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03/27/2010 09:46
snickers
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03/27/2010 09:46
snickers
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Oral Verapamil
I can't believe how quickly I've seen a difference in my DD since I started taking oral Verapamil again. Most things I have read about Verapamil and Dupuytren's had to do with the Verapamil cream and usually with Ledderhose's or Peyronie's disease - neither of which I have. I am currently taking a low oral dose which I strongly believe has helped reverse (not cure) some of my DD. I was originally on Verapamil for Migraines from March '09 to Sept '09. I did not notice at the time that it was the Verapamil that helped with my DD during the time I was on it. I was put back on Verapamil mid March '10 mainly to see if it helped with my Dupuytren's. I've seen others describe active nodules as tingly, some pain and basically watching it grow before your eyes. That's how I would describe mine too. What I found strange after taking the Verapamil, is that while my nodules were actively shrinking, they were also tingly, slightly painful and practically shrank before my eyes. When I started off, I had one cord and two bigger nodules with a few dimples around. After about a week, both nodules were noticeably smaller and the dimples were reduced. After this second week, one nodule is almost non-existent while the other one is smaller than when I first went to a hand doctor and was diagnosed with DD. The cord is still there, a little painful when I push on it and one dimple still seems to remain. I know everyone's results with any treatments are individual. My DD was always in the early stages and I never had a contracture. I don't know if that is why it seems to have helped me, but I have no question that Verapamil has helped with my DD. I had no other medication adjustment at this time. I actually keep staring at my hand, from all different angles, as I can't believe the difference.
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03/29/2010 20:13
Dalton
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03/29/2010 20:13
Dalton
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Re: Oral Verapamil
Hi Snickers, What you have described is pretty close to my experience, that is, the progression. I have been wondering about medications for the disease. For instance, what are the side effects? Also, since I have an HSA and pay my own way on most things, any idea about the cost for private pay?
Until now I have not read about anyone else experiencing the tingly skin. I have suspected that the sensation indicates active Dupuytren's and I'm sorry to say that I now figure I have it in my feet, since there is tingling there lately as well.
Please comment if you will. Thanks.
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03/30/2010 23:38
snickers
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03/30/2010 23:38
snickers
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Re: Oral Verapamil
Hi Dalton, I have read a few posts here about their symptoms when a nodule is active. It's always nice to know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing - not necessarily that others have the same condition you have. First let me say that I have not read any place that oral verapamil has helped anyone. I have only seen two posts here - one where someone was starting oral verapamil, but never followed back to see if it helped him or not. The other was from someone who was already taking it for 10 years and her condition was still progressing. Different people can react differently given the same medication. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker which is mostly used to treat hypertension, angina and certain heart rhythm disorders although I use it off label for Migraines. Some possible side effects are shortness of breath, swelling, constipation, nausea, dizziness, feeling tired and some others, but I fair pretty well with the side effects with this med. With my mail in insurance plan, verapamil is less than $50 for a three month supply and my out of pocket cost was a lot less than that, but I'm sure that varies depending on where you are located and your own plan. Honestly, I don't know why this has worked so well for me, twice, yet I have not read too much about it. I wish you the best with your DD.
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03/31/2010 07:16
wach Administrator
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03/31/2010 07:16
wach Administrator
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Re: Oral Verapamil
Snickers, it might just have been mere coincidence that it worked for you. If it worked in general I am sure we would be flooded with success stories. But still worth noting.
Wolfgang
Edited 03/31/10 10:16
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04/08/2010 05:53
wach Administrator
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04/08/2010 05:53
wach Administrator
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Re: Oral Verapamil
Please note that this Verapamil study is an "in vitro" study, i.e. a study where cells in a lab are subjected to the medication. Such studies can indicate that a medication might possibly have a positive effect but cannot predict the outcome when the medication is applied to real life patients. The concentration levels of in vitro studies are typically higher than what can be achieved with patients, specifically with topical or oral application.
If you are interested in other treatment options you might also refer to our own web site (left menu, click on "Other therapies").
Wolfgang
Quote:
Here's an older study on Verapamil courtesy of the Dupuytren Foundation--other possibly helpful medications in the second link below:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8969433?dopt=Abstract
http://www.dupuytrenfoundation.org/Helpful-Medications
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