As one can read in this and other forums, dp is absolutely not painless, in contradiction with what part of the medical world likes to tell us (maybe they never had dp themselves). But then, in my case, the pain only started AFTER surgery.
I recently attended a lecture of a handsurgeon on dp. He was an exeption to the rule, said it can be painfull, depending on the individual.
He has a vast experience in dp, partly because his father also was a hand surgeon.
One particular thing he claims : there is NEVER a medical reason for surgery, it is the patient that decides whether he wants surgery or not. Also, there is NEVER a right time.
Let us just hope that the tests with collagenase turn out well, and that it will be available 'shortly'

I feel pain and aching all the time in my hands. Several years ago a doctor said i had arthritus (spelling), come to find out it is DC. I assume it feels the same as Arthritus which from what most tell me it hurts like hell.

Chris

Eddie,
I agree totally. DC is interesting in that it reacts differently with different people. The studies show that it is often a painless process, but that it can be painful for many people. It seems from what I have read that DC when manifested as nodules is usually more painful than DC with "dermal pits". I have often wondered if there are two variations of DC. I am guessing that contraction takes place more often from the "dermal pits" than nodules, however I haven't seen the data. The surgeons and GPs, that I have spoken, have indicated this assumption.

I think the big debate, is whether in surgery does all of the diseased tissue have to be removed to prevent or slow down recurrence. It appears that disturbed tissue can stimulate the activity of DC. Not convinced that long term results are ok with "needle Ap." or "segmental Ap.". Or if there is any advantage to fasciectomy.
Anyones comments?
Gary

Hi John. I use to live in the Dallas area, well Arlington to be exact. There is a wonderful hand and arm Dr. in Arlington, Dr. Brentlinger. He is on Matlock or Mayfield. I'm not sure if you want to drive to Arlington or not. I wish you all luck, since my diagnosis not quite a year ago it has taken over both hands and now is starting in my feet. I don't know anyone in my family who has had this and it is very very painful. I had the nodules but not before my contractures of the fingers. By the time the nodules showed up both my middle and ring finger had cords present. My Dr. here in San Antonio said that surgery wouldn't necessarily help since it's a build up of scar tissue. I don't know how I can have that in my hands, I've not had any injuries to them. But oh well. This is a great place to find out lots of stuff. Good luck.

Terry

My humble lay opinion on a few things.
About a month ago I attended a lecture for a hand surgeon, who apparently uses about all methods available.
The question as to which method depends on the situation of the patient.
Some of the things I remember from the lecture :
1 needle treatment :
well proved method (in several countries in Europe), but only applicable if there is a cord that is mainly in the palm, i.e. not extending in the fingers. To people that have fears about cutting nerves : the danger seems no greater than with normal surgery, particularly since the location of the collagen and the nerves are well defined and known by a trained hand surgeon. The reason why a cord in a finger should not be treated is that in the finger the risk of rupting a nerve is much greater.
2 the different types of 'cutting'
depend on the surgeons preference/experience and the particular case. As to whether it is better to try to remove all the collagen (thus creating larger wounds and longer healing), nothing is clearcut. More extensive cutting will of course result in longer healing time, and in the possible formation of internal scar tissue.
3 long term results :
whatever method used, I dont think there is any guarantee.
4 excercising :
is recommended, with one limit : stretching a bent finger backwards (meaning, putting stress on the collagen cord) MIGHT activate the dp.
5 pills, vitamines, ointments :
some people seem to see a positive result, however, they cannot be sure what would have happened if they didnt use it ! Dp is something that can stay stable for years, and come back suddenly.
Again, all the above is written by a layman, so please dont take it for gospel.
Always available to share my limited knowledge on the subject.