Hand Book

Dupuytren's

On Wednesday I saw the hand surgeon regarding the lump on the palm of my right hand. More accurately, I should say that I went to the hand surgeon's office. As it turned out after waiting 40 minutes to be called back, I only saw her physician's assistant. I know that stuff happens and offices start to run behind, but I would have appreciated a heads up on the delay, as well as an apology for making me wait. It was also disappointing to not see the doctor as I had never met her before. Apparently my case was not serious enough to warrant her attention.

Anyway, the PA took one look at my hand and said that it is Dupuytren's disease. Basically it is a build up of collagen that forms tough
tissue under the skin. As it progresses it may form rope-like cords on the palm, which can cause one of more of the fingers to bend toward the palm. Over time, the finger(s) cannot be straightened.

This disease is more common in men than women (!), and people of Northern European descent are more likely to get it. It is hereditary as well, though I don't know of anyone in my extended family who has ever had it. It is also more common in smokers, and I have never smoked. I guess it is just my year for oddball medical conditions.

The PA said there is nothing that can be done for it right now. There are procedures that can be performed when it gets to the point where I can't straighten one or more of my fingers. But because the disease can reoccur, they prefer to wait as long as possible before doing injections or surgery. Since it doesn't hurt or cause problems with my pickleball game or other daily activities, I am fine with doing nothing at this point. He did send me off with a Patient Guide on Dupuytren's Contracture (though I am not at the contracture stage yet.) It kind of lends new meaning to the words "Hand Book", right?

hand book