Gout!

[Thunderbird]

There have been a couple of historical gout topics but I thought I may was well start a new one.

 

So I have it apparently, the classic big toe site, a mild attack though compared with some.

 

They've prescribed me Colchicine and a blood test after the swelling goes down.

 

Anyone else living with this, and any tips?

 

[Lord Geordie]

I was told just to take over the counter anti inflammatory meds, had the blood test three times now! They STILL dont know what's wrong? I have to pop on a sock, and keep the bed covers off the foot! And trying to get my work boots on in nigh impossible

Edited April 29, 2016 by Lord Geordie

[TIGHTCHOKE]

Yes I live with it although currently very mild.

 

Advice from my GP is to drink lots of water, have a less rich diet and drink cranberry juice daily.

 

It works for me and I have less occaisions where I am unable to walk.

 

Good luck

[malkiserow]

I looked into this a bit as I had a blood test and was informed I was "at risk". Seems different foods/drink/alcohol affect people in different ways. Seems you need to find what foods/drink is your nemesis .......

[Thunderbird]

Knowing my luck it'll be all the things I like.

[little.bob]

it probably is caused by the things you like mate

try wearing flat mens shoes when you go out at night its probably the high heels that are not helping

[Thunderbird]

I'd never thought of that, the fishnets won't be helping either I suppose?

[malkiserow]

Apparently make-up is one to avoid if you can

[Blunderbuss]

Ouch

 

 

[shaun4860]

I had a few attacks many years ago,

 

Doctor prescribed Allopurinol, 1 tablet at night for life, never had an attack since,

 

Apparently you can't take it whilst your having an episode, you have to wait till it's stopped but stops it coming back

 

Best thing I ever did as its one of the most painful things I've ever had,

 

[Thunderbird]

Thanks Shaun, any side effects from the Allopurinol?

[yates]

Like Shaun I have been prescribed allopurinol too. It has made a massive difference to the quality of my life. The only down side was that when you first start taking the medicine it can cause gout attacks until it settles into your system. Very well worth it in the end though.

Edited April 29, 2016 by yates

[malmick]

I had a few attacks many years ago,

 

Doctor prescribed Allopurinol, 1 tablet at night for life, never had an attack since,

 

Apparently you can't take it whilst your having an episode, you have to wait till it's stopped but stops it coming back

 

Best thing I ever did as its one of the most painful things I've ever had,

 

 

Spot on, exactly my experience. I've been on allopurinol for quite a few years now after repeated and very painful bouts of gout. Never got down to any dietary cuses but the daily drug is keeping it at bay now.

[Wiggum]

My dad suffers quite badly but has found after wearing one of those copper braclets things it's not been anywhere near as bad, it could be just a placebo but seems to work for him

[Chris Bb]

Took Colchicine once, it made matters considerably worse in a very short time.

 

I'm one of the 30 - 40% for whom Allopurinol has no effect whatsoever, I'm waiting to see the consultant to get prescribed the next drug that costs more but she's not allowed to prescribe it until the Allopurinol's been found to be ineffective (her words, not mine). I did read that there is a new drug recently approved but don't know whether it's on general release yet.

 

Indometacin (super, prescription only, anti inflamatories) help but the quacks don't like their side effects.

 

Currently on steroids, varying amounts daily depending upon level of pain/immobility.

 

No-one really knows exactly what causes it; I've tried eliminating many foods/drink but still get it. My pal, who's tea-total, gets it badly, a fact I drum in to SWMBO every time she has a go about the dreaded drink. I've had all the blood tests and X-rays, all the consultant can tell me is that I've got gout! Earlier this week it was the right knee, that went then the left ankle kicked in, limping like a good 'un at the moment.

 

I do think that staying well hydrated does help, we older generation don't drink enough water throughout the day. Also, take Omeprazole to protect your stomach from many of the other drugs prescribed!

[shaun4860]

Thanks Shaun, any side effects from the Allopurinol?

 

 

Like Shaun I have been prescribed allopurinol too. It has made a massive difference to the quality of my life. The only down side was that when you first start taking the medicine it can cause gout attacks until it settles into your system. Very well worth it in the end though.

Personally I have never had any ill effects from the Allopurinol but everyone is different,

 

all I know is that I wouldn't be without it now

 

[kyska]

Just out interest how many sufferers were asked by their GP about your diet?

 

Gout isn't like an allergy, it's closely linked to food with high content of purines. Beer is a good source of purines, but with the added bonus of being a diuretic, which amplifies the risk.

 

Avoid purines and keep well hydrated along with your meds.

[ben0850]

I'm also on allopurinol, had gout now since around 2009.

I was prescribed colchichine when first diagnosed alongside allopurinol, the colchichine prevents the allopurinol actually kicking off an attack....******** to that! It caused me to vomit and pass out on the north face of the Ben in winter conditions, spoke to a different GP who's comment was 'ah yeh erm colchichine is notorious for doing that'.

Thankfully with allopurinol once a day I've been ok since, I do have lasting damage and arthritis in my left foot (funnily enough where I've broken it before).

Best thing to treat an attack is Declofenac, nails it double quick.

[ben0850]

Just out interest how many sufferers were asked by their GP about your diet?

 

Gout isn't like an allergy, it's closely linked to food with high content of purines. Beer is a good source of purines, but with the added bonus of being a diuretic, which amplifies the risk.

 

Avoid purines and keep well hydrated along with your meds.

I was and even kept a food diary, I have family history of rheumatoid arthritis which may have contributed..?

I'm 39, six foot, 32 inch waist, box, train, climb and graft, eat a good diet and don't really hammer the plonk but still couldn't control it without allopurinol..

[secretagentmole]

Ouch

 

 

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Is that the new Marvel Superhero?

[kyska]

I was and even kept a food diary, I have family history of rheumatoid arthritis which may have contributed..?

I'm 39, six foot, 32 inch waist, box, train, climb and graft, eat a good diet and don't really hammer the plonk but still couldn't control it without allopurinol..

There is strong evidence of genetic inheritance.

[ben0850]

There is strong evidence of genetic inheritance.

That would figure then, my maternal grandmother had a double hip replacement before 60 with arthritis

[Bigbob]

I take the 300 mg tablet of all allopurinol daily apparently that's the largest dose , If I behave and miss out chocolate and iron bru im usually fine but about once a year I get a attack and just need to go to the hospital and they give me pain killers and anti inflammatory

[geordieh]

I had my first attack when I was 29,which was 30 years ago, when I eventually learnt to do as I was told I started the Allopurinol and have had no problems since

[goldypurple]

I have also suffered episodes of gout, I've found out what triggers mine and have avoided them in my diet and so far I haven't had an episode since.

 

My triggers are

 

Corn beef

Fanta

And high fructose fizzy drinks