I am set to see Dr. Eaton in 2 weeks. After following the sites for over a year, seeing 3 hand surgeons and a lot of research I am convinced that NA is the way to go. Most post/sites allude to NA lasting 2-4 years on average depending on the individual. I appreciate this post and would like to see as many responses as possible on longevity of the procedure. One year free of finger curl is great, 4 or more would be better.
As my insurance does not cover the cost at this time and I have 5 affected fingers, hoping for lengthy longevity. Hoping before I would need to have NA redone down the road, both insurance and mainstream surgeons will be more on board with the procedure. Appreciate any response from those who have had the procedure. Thanks.

Kristen,

How long would invasive surgery need to guaranty to last for you to drop NA switch to the knife?

That should have said your, not you're in the previous message.

I had the needle by Dr. L three months ago and have 98% improvement on a 30% contracture. The nodes seemed to be regressing but if they do come slowly back I will not hesitate to have NA done again and again. It was so simple and painless and so economical. I considered the trip to France as a vaction with a deviation to see the Dr. The same afternoon I had the needle procedure I was holding/drinking a glass of red bordeaux on the ChampsElysee with the slightly bandaged hand. Mabe I would go see Dr. Eaton next time if needed in Florida but I see no enlargement or contracture at this point.

J.S.:

The interval between repeated medical interventions for Dups is more related to the aggressiveness of your individual disease than the procedure used to correct it. Dr. Eaton is currently of the option that Traditional Invasive Surgery (TIS) is somewhat more resistant to reoccurrence. However, there is a limit to the number of times surgery can be performed (usually 3). NA, however can be done indefinitely and whenever needed.

The choice between NA and TIS has far more to do with *quality of life* than anything else. If your hand were an auto engine, NA is like changing the spark plugs, while TIS is equivalent to pulling the head and rebuilding the engine. Once you learn the effectiveness and safety of NA, the choice is a no-brainer (unless you're looking for a legal way to get a prescription for pain killers!)