Talking with Your Doctor

If you don’t feel completely confident talking to your doctor, begin with basic information. Tell your doctor why you’re there. Have you developed signs of Dupuytren’s disease or have your symptoms changed? Are you having more difficulty doing everyday tasks? Are you thinking about treatment and do you have questions?

It may be helpful to think of your visit as a conversation. Make sure to ask for clarification about aspects of Dupuytren’s disease or its treatment that you don’t understand. Your specialist will probably give you a lot of information, so write down points you want to remember later.

What should you tell your doctor?
If this is your first appointment with this doctor, be prepared to tell him or her about your Dupuytren’s disease signs and any other health conditions you have. If you have seen this doctor before, make sure to bring up anything that has changed since your last visit.

1. Describe your signs and symptoms. How much are your fingers contracted? Are there pits or dimples in your palm? Is there discomfort or pain?
2. Are there activities you can no longer do or have trouble doing?
3. What made you go from coping with Dupuytren’s disease to wanting to do something about it? Was it one specific task you couldn’t perform? Did a family member ask you to seek treatment?
4. Do you drink or smoke? Do you exercise regularly? Are there any habits you have that the specialist should know about?
5. Do you have allergies and/or other health conditions (e.g., diabetes)?
6. Do you have concerns about Dupuytren’s disease? What questions do you have about treatment options?

Questions for Your Doctor

You may have questions about Dupuytren’s disease and what impact it will have on your ability to use your hands. This list includes some of the questions you may want to ask your doctor. You may have others. Write down your questions and bring them to your next appointment. You can also view and print a doctor discussion guide.

Questions about Dupuytren’s disease:

1. What causes it?
2. How quickly will it progress?
3. Will it affect both hands?
4. How will my ability to use my hands change?
5. Will my children develop this condition?

Questions about treatment:

1. What are my treatment options?
2. What are the long-term effects of these treatments?
3. What medications will you most likely prescribe?
4. What are the risks and benefits?
5. What is the success rate for these treatments?
6. If I choose surgery, what kind of anesthesia will you use?
7. How much pain can I expect?
8. Is this an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
9. Is there a place I can get more information?