In reply to gimmer: Hi Al,
According to the statistics,30 is extremely young to be developing Dupuytren's, even if you have strong hereditary tendencies. Do you have the full-blown growths or just the nodules?
Regarding actual surgery, current wisdom says that later is better than sooner, unless it gets to the point where you're actually impaired.
It's now exactly three weeks since my first op, and things are looking OK. The incisions are healing nicely and, as far as I can tell, there is absolutely no detrimental effect to the underlying tendons. Last Thursday, when the stitches came out, the Doctor told me that I shouldn't start climbing again for at least six weeks, though this seems a little on the cautious side to me. However, as my second op (right hand) is scheduled for May 21st, I'll effectively be out of action 'till late June anyway. Although the tendons are still a little tight, I can almost put the palm of my hand down flat on a table for the first time in years!
You're right about the level of interest in Dupuytrens — there certainly seems to be a strong link between climbing and the early onset of the condition. I've taken before and after pictures, and may well write an article about my experiences, once the healing process is complete.
Regards,
Pete.