Hey guys nice to find this website have really learned a lot about the disease and the options that i have.

Im a 22 year old musician and have recently begun developing chords from a nodule on my left hand that i noticed about 2 years ago.

I went to the doctor and she confirmed that i had DD but told me to come back when it starts effecting my daily life..

After reading about the other less invasive (and potentially more effective) treatments i feel slightly more positive about the situation.

Im under the impression that the earlier you develop DD, the more aggressive it can be so i'm keen to do anything to reduce the progression rate especially as it will potentially effect my career as a musician.

So after some research it seems that radiation therapy is my best option at the moment, with the nodules formed and the chords beginning to develop i'm looking to start this asap however i'm not too sure how to go about getting it. If i go to my GP and ask to see a hand specialist is their a chance that he/she might recommend RT or is it common for doctors in the UK to wait till the hand contracts and then perform open surgery?

The RT statistics look very promising and really keen to have it done asap! any advice about specific doctors in the UK/prices etc would be much appreciated.

Thanks, leo

I wondered about your statement? You said, "If you google dupuytren and musicians you will find some testimonies of concerts pianists who had successful surgeries, but still, they had to stop playing for a few years".

Can you remember why they had "to stop playing for a few years"? That surprises me because I was putting a lot of stress on my hands playing golf after three months following surgery.

nevermind:

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So after some research it seems that radiation therapy is my best option at the moment, with the nodules formed and the chords beginning to develop i'm looking to start this asap however i'm not too sure how to go about getting it. If i go to my GP and ask to see a hand specialist is their a chance that he/she might recommend RT or is it common for doctors in the UK to wait till the hand contracts and then perform open surgery?

The RT statistics look very promising and really keen to have it done asap! any advice about specific doctors in the UK/prices etc would be much appreciated.

Thanks, leo

Leo; I am not understanding why you are running to RT and rejecting NA. NA is simple and relatively painless and you get full movement back immediately if you don't leave it too long. The downside is that it doesn't stop the progression of the disease and there is the possibility that it stimulates the the DD. Since you are young though the RT, drugs and surgery can always come later if required.

Hi Leo,

I believe most of the UK clinics listed on http://www.dupuytren-online.info/radiotherapy_clinics.html will also treat NHS patients. I don't know whether referal is an issue but they might be able to help, at least worth checking. As you need to go to the radiotherapy every day for at least a week, it's convenient to chose a clinic not far away or to stay in a close by hotel.

Wolfgang

nevermind:

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Hey guys thanks for all the replies this website has been really useful and everyone seems to be helpful and polite.

I have considered NA but as you say it does not stop the progression of the disease and recurrence rates seem to be high. And as far as i know, RT does work on chords but as long as their is no contracture and the disease is active (ie: beginning to contract) which is the stage i'm at so time is running out.

I am considering going to Humberg to see Prof Seegenschmiedt to get RT as he seems to have high rates of success. Although it will be expensive especially as im a student, i cant see much hope in getting RT on the NHS and the cost for getting privately treated with RT in the UK is even more expensive that Germany.

Leo