Hi Everyone...I'm a new member from Australia. I'm very pleased to have found this forum because I feel quite unlucky in relation to dupuytren's contracture.

I am 40 and first noticed dupuytren's contracture in my right hand when I was 30, now have signs in my left hand as well. My father has dupuytren's and has had surgery on both hands, quite unsuccessfully, and lost his pinky finger on his left hand. My mother also has dupuytren's. My father-in-law has dupuytren's and has successful surgery on both hands. My husband is in his late 30s and also has the first signs of dupuytren's. I don't like our children's chances - I think they will be genetically wired to have it as well!!!

I am hanging out for Xiaflex to be available in Australia. Fortunately the contracture in my hands is not progressing very quickly, so I think I have quite a bit of time before surgery is required.

I'm looking forward to reading through the forums.

Regards
Claire

Claire,
Your DD started at a young age, but there are treatments available before you have to think of surgery....read all you can on this Forum about Radiation therapy. There are two clinics in Australia, check out the information under "Treatment" above. Radiation can be very effective in early stages of the disease and can stop the progression.

I had RT in November 2009 and it stopped the progression of my Dupuytrens in left hand and Ledderhose in left foot, in the radiated areas.