Paid a visit to Dr. Denkler this week to have him look at a new rather large nodule in the palm. He did NA on pinkie of the same hand over two years ago with a great result that is still holding up fine. I was expecting to get a cortisone shot in the nodule to shrink it. But Dr. D said it was pulling the hand into a slightly cupped shape and that he could release it with the needle. He also noticed that I have a cord in the webbing between pinkie and ring finger which prevented me from spreading the pinkie apart from other fingers. I had assumed there wasn't much to be done about this and just would have to live with it. Dr. D said he could release that as well. So I ended up with 3 needle spots and a great result. Right away I could spread that pinkie in a way I hadn't been able to in years. I have already noticed quite a difference in my ability to grasp things with my left hand which is really important in my work as an artist. Also useful in typing. The bump in the palm is also improved - still don't understand how the needle did this but love the result. Came home with more improvement than I expected.

Dr. D said he is going to a meeting in a couple of weeks regarding the xialaflex option which he thinks will be a good treatment. He has now done over 1600 digits and continues to push the envelope. i had been pretty bummed out because after 8 years with this disease only in my left hand, I am getting a nodule in the right hand. But this visit reminded me that there is every reason to be hopeful that my right hand wont get too messed up.

Linda in California, U.S.A

Glad to hear this.. I was pondering Either Dinkler or Benhaim in .L.A.......dINKLER IS PAY UP FRONT THOUGH I THINK..I have medicare and blue cross, but I think you pay him first.. Is that corrct???

Linda in California, U.S.A

Thank you Diane......It is a good thing that we can all compare notes..I wish Dinkler was closer.....I am wondering about the stay.. it is usually a day or two between hands,,,and it might get tricky with release of pinkie as it has calcified at joint...I WILL CALL HIM ABOUT INSURANCE..i KNOW EATON'S OFFICCE DID EXCEPT MEDICARE..in 04

I might add some information here..I spoke with Dr. Dinkler's office in Larksput.. They do except medicare first if you have it..Medicare does pay for n/a...

Anne..
Thank you for the information...I feel like packing now.. I am getting excited about going..It is ok about the extra days..It will give us time to scout around and I also want time incase he has someone make a splint to wear at night like Eatons offive did//I will keep you posted on the events and results..

Linda B