (FT)
CERTIFIED HAND SURGEON
275 Magnolia
Larkspur, CA 94939
Phone: 415-924-6010
info@aestheticsurgery.com
http://www.plasticsurgerysf.com/dupuytrens/

Gary Pess, M.D. (FT)
CERTIFIED HAND SURGEON
Central Jersey Hand Surgery
2 Industrial way West
Eatontown NJ 07724
Phone: 732-542-4477
handman@doctor.com
http://www.centraljerseyhand.com/dupuytren.htm

Prosper Benhaim, M.D.
Associate Professor of Hand Surgery
CERTIFIED HAND SURGEON
200 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suite 140
Los Angeles, CA 90095-6902
Hand Center: (310) 794-7784 Information and referral
(310) 825-7001 Information
pbenhaim@mednet.ucla.edu

Terrence J. Barry, M.D. (FT)
ORTHOPAEDICS BOARD CERTIFIED
3802 NE 207 St #2302
Miami, FL 33180
Phone: 305-822-6000
Fax: 305-557-5904
Drtbarry@aol.com

I've had both and I would NEVER do surgery again !

always try NA first
good luck, Miriam

I dont fit the ususal pattern either- no nordic heritage. I am a 70 YOP woman type II diabetic

have had NA's w?/ton 4 times with great success.
However my DC became way too aggressive so Eaton suggested surgery which I did locally ( WA State) I will NEVER do this again- it is way too painful and therapy was usless.
zmail me anytime for more info.