Recently diagnosed here. Most annoying. Anyway can't help but wonder what may be coming and how much it will interfere with my dives. Any insights or advice greatly appreciated.
Dupuytrens, anyone else have it & how affect your diving?
- Thread starter chillyinCanada
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Bummer, Chilly. I'm sure it is annoying.
While I happily do not have this condition, I'd like to offer a few thoughts
IMHO, the most important issue regarding diving with Dupuytren's is the extent to which the contractures & alterations in sensation affect your ability grasp/pinch items, feel items with the hands/fingers & extend the fingers. As you know, Dupuytren's is typically bilateral, although not always symmetrtical, so these are real concerns.
Safe scuba requires that you be able to effectively & efficiently perform such actions as operating inflation/deflation devices on the BCD, manipulating weight belt buckles/weight pouches (especially in case of emergency) & clearing/adjusting the face mask.
It should be easy enough to assess these functions in a safe setting.
BTW, have you commenced any treatment yet, such as stretching, heat, ultrasound, local cortisone or collagenase injection, etc? Some of these work very well for certain individuals.
Best of luck.
DocVikingo
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
While I happily do not have this condition, I'd like to offer a few thoughts
IMHO, the most important issue regarding diving with Dupuytren's is the extent to which the contractures & alterations in sensation affect your ability grasp/pinch items, feel items with the hands/fingers & extend the fingers. As you know, Dupuytren's is typically bilateral, although not always symmetrtical, so these are real concerns.
Safe scuba requires that you be able to effectively & efficiently perform such actions as operating inflation/deflation devices on the BCD, manipulating weight belt buckles/weight pouches (especially in case of emergency) & clearing/adjusting the face mask.
It should be easy enough to assess these functions in a safe setting.
BTW, have you commenced any treatment yet, such as stretching, heat, ultrasound, local cortisone or collagenase injection, etc? Some of these work very well for certain individuals.
Best of luck.
DocVikingo
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
OP
Thanks Doc! Stretching yes. Wasn't aware of heat? Seeing specialist again next week for shots. He discussed potential for surgery but that is supposedly down the road. So far it's not bilateral so I'm hopeful and keeping the unaffected fingers crossed. 
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