"I had NA treatment for my Dupuytrens ..."

What I liked

I had NA treatment for my Dupuytrens contracture performed by the consultant at the Pulvertaft Hand Clinic on June 8th 2009. I am amazed and delighted at the result. The ring and little fingers on my right hand have been corrected from a 45degree bend to completely straight, with very little pain or discomfort and no nerve or skin damage. I am a keen amateur woodwind player and had been forced months ago to abandon a couple of my instruments as I could no longer stretch my hand to cover the holes properly. I returned from Derby to Birmingham after the treatment on the train and immediately played those instruments for a couple of hours, that same afternoon without discomfort! I can hardly believe how well it all went. Great, great credit to the consultant's skill. Thanks also to the excellent Occupational Therapist who made my night splint. I was an NHS patient, referred by a Birmingham GP to the Derby hospital. I saw him first in clinic on 18th March and had the procedure done on 8th June. As you can imagine, I am extremely grateful.

What could be improved

Perhaps the waiting time might be shorter than 13 weeks in an ideal world, but I wouldn't press that point as my condition is a very slowly developing one and should not be prioritised over urgent hand traumas or diseases.

Anything else?

Many thanks to a brilliant hand surgeon, his very helpful secretary, the marvellous Occupational Therapist. And thanks for the gentle kindness of the nurses and ancilliary staff on the morning of the procedure when I was so very anxious.