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Worried about upcoming Xiaflex
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11/21/2014 10:35
Joew

not registered

11/21/2014 10:35
Joew

not registered

Worried about upcoming Xiaflex

Hello all, I've had DC for 25 years. Had two surgeries right hand. As usual it came back and the middle finger (the one I salute doctors with) is pulled down pretty far with a clearly visible cord in the middle of the palm. I went to local hand Doc who said she had done six of these. She said I was a good candidate since the cord is so visible and pronounced. She did mention it was "uncomfortable" to have the injections. I would say that's minimizing it based in what I've read in this forum.
Anyway, I've chosen to go thru with it as the surgeries are expensive, take a long time to heal , and in both cases it came back. I am now 64 years old. I'm concerned about two things, the people here for the most part, make it sound pretty darned excruciating to go through with. (Side note: I'm a chronic pain patient due to a failed spinal fusion and have been on pain meds for nine years,so don't talk about Ibuprofin, since OxyContin barely has any effect on me these days and I take it every eight hours ) the other concern is this doctor has only done six of these although she mentioned her cohort has done a few more...should I ask that HE do it instead ? I have so much scar tissue built up , and large nodules, I'm afraid it is going to be a tough customer . And now based on several failed medical procedures over the years that have left me with lifelong pain issues , I'm very skeptical when before I just trusted any Doctor with any procedure. I'm scheduled for this Monday and Tuesday...still debating on following thru or saying forget it , I've had enough pain. Any comments ?

11/21/2014 15:29
econn 
11/21/2014 15:29
econn 
Re: Worried about upcoming Xiaflex

It's tough to answer because everybody's pain threshold is different. I had Xiaflex procedure on my left hand 4 months ago and for me, it was highly successful. I would say the pain is about like a strong bee sting, not unbearable but certainly not pleasant, about a 5 on the 1-10 pain scale. Next day the cord snapping procedure was also uncomfortable while the block was being administered and the sound of that cord snapping was freaky! I didn't require any pain meds, although the doc wrote me a script for oxycontin which I never needed. I can now hyperextend my hand about 30+ degrees after years of 30+ contracture. Years ago I saw a hand surgeon and was on the verge of having it operated on but didn't like the the 4-6 months of rehab or the lack of certainty it wouldn't come back. I chose a plastic surgeon for my Xiaflex procedure, one who specializes in hands and has done all DC surgeries and NA as well as Xiaflex. I would think 6 successful procedures would be a good record for your doc and she has probably learned the proper techniques from her more experienced partner.

BTW, I am 70 years old, have had DC for over 30 years.....

Edited 11/21/14 17:31

11/21/2014 16:36
Joew

not registered

11/21/2014 16:36
Joew

not registered

Re: Worried about upcoming Xiaflex

Thank you for the response, very helpful. I can tell you having had two surgeries, and having it return , this must be much better. My hand now has scar tissue that will never go away, and my little finger never straightened. I will report back with the results of the handful of bees ! My plan is to just up my dose of pain meds for that day since I have built a seven year tolerance.

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