Sorry folks hit the wrong key first time. I am curious if any one can tell me if it is better to go a doctor here in the U.S. or to go the France have the NA done and then go on to Germany to have radiation done on the nodules. I have set an appointment with Denkler and I am confident that he can help with y contracted thumb. I than have problems on my feet and on the palms of my hand. How would one go about scheduling an appointment with France or Germany? If I email them can they read english or is it better to have someone translate into their respective language? If one does go to Europe and has an appointment can they do a procedure while you are there or do you need a consult and come back a month latter? Is Doctor Lermusiaux the best in the business? Who is the best at radiation? I know these are a lot of questions and I really appreciate any input from those who have been through this experience. Cheers.....Jay

Hi Jay,

if you e-mail to someone in Germany English is OK, anyone in science understands English. The same should hold for France (maybe you shouldn't order freedom fries when you are there ...).

There are lots of comments about NA in this forum and you can pick your choice of doctor in France. For radiation therapy I would go to either Erlangen (Prof. Grabenbauer) or Essen (Prof. Seegenschmiedt), they have both published on radiation therapy for Dupuytren and Ledderhose, and those hospitals are probably the ones with the most experience in Germany. You find contact info on our web site www.dupuytren-online.info, also some more tel phone number for Erlangen in the radiotherapy thread on this forum. But as first step I would anyway send an e-mail with pictures. I you need help, let me know.

The choice of NA vs. radiation therapy really depends on the stage. If you can feel nodules/cords but have no contraction or hardly any (2-3 degress), then radiation therapy is probably good. If you already have bent fingers (or toes) then NA is the right way to go.

Also keep in mind that radiation therapy requires 5 treatments on 5 consecutive days, a 4-6 weeks break, then another 5 days. Maybe Montreal would be more convenient? I think Richard found a hospital there that provides radiation therapy for Dupuytren. But it might make sense to check the price before ... with the US prices you can pay for the trip and an 8 week vacation. If you buy a BMW on top, you save even more money and have a car to travel (OK, just joking).

Good luck!

Wolfgang
PS: equally important: pick the right time of the year. You want to enjoy this trip, whereever you go!