Hi all,
So I'm due surgery depending on the call to say they are fitting me in so between a day and weeks. Surgery was postponed due to needing to quantify my clotting factors (I'm a heavy bleeder).
Based on the stages on this site left hand pinkie is at stage 4 or worse mostly in the PIP joint.
My right had is easily stage 2 in the middle 2 fingers.
Left had progressed very quickly over 18 months while my right had has progressed slowly over the last 10 years.

For the surgery on left pinky they are going the full open surgery with skin graft expected. They are planning to put a rod / wire down the finger to keep it straight. The rod will be there for 6 weeks and then removed. I have been told once removed I will not be able to bend my finger so will need rehab to learn to operate it again. So far searching the forum I have not read of this as normal. So anyone heard of this method before?

I am aware of the risks to nerves and circulation but at this point I'm willing to lop the little finger off as it catches on everything and I get cramps from the lack of use (I consider adjusting to no little finger as minor). Right hand is the one I worry about long term as again daily activities are getting harder and the 2 middle fingers mean they will be in the way for everything if fully curled in or if amputated that's half my finger function gone on my dominant hand.

spanishbuddha,
Thanks for the reply. Pinky is the one being done at this time. Options on that finger are very limited and soon they won't be able to get anything in there. My research has now told me that the skin there contracted many years ago when the first segment of the finger went flat, hard and wrinkled looking. Back then other injuries / health issues were the priority so that I could retain mobility and get of the medications and I didn't think anything of it.
Where I am in Australia there is limited choice. I have 4 years to go on the original referral till they see me for an assessment (Was 5 years to my amusement). As it is for the surgery I will have to travel. For the rehab it will be either travel back to that hospital each time or if lucky they might find someone local. I suspect a lot of rehab will end up via video link between actual visits.

My Grandfather had both pinky fingers amputated for it by choice due to the accident waiting to happen view. But that was back in the 1970's so things have changed since then. He didn't get it in any of the other fingers.

For the right hand with the 2 fingers no decision has been made They have taken the stance of lets sort out the really bad finger first as you still have time for the other hand. Beyond that I have been told that the cortisone injection option won't cut it at least.

Original surgeon has moved on also so the guy doing it mainly works on carpel tunnel syndrome but for the region he is the best hand surgeon at least as claimed by a few people now who I have met. Just not met spoken with others for Dupuytren.
The joys of living in the countryside :)

Last part of the game is I want to sort what I can within the next 2 years before I stop working with the current job as I'm covered for leave. After that I have all the time in the world I guess. But I'm retiring early due to being in an ancient scheme and see sense in retiring with anything sorted that can be.