Diagnosis

Hello praying partners. The following is a repeat of a facebook post and email account that went out a few days ago. It's posted again here so that, whatever way you may follow our journey and ministry, you'll get the news. Thank you, thank you for your prayers:

Feels odd to plaster medical facts on fb, but with so many family & friends praying about yesterday’s appointment, it seems I need to relay the results:

Suspicion of Dupuytren’s Contracture was confirmed. No known cause other than risk factor of having northern European descent. Though typically manifests in 1 or 2 fingers, mine happens to be in all 5. Also present, but negligibly so, in other (right) hand as well. Not advanced yet. No cure, no easy way to avoid symptoms; palm will continue to harden and fingers curl. Not all bad news though: Two treatments for symptoms are currently known (though only apply after condition worsens considerably.) Speed of progression varies/unknown; might be 2 years, might be 20, sometimes known to plateau for a long period of time (that’s the one I’m hoping for!) Doctor says that nothing I choose to do will harm hand or affect the progression of symptoms; bummer that I can't improve anything, but, happily, whatever pain I find tolerable is the only restriction I have been given. Further diagnosis: Curiously, Dupuytren’s is completely unrelated to odd “band” in my arm; that condition was pronounced strange but benign; it is apparently decreasing in severity. Lastly, a lesion from my thumb was incised and sent for biopsy, but the doctor thinks it too is benign. Grateful to God, grateful for you!

Next up is an appointment for Luke with the neurologist tomorrow (Mon 28th). As always, prayers coveted and gratefully accepted.

David