I went to Doc Monday for the injection on my right index finger that was in stage 4 contracture. Tuesday morning the manipulation was completed with amazing results. Although my hand and especially my knuckle are still swollen, my finger is basically straight!!! The doctor was so excited to have had such dramatic results on this finger, he brought his whole staff in to see!! I took before photos and will do after photos today.

Two things I want to share:
1. He came up with a new way of manipulation that allows movement without tearing. He folded the finger into my palm then pulled it upward before trying to extend it to break the cords loose. The cord popped loose several times with NO tearing. He informed the drug company of this form of manipulation and they will now include this in their training and instructions. Pass this on to your doctor if you are going to undergo xiaflex injections.

2. Dr Chalkin specializes in shoulder, elbow & hands only, so he has nothing to gain in the following observation and warning: I asked him about finding someone in Tulsa that could do the RT on my feet (which are very bad) Although he is going to look into it, he warned that RT has caused minor to extensive nerve damage in the feet. I am still considering it because i will NEVER have surgury on my feet again. Just wanted to pass this on.

If I can figure out how to post the before and after photos, I will do so later today.

Diana

Strange that you ignored all of my good news and focused in on a "could be" warning. You are right, he is not an expert on RT, just a concerned doctor that wanted to warn me to investigate before I acted. He did not use the word would cause, but could cause. Thank you for your input & the information on the levels used. I cannot make an educated decision on my feet without adiquate information and who better to give it than people that have been through it. We are all here to help each other.

I mainly wanted you all to know how unbelievable my results were for such a badly damaged finger. Xiaflex may not be the "be all - end all", but a whole lot better than the multiple surgeries my poor father went through and the one disasterous surgery on my foot that I had to endure the result of for over two months.

Any advice & info for my feet is deeply appreciated.

Diana

Thank you so much for sharing your information. I have a huge number of nodules, both deep & protruding. It is my dream to be able to walk again without pain. Information from people lke you encourages me to proceed with investigating this option.

dianataylor:

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Thank you so much for sharing your information. I have a huge number of nodules, both deep & protruding. It is my dream to be able to walk again without pain. Information from people lke you encourages me to proceed with investigating this option.

Thank you all. As far as the Xiaflex injection, not only did I hear that wonderful snap three times during the manipulation, but one the night before when I accidentally leaned on my hand!! I started my own manipulation.

I am investigating to see if a Tulsa doctor is learning how to use RT on feet and with your information and encouragement, I plan to jump on it when available. I need to find out about my insurance coverage. Is this still referred to as experimental treatment? I know the designation will effect my coverage.

Don't give up folks. I've had this crap for over 30 years & plan to beat it.

Diana