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Newly diagnosed. A wee bit scared.
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09/27/2006 23:13
Fallon

not registered

09/27/2006 23:13
Fallon

not registered

Newly diagnosed. A wee bit scared.

My doc diagnosed me with DC last night. She said it isn't a bad thing at all and that I just have to pull my fingers back throughout the day and stretch them. I do this manically now when not using my hands.

I found the mushy lump on the base of my left ring finger a month ago and the tendon is tender leading into the palm. I do not see or feel any problems in any other fingers though.

My biggest question is does it always progress to contraction and will it show up in other fingers?

I play guitar and use the computer keyboard A LOT for work at the office and at home.

I don't plan on drinking alcohol anymore now and started today with vitamin A, grapeseed extract and B... along with a multi.

I'm a little bit worried about this and would just like to know if it ALWAYS get worse or will it stay in the present state with proper care and stretching?

09/28/2006 23:04
Eddie 
09/28/2006 23:04
Eddie 
DP progress

Fallon,
There is absolutely no logic in the progress of the disease. It can stay dormant for many years, and it can develop very fast over a few months.
Vitamines ? Well ... not sure.
I'm not going to repeat my DP life story here, but, about 3 or 4 months ago I started with taking multivitamines. My DP (mainly PIP joint) got worse. Coincidence ? I really wouldn't know. But I never read anywhere that vitamines could have positive effects.
Alcohol ? Smoking ? Eating ? (breathing?). Referred to a lot. Proof ? I don't hink so. I guess these are 'standard' in the medical world.
There was a post in here several years ago about the effects of life style, but I can't find it anymore. Seems it got lost somehow,
Stretching ? A surgeon told me a couple of years ago stretching is ok, but not to overdo it. Real strain could give negative effects.
Bottom line (personal opinion) : don't worry too much, just keep watching if and when you get cord(s) and/or contractions appearing in your hand.
In the meantime, and before making any decision on a treatment, there is a lot of reading on the internet, if you have the time.

09/28/2006 23:15
Wolfgang

not registered

09/28/2006 23:15
Wolfgang

not registered

how fast?

I noticed my first nodule 25 - 30 years ago and I still do a lot of typing on the computer. When you find out that you have this disease and that it will probably never go away, it is perfectly normal to become a little scared. But you get used to it. Don't let it spoil your life, that would be worse than any nodule. And don't overdo the stretching, it might become counterproductive. A regular "soft" stretching (Yoga or not) might help keeping fingers straight, though contraction also develops at night.

Wolfgang
PS: I have't given up beer and wine either. For me that would fall into the category of letting nodules spoil my life. No way.

09/29/2006 23:50
Mark D.

not registered

09/29/2006 23:50
Mark D.

not registered

Thanks

Wolfgang & Eddie:

Great posts.

I was down tonight, becuase I think I just saw some signs of DD on my ten year old daughter's palm.

Thanks to both of you for helping me stay optimistic.

Mark

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progress   Vitamines   manically   optimistic   throughout   diagnosed   treatment   appearing   perfectly   breathing   effects   Coincidence   stretching   absolutely   Wolfgang   contraction   multivitamines   fingers   counterproductive   contractions