Preparing for Your Appointment

Whether you’re visiting a doctor to talk about Dupuytren’s disease for the first time or you have seen one before, there are some simple things you can do to help make your appointment as productive as possible.

Make a list.
This will help you remember everything you want to cover during your visit and make the best use of your time with your physician. Your list should include points you want to bring up, as well as any questions you have. Your time will be limited, so make sure you start your list with the most important things. Your list might include:

• Signs of Dupuytren’s disease you have noticed
• Changes in previous signs (e.g., increased contracture of one finger)
• Daily activities that have become more difficult. Click here for a list of some specific activities Dupuytren’s disease can affect.
• Questions you have about the disease. What causes it? How does it progress? What treatments are available?

View and print a doctor discussion guide.

Write down or bring all vital information.
If you’ve been referred to this doctor and this is your first visit, you will probably need to provide information about yourself and your health history. If you have been to this doctor’s office before, you will need to update any information that has changed since your last visit. Make sure you bring:

• The names of your regular doctors, including the referring doctor.
• A list of any conditions you have already been diagnosed with (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure).
• Any allergies you have to specific medications.
• A list of all of your medications.
• Your medical insurance cards.

What to expect during your appointment.
During your appointment, your doctor will ask you questions to help make a diagnosis or determine how much your Dupuytren’s disease has progressed. Be prepared to answer questions such as:

• How long have you had Dupuytren’s disease?
• Is there anyone else in your family who has Dupuytren’s disease?
• Have the signs and symptoms changed and, if so, over what period of time?
• Do you smoke or drink alcohol? How often?
• Have you noticed other signs, like nodulesNodule
  A small knot or lump. on your feet or curvature in your penis?

Your doctor will also do a physical examination. Your doctor will look at your hands to determine if nodules, pits or cords are present, and he or she will assess the degree of contracture in your fingers.