Dupuytren's Contracture Support Group

My son is new to the disease of Dupuytren's. He is 18 years old. He has a great dream of being a chef and is extremely talented. He is due to start culinary studies in August. I am wondering about his career and normal lifestyle with this disease. Will it cause him problems in his career? Any help is appreciated. I would love to hear how other Dupuytren's Patients have handled this disease within their careers. It is so heartbreaking knowing he has this disease at such a young age. Also, is there a support group for younger people with this disease? THANK YOU

Hi Sheri, welcome to the group. I'm sorry not only about your son having DC but also having it so young.

With early treatment the time in physical therapy is very short and he should have no weakness or range of motion issues. Even in the event of a return of the nodule, with early detection and treatment he should be able to go on as normal.

There is only this group for DC on MDJ, sorry. but we will be happy to help any way we can. I am going to add a link to a web site that can be very helpful. It has treatment options that you could ask his doctor about and more resources.

http://www.dupuytren-online.info/index.html

Thanks for the pick-me-up! We are going on a much needed vacation leaving this weekend. It is worse than a "nodule" though, he has pretty bad contractures to the right hand and both feet have painful nodule's as well. I fear we will be with a surgeon for a while.. But I do realize there are treatments available that can help. I appreciate the kind words.

I had surgery on my right hand, It healed well and I have full range of motion. I also have a nodule on my left foot. Fortunately it is less aggressive and I still have time to weigh my options.

I hope the vacation goes well and is restful for all.

Just saw a Specialist in this disease who told my son to "consider changing his career dreams". I am pretty upset about this. Do most people with Dupuytren's have the disease dictate their lives? What should he do? should he continue with school or listen to the physician?

Sheri, before your son gives up on his dreams at such a young age try and get a second opinion. Since my surgery I have full range of motion and no loss of sensation in my fingers or at least not enough to be that noticeable. Since you say that he is still new to the disease I would hope that he is still at stage n, n1 or 1 where the most treatment options are available and he should be able to recover quickly. please get a second opinion.

Hi Sheri! Welcome to the Dup. support group.

I would certainly stress----------get a couple more opinions for your son---------if this is treated early--and they get to the "core" of the problem----the situation is over----------so, there is lots of life for you son to explore. Just be sure to get a surgeon that is well qualified to do dup. surgery---ask how many times a week or month he does the surgery. I had surgery on my right hand--for the dup. and also carpal tunnel--at the same time------all went well and i have no problems--fine range of motion--no pain and no problems.

Best of luck to you and your son---keep us posted--ok?

Hugs, Sunflowers

other peoples fears should never be accepted by your son. i am a full-time nursing student and when others say i shouldn't, i continue. when they say i can't, i do it just to prove them wrong. mine is getting worse but when i start to worry too much i look at my mustache in the mirror and i can't help but laugh. suddenly i feel much better ! it's too early to change career plans now. that's just my two little cents worth. be blessed,not stressed!

Welcome to the group Happy and thank you for your encouraging words. so many times people just give up to early and like you when people tell me I can't I will do it just to prove them wrong.

I have had two Needle Aponevrotomy at http://www.handcenter.org/.

Better option than surgery which has long recovery.