Hi all,

After much research and several Dr. consultations I've made my appointment with Prof S for the first week of August. I have ledderhose in both feet and I believe I also have early stage Dupuytrens in both hands.

Until I get there I'm wondering it I should be wearing orthotics? One Dr. told me never to go barefoot and always use an orthotic for arch support in my shoes. Told me to buy the over the counter $40 Dr. Scholls (using the machine you step on) first and if that didn't feel better he would make some for me. But... Prof S says going barefoot is good doesn't he? Why do some people wear orthotics and some dont'? I tend to do what feels good at the moment.

Also, I've read the personal accounts of those of you who have been to Hamburg. (thanks so much btw) My husband needs to be able to have internet access for his work at our hotel. Does anyone have recs pro or con on this. I know that even if they say it's available that it can be very spotty.

I'll probably have about a zillion more questions before I leave. So glad to have found this site. I probably would be preparing for surgery if I hadn't.

Thanks,

Gloria

Hi I was prescribed orthodics in 2000 after being diagnosed with ledderhose. Some people wear orthodics because they have flat feet or have very high arches.( I was advised only to use lace up shoes whilst wearing orthodics.) I would wait to see what the Prof says. I had RT in 2007 and after some discussion no longer wear orthodics, however I pay particular attention to buy only good quality shoes with soft inner soles.
I spend a lot of time in Germany and found these days all good hotels usually have free WiFi. If you stay in a Hotel Garni (Breakfast only) then WiFi may not be available.
Give the hotel a call and check -most speak English. A tip I buy $16 of Skype credit and use the laptop or Ipad in the hotel to call Australia at rates as low as .025 cents a minute. Hope this helps.

Edited 06/16/14 16:08

Prof. S told me to go barefoot. I go barefoot most of the time, my feet love it. Some people with our disease can not go barefoot, it hurts them. Also from what I read over and over, lots of people have a terrible time with orthotics. Makes sense to me, anything that presses on your nodule will hurt. I can not wear shoes with arch support, it will hurt, so why bother? I think the name of the game is not to put pressure on your nodules, it will only aggravate them.



Christl