Interested in gout

Hello, I just want to let you know that I just had the worst!!!!! GOUT attack!!!! that I could ever imagine while FASTING and it lasted for two weeks!!!!. Well actually, it started when I decided to fast for the LENTEN season and I was doing pretty well for a while when this STUPID Disease just came from nowhere. When I woke up, my foot just felt that someone shot at it and the pain was unbearable. I could not walk for weeks. Then I went to the Doctor and he just gave me VICODINE to ease the pain and he prescribed allopurinol for me to take. I was also told to eat something since he concluded that the cause of the attack was the FASTING that I was doing. Now I am just eating lettuce and berries. I would like to know though if Cheeses and Eggs are okay for Gout sufferers?

SB

Thought I'd pass this along..
After your very first gout attack..or even right now..monitor
your blood uric acid levels..with blood tests..every 6 months or
so.It is VERY important to establish a normal "baseline"..do what you
normally do..eating/drinking exercise..etc.Do not make changes prior
to the test.As a rule a fasting blood test of 12-16 hrs is ok.
From the doctors I see..including 3 specialists..and all the
research I have done..the acceptable/normal limits of uric acid are
different for people that have had 1 attack..and those that have
never had one.
1 attack and you are CLEARLY..almost guaranteed to have another
1..that is without drug treatment/daily..Allopurinol.Whether you
choose to deal with the uric acid issue with
diet/exercise/drugs/restricting certain foods..etc.is of course your
option.
The levels..and NOTE:these are the levels when you are NOT..or
have recently recoverred from an attack.These are your
normal/everyday levels.
1 of the reference ranges is a MAXIMUM of 400 umol/L((Litre of
blood))
Another interpretation of this used by other labs is: .60
mg/L..or 6.0 mg/dL..
These are NOT high levels of uric acid..not out of the
normal/reference range..and will not even get
highlighted/flagged..maybe not noticed..and may be
ignored/disbelieved by some in the medical community..but some savvy
doctors/rheumatologists..say that.. no they are not high..BUT they
are too high for someone with a history of gout..and have to be
reduced.
Going above these levels will pretty much guarantee the attack
(s) will happen sooner.Ande be more severe.
Keeping these levels below the above limits should
postpone/prevent attacks.
Everyone has a different threshold at which the uric acid will
be deposited around their joints..and also when/what causes the
crystalization..
Also worth noting is that there is a big difference between
reducing uric acid levels through diet etc. and Allopurinol..Not only
will Allopurinol work much,much faster..more effectively..but part of
it's makeup as an oxidase xanithane inhibitor..which stops the uric
acid form forming in the first place.It stands to reason that a much
greater reduction..plus a component that inhibits the uric acid
development..i/e anything that can cause the deposits to
migrate..when they're migrating..due to drug interference..they're
usually on their way out.True they can cause problems on the way
out.By reducing uric acid levels without drug interference..a fast
enough reduction can not normally be obtained to cause
migration..elimination of the uric acid deposits.What quite often
happens with a dietary reduction in uric acid levels..is that the
levels can be dropped to the point where the attack goes away..but
not the deposits.This leaves one on the threshold of more
attacks..easier to be triggered.

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Hello Everyone...
My name is Robin and I am new to this group. I have Chronic Gout and
Rhuematoid Arthritis. I have so much medications to take
(Allopurinol , Colchicine,Prednisone, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), Sodium Bicarb and Steriod injections). I also, have
Chronic Kidney Failure that runs my life. I know my life is not as
bad as other people, but I feel the pain everyday. Hope, I can meet
alot of people who goes through what I go through.
Thank You,
Robin

Hi all,
I have gout 17 years now about 5 attacks on the great toe of each
foot. Has anyone had any success with any supplements. I read where
cherries help remove uric acid. I also heard that charcoal supplemnts
remove uric acid too anyone know? I am now getting fitted for full
length Orthodictics which should protect the ball of my foot from
injury. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John

Dear Lister,

I need help. Some people say never place hot compress on a gout problem. Some people say cold compress should be good. How about hot and cold compress?

What is really the best soothing temporary relief for gout infected area?

Please help.

