multiple diagnoses, etc.

January 3, 2008

Would it not be lovely if ONE major diagnosis just sort of VACCINATED one

against any OTHER significant conditions.

Cassy, Akiba, Val, , all of us, are entitled to honest efforts by our

medical care providers. It is extremely anxiety-provoking NOT to be told

what the heck is going on.

No matter how grim the results might be, I always want the whole scoop!

I figure that the more I learn about it, the better it is explained to me, the

better I can adapt to it--or at least have a good crack at adapting to it.

This also helps the family members to know that it really IS something--

or many somethings, heaven forfend.

I have a relatively minor problem with my hands, most likely hereditary,

not the injury I had years ago which caused Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy,

which I have received superb medical care for. The thing that I have in my

feet and in my hands is called Dupuytren's Contracture, and if I can find

an informative link or perhaps a photo, I will send it. It is not the end of

my life, but definitely keeps me from reaching 10ths on the piano anymore!

But it is good to know WHAT it is, what it will and will NOT do to me.

I think that we all, you all, are entitled to be informed as much as is pos

sible about what is really going on. I feel that way about most things, but

this just does happen to be our own bodies!

Let me see if I can find a link for Dupuytren's Contracture; when this happens

to the feet, as has also happened to me, it is often called Plantar Fasciitis.

Here I go, off LINK-hunting (safer than Lynx-hunting!). . .

The above is a rough description of the hand disorder; mine, oddly, OF COURSE,

affects mostly my index finger and my thumb.

I also have it in my feet and the really stupid neurologuist whom I

had temporarily

after my original neurologist retired had commented on my " high arches! " SURE!

I just have Dupuytren's Contracture in my feet as well. Kind of helps to offset

the Foot Drop, though.

I just hope that each of you can get the fullest diagnosis, the best treatment,

and SOON! That is my wish for this new year, 2008!

Meanwhile, we are all pulling for each of you!

Love,

n

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