don't know if this belongs in this group, but OMFG I have gout....

[mike_c]

I've been having attacks for several years now actually, but always assumed that I'd done something to my foot without realizing it. It's atypical-- on the outer side of my left foot rather than the inner, big toe side. My latest attack started last night-- by 5 AM this morning I literally could not walk. After a couple of hours I got used to it sufficiently to drag my buttocks to work. The pain is really something-- I finally bailed in the middle of a lab class this afternoon and went to my doctor. She couldn't believe I've been dealing with it for so long-- and I couldn't believe the diagnosis. The pain pills are just beginning to kick in-- not really doing much for my foot yet, but I suspect my attitude will improve shortly. I'll be on crutches for the next few days, and will start actual treatment when this acute attack is over in a week or so-- right now I'm just taking pain and anti-inflammatory meds. Anyway, I live alone so I'm coming to my usual extended family-- DU-- for commiseration and hopefully, advice from others who live with gout. Is it really true that cutting my foot off above the ankle with a dull and rusty hacksaw would be less painful than the ball-o-hurt currently attached to my leg? OMFG I'm going to give this 30 more minutes and then increasing the hydrocodone dose if I don't get some improvement.

[REP]

1. Some Stuff To Ask Your Doctor About:

I don't have gout (I don't think - the arthritis in my toes isn't *nearly* as painful as what you describe - ouch!!!) but I do have many of the things associated with gout, such as hyperuricosuria (extremely high levels of urinary uric acid) and uric acid renal calculi. Therefore, I've had some experience with some of the treatments for gout, which are also used to treat people like me.

One is Allopurinol. A lot of people are allergic to it, so if you are started on it and notice any kind of rash, itchiness or anything at all out of the ordinary, contact your doctor immediately.

Another is colchicine. It's an anti-inflammatory but is not an NSAID like Ibuprofen, etc or a steroid. It can cause stomach upset in some people, but even though I was taking a fairly huge dose, I never had a problem. Very generally speaking, it's a little better tolerated than Allopurinol and somewhat safer. This may actually be more effective for the pain you're having now than hydrocodone, but ask your doctor!

PolyCitra K is also used to treat gout and hyperuricosuria. I think there's a pill form, but I had the powder, which is to be mixed with water. It can cause terrible heartburn. It's basically potassium chloride, so be sure your doctor knows if you have *any* heart or kidney problems if this is prescribed for you.

In conclusion, it sucks that you have gout! I hope the pain gets better soon, and that your doctor finds a treatment that works well for you.

[mike_c]

2. thanks for the advice....

I finally took more hydrocodone and went to sleep last night. The indocin is helping a LOT this morning-- I expected to be on crutches today but I'm walking. I'm supposed to start allopurinol next week, after this attack is over. Thanks for the advice about the allopurinol allergy-- my doctor didn't mention this.

[REP]

3. Allopurinol Is Usually The First One They Give Out

I don't want to sound alarmist, but be SURE to read ALL the warnings that come with the Allopurinol. A lot of people can take it with no problem; a lot of people take it and have lots of problems. You want to be sure that if you're in the latter group that you're really paying attention so you can stop taking it immediately if you experience any side-effects, no matter how mild they may seem. The labeling indicates that it should stopped immediately at the first sign of *any* rash or itching while taking it. Be sure to ask your doctor about all this.

That said, millions of people take it with no problems at all!

[Warpy]

6. The allergy is nasty, but it's also reasonably rare

so the statistics are on your side.

You'd also do very well to avoid foods high in purines, something that will really cramp your gourmet style but which may prevent future attacks. Links to a whole slew of gout diets/low purine diets are at http://arthritis.about.com/od/goutdiet/ The "cut to the chase" version is at http://www.healthcastle.com/gout.shtml

My mother had gout and used to bring on her attacks when she'd crave liver and onions. I'm glad I didn't inherit it. Scallops would have been the one food I'd have a hard time giving up for life!

Gout is a real stinker of a disease, but the good news is that it can be controlled.

[flamingyouth]

4. It's not that uncommon.

A guy at my gym has it too. Geez, I feel for you. I've heard that it's horribly painful. Take care. :hug:

[wackadoo wabbit]

5. Cherries!

I know we're not supposed to give medical advice, so let me just tell you my experience: Years and years ago, I read in a natural health magazine that eating as few as 7 cherries a day could control gout's symptoms. At that time I didn't know anyone with gout, so I just filed the info away in my brain. About a decade later, my mother was diagnosed with gout. I told her about the cherries, and, being in pain, she bought a can of cherries and tried it. It worked! Periodically after that, she'd forget about eating the cherries, and her gout would kick in again. Once the pain started, she'd eat more cherries, and again the pain would leave.

Coincidence? Unlikely. Placebo effect? Possibly.

Or maybe that old health magazine really was on to something.

[Maraya1969]

7. Well they now sell cherry juice in the health food store and it is

supposed to help arthritis and I *assume* gout.