Radiation Therapy In Ontario |
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03/24/2010 13:48
Murray45
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03/24/2010 13:48
Murray45
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Radiation Therapy In Ontario
By way of an up date, to those that are interested: I was diagosed with Dup's in December 2009. I am at an early stage, on my left hand, middle finger. My GP sent me to a surgeon, who advised that surgery was the recommended treatment, but one had to wait until there was at least a 30 degree reduction in movement before surgery would be performed. I am a long way from that, but still wanted to do something. To make a long story short, I contacted the OMA about Radiation Therapy. After reviewing their response and discussing with another GP, it would seem that RT is not recommended (maybe accepted, is a better term) in Ontario and accordingly not covered by OHIP. Also given that you are competing with cancer patients for access to the service, the prospects of getting RT on Dup's in Ontario is remote, in my humble opinion. I have been advised that the surgery is usually very successful, and it concerns me when I hear of bad experiences, as I am very likely heading down that road - just a matter of when.
Question: has anyone managed to get RT for Dup's in Ontario or other provinces?
Murray
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03/24/2010 14:45
Mike Snot registered
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03/24/2010 14:45
Mike Snot registered
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Re: Radiation Therapy In Ontario
Murray,
Should you ultimately not choose to move forward with radiotherapy, please consider NA (needle aponeurotomy) before opting for traditional open hand surgery. In short, radiotherapy is thought to slow down or in some cases prevent contracture and is thus best used in the "early stages"; NA is used to straighten out a finger that has already been contracted. While I have not personally undergone radiotherapy (time consuming and VERY expensive in the US), I have had NA which is generally FAR less invasive, painful, and time consuming than open hand surgery.
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03/24/2010 14:54
flojo
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03/24/2010 14:54
flojo
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Re: Radiation Therapy In Ontario
I fully agree with Mike. If it is possible for you, even if you have to pay, do consider NA over surgery. Recovery is a few days and full recovery is two weeks. With Stage 1 contracture, you probably won't need any PT.
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03/25/2010 19:12
madbusch
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03/25/2010 19:12
madbusch
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Re: Radiation Therapy In Ontario
Murray Thanks for the info on RT in Ontario. I was able to get onto the waiting list for NA, Dr. Binhammers at Toronto SunnyBrook Hospital. RT may not be available in Ontario but NA is of course covered.
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03/25/2010 19:47
Murray45
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03/25/2010 19:47
Murray45
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Re: Radiation Therapy In Ontario
Thanks everyone for you comments. It would sound like NA is a good alternative. Frankly the open hand surgery is something I would prefer to avoid. I will see if I can get into see Dr. Binhammers. How long is the waiting list?
Murray
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03/26/2010 00:59
madbusch
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03/26/2010 00:59
madbusch
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Re: Radiation Therapy In Ontario
Murray Check out Binhammer's website www.handsurgery.ca/index/Dupuytrens.html It says 2 to 4 months for consult only. 6 to 8 months is you live outside the GTA but then he will do the consult and surgery at the same time if needed.
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