Dupuytren

Since there is no forum I can find, I was wondering if anyone knows anything about Dupuytren's contracture and possible successful treatments. I can't get hold of my GP and I am immunosuppressed.

[xsevenx]

I had the beginnings of this a couple of years back. My fingers were straight but I had thickening in the palm of my hand. I had Xiapex injected into the area and fortunately it has not recurred. The surgeon who did it said if it returned I would need surgery to correct it. Apparently it’s nickname is the Viking disease as it was discovered in ancient Nordic burial grounds.

It can be associated with some drugs and liver problems too, but the cause/association is not clear.

Update: Xiapex no longer available.

dupuytrens-society.org.uk/t...

[Hidden in reply to xsevenx]

Thank you for replying. I didn't know about the Vikings. Unfortunately I am at a stage where fingers are contracting or have already. I will follow the link you kindly attached to find out what could be a cause for making it worse and what my options are.

[xsevenx in reply to Hidden]

Best wishes to you! Have a look at the NHS link (if you haven’t already seen it).

nhs.uk/conditions/dupuytren...

[Hidden in reply to xsevenx]

Great. No, I hadn't seen the NHS link before. Very helpful. 👍

[Hidden]

Today I found out that I will be referred to a plastic surgeon to consult on the Dupuytren's as a matter of urgency.

[xsevenx in reply to Hidden]

Excellent!

[Hidden in reply to xsevenx]

There will probably be an op.

[Hidden]

You will need to get your GP to refer you a specialist to discuss your options.

[Grandpaace]

I've had successful operations on both my hands, done one year apart, via the NHS. After a short period with stitches, when I was told not to drive, I was passed to an occupational therapist who gave me some exercises to complete & I massaged cream into the scars to keep them flexible. 4 years on you can hardly see anything & the hands have full movement. I do have a small amount returning in a couple of places in 1 hand but not enough to affect the use or require surgery. Hope everything works out as well for you.

[Hidden in reply to Grandpaace]

Thank you very much for your input. That was extremely helpful. So far I haven't been explained anything in detail. I am now waiting for an initial consultation on which procedure should be performed, initially only on my left hand. Did you have to stay in hospital for the procedure and if, for how long? Were you able to perform minor tasks after the op? I have two autoimmune diseases and I am rather concerned about infections.

[Grandpaace in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Op was under general anesthetic but I was in & out on the same day. Having to keep it dry during showers while it healed & some tasks where I needed 2 hands were frustrating but only for about 2 weeks. I think the stitches came out after 10 days & most the healing was soon after. I had to wear a splint overnight to ensure I didn't form a fist while I slept but I didn't find any of it that onerous. I counted about 23 stitches in each hand & the worse bit of the whole process was having them out, so not really any major issues.

[Hidden in reply to Grandpaace]

Again, I'm very grateful. That is very helpful. Since I'm not healing too well with my immunosuppression it will take longer for me but it seems worthwhile faced with the alternative.

[xsevenx]

Hidden you can have it done under a nerve block too. Might be best if you have multiple medical issues. A friend of mine had this for hand surgery without any problems.

[Hidden]

Silly me but how does a nerve block work?

[xsevenx]

Injection of local anaesthetic either at the top of your arm or in the wrist. Then you get a numb arm or hand.

[Hidden in reply to xsevenx]

I heard a doctor briefly mention a injection in the upper arm but I didn't understand it exactly nor did he seem sure. He is no specialist but that sounds to me that I would be fully aware to see the procedure done on me.

[xsevenx in reply to Hidden]

Yes. You would be awake. Feel no pain You could have some sedation if that worries you. Speak to the anaesthetist about your options. This link is to a private clinic but it does have some good info. tmhc.co.uk

[Hidden in reply to xsevenx]

Thank you for all your help. No, I'm not worried, nor am I squeamish. I've watched before being cut away on me under local anaesthetic. I just like to be informed what happens to me.