Carlos

Having found out 6 months ago that i have gout,and that it is due to to high protein diet,what are foods that are extremely high in protein.what has helped me for relief is allopurinol 100mg twice daily,only having for few days taking a inflamatory three times a day called indomethacin 50 mg with every meal .rteevet@ prodigy.net

Hello,
I am a 26 year old male that just found out that I have Gout. This
is a common condition in my family - we have a high uric acid level.
I am trying to get all the information that I can to control this,
and any help from you all would be greatly appreciated.
Thank-you

Check out this site http://www.lef.org/fda-museum/1approving-drugs/1approving-drugs.html Read the part "Approving Dangerous Drugs" it has a mention about Indomethacin (Worth Noting)

We haven't had Equal or any Nutrasweet product in the house for about 8
years. It gives me extreme migraines (I don't ever have one unless I've
had Nutrasweet). So, in relationship to my hubby's gout, it hasn't had
any effect as we never have it.
Namaste,
Larc

i am 28 years old and i just found out that i have gout. my toe
hurts more than anything has ever hurt in my life, and i have
actually broke my head open in a car accident 10 years ago. looking
forward to finding some relief ideas from you all.
mikeyb
baltimore md

Is Oatmeal or anything with Oats OK with gout?
Thank you in advance.

Carlos

My husband has had gout for about 8 years now, due to being prescribed a
medication for Chron's disease (which he didn't actually turn out to
have). He has been on Indomethacin for less than a week at a time
during attacks which works great to clear it quickly. The last thing
his Dr gave him was Celebrex, which did no good whatsoever. He had to
have a shot of a cortosteriod (we think) in his foot twice to combat
major attacks. This worked, too. He has since discovered that raw
garlic works to prevent and reduce attacks. When he feels the gout
creeping in, he takes one clove a day, chopped extremely fine in a half
cup of plain yogurt. Sometimes he adds sliced cucumber, sometimes mixes
it with rice and raw vegetables as a meal. Luckily, we enjoy garlic,
and it seems to help quite a bit! We haven't had any comments about
being "offended" by our breath yet! Hope this is helpful information for
you!
Namaste,
Larc

Is it Possible to Get Gout around the Rim of the Ear

I hate taking medications, especially after taking Paxil and the side
affects it gave me. I took Paxil for OCD, depresion and anxiety. The
100 pounds I gained while on it and the flu like symptoms were the
worst. I have now been diagnosed with gout and I'm trying to avoid
medications if I can, except my gout is getting worse. My question to
everybody here is if the medication has really made a difference and
if it's worth the side affects? How long have you been gout free
since beginning the medication? Thanks in advance.

I get a flare up of gout about once a year. My ankle gets swollen and
the pain is incredible, I can barely walk at times. When I do walk ,
it is in an akward position and in the past, beacause of this I have
had problems with me knee.
My only source of relief is the anti imflamatory Toradol. Today I
tried soaking my ankle in epsom salt and hot water. To my surpise,
the swelling went down a bit and the pain subsided.

help! my hand/wrist/fingers have been swollen for 10 days+. was give
prednisone steroid pack. didn't make a dent in it. last attack in
hand 3 months ago. steroids brought it down. what now, please help!

My physician once had me on indo and colchicine at the same time -- but I had to hold the allopurinol. ~Jay

My husband and I have both started suffering sever and debilitating elbow pain a few months ago. It comes and goes. I think it is Gout or something similar. He thinks he has strained his elbows. It's both for him and only my left elbow. I think it's a strange coincidence but stranger things have happened. We are 41 and 42. We have three grown daughters and then decided to have more kids (what were we thinking? lol) and so now we have two little boys ages 3.5 years and 8 months. We both enjoyed excellent health until this second go round of children. Now we are stressed, exhausted, we both need to lose weight, and we have this pain. Along with my elbow pain yesterday my feet really hurt. It felt like my arches were just giving out. I know losing weight would help but I can't help to think there is more to it than that. My husband hasn't doctored but I have. I have been tested for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, pcos, hormone problems, thyroid, etc. The tests all
came back fine except the one saying my thyroid antibodies was slightly high. All the doctors think this is in my head. Uh huh. One even had the nerve to tell me I had an extreme case of PMS! LOL! Anyway, I just wondered what your non-professional, yet experienced, opinions are.

