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07/16/2006 23:11
Ann Stallsnot registered
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07/16/2006 23:11
Ann Stallsnot registered
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Patty
Hi Patty
I am a 56 years old woman. When I went to the doctor, they said it was nodules and it was simple operation. Well, it wasn't simple at all. I found out after the operation that I have Dupuytren's Contracture. I had my operation on the pinky, middle finger and the palm. I was told I go to work the next day. Well, that didn't happen at all. I was lied to. I had to be out of work for 4 weeks, then I had another 4 weeks due to summer break.
I am in great pain still. I have this huge mountain scar right in my palm which hurts so much that I don't want to touch anything with it. I soak it and use Vit. E cream to massage it. I have been doing that for awhile. It is still huge and hurts. I have to take Vicodin every day. I don't want to go to work. I have to go back on the 26th of July. I just hope I can function with the pain. Some days, I think it is getting better then the next day it is so stiff as if I hadn't exercised it or done anything to it. Today, it is stiff as a board. I don't know why. I did exactly as the doctor said and still I have pain. I just wanted you to know you are not alone here and if you want to share anything that you are going through, I am here and will check everyday. I hope you are not in a lot of pain.
Ann
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07/17/2006 23:08
Wolfgangnot registered
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07/17/2006 23:08
Wolfgangnot registered
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start of Dupuytren
Hi Patty,
what you are describing is typical for Dupuytren. It often starts with just a single tiny nodule that grows slowly. Eventually it typically extends into a cord along a tendon. That cord then increasingly hinders you getting the affected finger straight. That process might well take 5 - 10 years.
It is also not uncommon that surgery and age accelerate that process. After surgery new nodules might grow much quicker in other areas of the hand (or the same) and even on the not operated hand. That's not the case for each and everyone but it may happen.
In the intial stage radiation therapy can slow down or stop the growth of the radiated nodule and, provide it is still tiny, it can even remove it. Unfortunately it seems that radiation therapy is only available in Germany (for whatever reason). When your finger is already bent NA is a simple and nearly pain free method to get it straight again. I believe, and I guess many though not all people on this forum will agree, that surgery ought to be the last resort. Hand surgery is not simple, it is an art, and we are happy to have it as an option but if we can get away without it we would rather do.
For more information on NA have a look at www.handcenter.org and for an overview of therapies on www.dupuytren-online.info.
Don't worry too much about your Dupuytren, most likely you will get used to it and there are much worse diseases ... Some of us suffer heavily but most people with Dupuytren live with it without much problems. That's the good news.
Good luck!
Wolfgang
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07/22/2006 23:43
Pattynot registered
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07/22/2006 23:43
Pattynot registered
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Self Diagnosis of Dups
I have noticed what feels like the tendon following my middle finger in the palm of my right hand. I noticed that it is painful to extend that finger out. It also seems like my left hand is tight or thick in the upper palm area compared to the right hand. I don't remember noticing all this before so I am wondering if this is progressing faster. Does anyone else have this experience?
I can't seem to find anyone in the Baton Rouge, LA area who knows much about this. I think I would be willing to travel to find a doctor who can at least give me enough information to set my mind at ease. Can someone suggest a doctor who is an expert on treating Dupuytren's?
Thanks for your replies and help!!
Patty
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09/06/2006 23:09
Pressnot registered
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09/06/2006 23:09
Pressnot registered
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Self Diagnosis of Dups
I'm trying to self diagnose why my pointer finger on my left hand has lost strength, is slightly bent and tends to have a slight tremer. I've also noticed that the flesh area between my pointer finger and my thumb has become indented compared to my right hand. My symptoms on WebMD have directed my attention to Dupuytren's Disease. I am 37 y/o and drink alcohol daily (not out of control, but daily). It appears that this disease does not normally effect the pointer finger. I have not noticed any "nodules" yet but the base of my effected finger does appear slightly larger than the same finger on my opposite hand. Thank you for your help!
Press
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