I am a 59 year old German woman who has gone through Dupuytren hand surgery on February 14th. I still have pain and swelling and was wondering if this is normal. I wish I did not have to go through the surgery, but my fingers on my right hand (I am right handed) were curling inward and my little finger was almost growing into my palm so I had no choice. My surgeon said it is the worse case of dupuytrens he has operated on in 30 years. I also have this problem in my feet (lederhose) which I have been coping with for 20 years.
My surgeon says I am not doing enough painful therapy, and he tells me pain is good. I don't think I should still have swelling at this point. Can anyone relate to this? Thanks, Elke

Welcome to our forum, Elke!

If you are new to this disease and its treatments you might also read the information pages of this web site (on the blue menu above). Surgery is not the only treatment option. Every treatment has benefits and specific side effects and which treatment is best depends on your specific situation. An overview of treatments for Dupuytren's is on http://www.dupuytren-online.info/dupuytr..._therapies.html and for Ledderhose (feet) is on http://www.dupuytren-online.info/ledderhose_therapies.html.

There is also a German web site www.dupuytren-online.de, giving e.g. lists of German clinics experienced with Dupuytren's and Ledderhose disease.

Wolfgang

Thank you for all your helpful comments. I also did not mention that I also have much redness and wrinkling in my hand along with the swelling. I honestly would recommend to anyone that is considering surgery to try anything and whatever other treatment there is to avoid it. My surgeon is making me feel like it is my fault I am not healing faster. I definitely am not going through this with my left hand which is already showing signs.

Sailmaker17,

Your situation is not typical. I had surgery on my finger over 10 years ago without any complications and the finger is still as good as before Dupuytren's. The real problem is that you waited until the finger almost contracted to your palm. Your only solution (most likely) at that point was a very difficult surgery. Often it takes two different surgeries to remedy the situation when the finger is contracted as much as yours.

What is your other hand like? You still have time for other procedures perhaps. None of the procedures are a "walk in the park", but the longer you wait .... the worse the results usually.