Hi Brian , Australia Calling,
Firstly ,where are you calling from? I am in Adelaide. I have corresponded with Dr Hunter -Smith in 07 when he advised he has carried out NA since 2004 on in excess of 60 patients. He is a welll respected Surgeon who speciallized in hands. NA is not for everybody and he believes is best suited to a patient with a slow progression of the disease which does not affect the 'pip 'joint. Why don't you become a Registered User and you can contact other users. I know "Pierre" was treated by him. The other female doctor is located near the Sydney Airport. Both these doctors would treat as a Private Patient. Here in Adelaide a Dr Phillip Griffin and Dr Alexia Potter both use NA.
Dr Potter is at the Govt. Hosp." Flinders Medical Centre " south of the city. I have tried to contact both doctors but they have not returned my correspondence. Dr .Griffin is also in private practice. Have you any idea of the cost as I believe there is a considerable out of pocket expense even when you have top table Private Health Insurance.(Hospital and Extras. ) Hope this is a starting point for you. Regards.
Update. Dr, Jennifer Green carrying out average of 4 needle releases a week . Secretary advised this procedure is not for everyone.

Edited at 04/14/08 03:28

G'Day to fellow Aussies,

Just thought I would bring you up to date with my NA experience.

I went to Sydney rather than Melbourne for my NA treatment last week. I have to report that my experience was a ten out of ten. The whole procedure took about ten minutes, it was painless (except for a couple of needle pricks for the local anaesthetic) and I could hear my cords snap. I am typing this now with two hands and I only have to wear a splint at night for the next 3 months.

Unfortunately, I have one hand that could not be done, as the contracture is into the second joint on that hand and the surgeon said I will have to have open hand surgery for that one. I am not looking forward to that!

My surgeon was Jennifer Green ph 02 9587 1116 and she is listed on this site. Very pleasant lady.

Regards
Brian

Hi Newman,

The cost of the NA treatment in Sydney was $480 for the surgery and $110 for the splint by the physio.

The surgeon's office is 20 minutes from the Sydney airport and I would suggest patients from out of Sydney could have the procedure done in the one day and fly home that day.

My hand is healing very well. I find it hard to believe that surgeons who know about NA could still opt for open hand surgery. Even if DC comes back every few years, the procedure is so simple it will be no big deal to have it redone. My only beef now is that I have to have open hand surgery on the little finger of my right hand because DC has effected the second joint.

By the way Newman thanks for the recommendation on Elmore Oil, it works quite well.

Regards Brian

Hi Australia Calling :re email
I tried but Dr. Green's secretary would not supply it . I recommend you write or phone. She is listed on the Dupuytren Society web.


Edited at 07/18/08 08:44

Hi Larrane,

From my post you will see I have just had NA done in Sydney, with which I was most happy. I do not have diabeties or autoimmune disease. I am a 62 year old male with Northern European heritage. I first noticed dimples in the palm of my hand 15 to 20 years ago and I have only just had to have something done about it. It usually progresses quite slowly, but I have read on this forum that it can move quickly and for some sufferers can be quite devastating. The luck of the draw I guess.

Although NA seems to be the way to go, it is not for all cases. In my case, my right hand will have to have open hand surgery rather than NA.This procedure is quite invasive.

Good luck with your dupuytrens and congratulations on your involvement in the Diabetics charity.

Regards
Brian