Observer,

The problem is that the endless string of postings promoting NA as the best solution NEVER discuss that NA can accelerate Dups and it presents a very one-sided picture.

My surgery went well and although surgery is never a barrel of laughs, the diseased issue was removed and it cannot recur - at least there. Recurrance after surgery happens, but the promotors of NA NEVER acknowledge that NA can trigger increased rate of progressive and that the recurrance rate is high.

I can say that my right hand still needs some time to regain full range of motion. Its mostly there, but before surgery I had NO use of two fingers at ll. At this point the diseased issue is gone and while the dups may occur elsewhere on my hand, it won't come back where it was. The nodules that were pending my fingers are gone and show no signs of coming back. NA does not appear to offer that benefit.

NA may be a good option for mild cases, but all the NA zealots are misleading people and the debate needs to have all the facts included. This site should not be used as a billboard for NA without clearly presenting all the facts and options.

Randy,

Tone it down. I support Sean and have submitted posting expressing a need to offer balanced viewpoints and that while this site offers a lot of good information, zealots like you should go away.

WE GET IT - NA IS AN OPTION!

But, its not the only option. Who are you working for?

On a different subject, three years ago I was advised to take GC for joint stiffness in my hands and I find the posting on that topic very interesting. That's the kind of information the site will benefit from. Not you. Please, go away.

I see that Sean has a new nickname...Bill H. You are fooling no one Sean. Give it up. We have seen your lame act before.

Jan. 20th Dr. Eaton performed NA on my left hand. Three fingers were involved, one with an 85% bend. Jan. 24th he did my right hand, which only had a mildly bent ring finger (P.I.P joint.)The procedure was practically pain free. Since my left hand needed so much work, there was a bit of swelling afterward, but I could use my hand within a day or so. I could use my right hand almost immediately. Now, a week and a half later, I can use both hands normally, they are both straight--well, that left ring finger has a tiny slant to it--and they look and feel wonderful! My hands look as if nothing had been done to them. I can put my palms flat down on a table--feeling the tablecloth beneath my hand was a delightful surprise. That hasn't been possible for some 20 years!

Thankfully, the procedure is covered under Medicare, but if it weren't I would still have had it done. It is not expensive--something like $62.00 a finger, it is fast, almost pain free and has minimal recovery time. Because the left hand was in such bad shape, I will wear a splint at night for 3 months to encourage it to stay straight.

I don't know what the long-term outcome will be, but at this point I am outstandingly pleased with the procedure (I'm typing this normally using both hands, for goodness sake!) and am very pleased with Dr. Eaton. His easy, low key manner take the stress right out of the procedure.

I peeked into this forum for a year from time to time before deciding to go to Dr. Eaton, although I have never contributed to it. I would like to thank you all for your comments and hope you find mine helpful.

Randy, FYI. The right hand ring finger, which had mild PIP involvement, turned out perfectly straight. The left ring finger has, today, a slight bend--but it was bent at 85 - 90 degrees. Go for it! I'm sure you'll be happy with the result. Even on my left hand, the procedure only took about an hour.