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GRRRRR. Does this get easier with time? Good grief. It has been
awhile since I have last posted. Sad to say, things have gone from
bad to worse.. but I try to keep a positive outlook on it all. It
could be worse... so I am thankful for what I have. (this does NOT
mean I have to like it!)
I saw a rheumatologist finally. He has tested me for everything
under the sun from Hep C to Lupus. (wonderful guy by the way, the
first that seems to want to help me. he spent 1 1/2 hours with me
on my first appointment! more time than all the other doctors have
spent with me put together!) All my tests are negative *yippee*.
He is thinking maybe it is not gout, but a rheumatoid inflamatory
arthritus. So... before he comes to this conclusion, he does ultra
sound on my painful joints. My ankles and 1 wrist. Well, we found
fluid in my ankles, and swollen tendons in my wrist. Sounds to me
like I have more tan one thing going on. He is waiting to draw
fluid till he tries a few more things. This makes me think that is
not going to be a comfortable appointment.
He started with Vioxx for me, and a week on a steroid. Well, that
was a great week. Felt good, not great, but Hey, I will take good.
Well, that week finished, and the steriod was done. Ended up in the
ER for an ear ache, and my BP was 164/92. I am normally well under
the norm of 120/80... so this set off some warning flags. Vioxx I
hear causes hypertension. So.. we stopped that. Now he has given
me Colchicine. I don't know much about it, and I can't seem to find
2 web sites that say the same thing about it. Do you guys have a
good spot for info on this med? It is a med used primarily for gout
if I am not mistaken. Or please correct me if I am wrong. Heck,
maybe I am spelling it wrong. I am to take it twice a day.
This is just very confusing. Today has been a very sore day. It
started snowing today, and I am not sure if it is the cold and damp
or what, but my ankles are on fire, and my wrist is just about to
explode. I have not had a full blown attack in a few months, and I
am SO thankful for that. I am on my feet a lot during the day, and
I am not sure I could keep up the pace if I got hit again. But in
any case, my pain is more constant than not. This makes me think it
is not gout, as that is a more "attack" kind of situation and not on
going. (or am I wrong?)
Thanks in advance for your info. You guys are a plethora of
information! (My 50 cent word for the day... LOL)
Andi - please excuse the spelling, its been a LONG day.

Well hello everyone, my name is Cindy and i am new here, first of all
i didnt know there was such a group for people with gout,, today i
went to a doctor after returning back home, i was away for 4 years
and when i came home i said this is it, this pain i have in my left
foot is so bad i need some help, after 10 years of doctors telling me
that there was nothing they could do cause i have diabities since
1993 and it was due to bad circulation, well after my Mom dieing in
july from heart failure due to being a diabetic and loseing a toe
prior to that i was really getting worried that i may end up like
her, i told him today that the pain is so bad at times even the brush
of a blanket against my foot hurts, having endless of nights with no
sleep that when it acts up its so bad i feel like cutting the darn
thing off, he told me today that the circulation was very strong
there, and it sounds like you may have gout,, i said what the hell
was that? hehehe i really like to know more as i have delt with this
pain for such along time, most of my pain is in the base of the toes
where the toe begins and some days its the second toe some days its
the big toe and other times its the ankle, without my boyfriend
rubbing it i would go nuts, cold ice helps, and if this makes sence a
bandage wrapped around the foot makeing it tight do help alot of the
pain but only for a while, i am glad i found this group that i may
understand what "gout" is all about.. please anyone i need
information!!!
thanks so much..
if there is anything you can ask me please do..
Love Cindy

I agree that there is conflicting info from the medical establishment -- my
physician has told me on numerous occasions to NOT take allopurinol during a
gout attack. On a personal level, I'm pretty young (32) to even have it,
and I've only been aware that I have it for the last two years (diagnosed
and on meds for year). During that time, I've only had two attacks -- both
before I was placed on allopurinol. Since I've been on the meds, there has
only been a couple of times that I "felt" one coming on -- and I beat it
with water, colchicine, and anti-inflammatories -- and stopping the allo for
the day or two I could feel "the sensations" and because of my other
interventions, the "attacks" never worsened.
There are people who've had it longer and certainly know more about it than
I, but this has been my experience, and the advice of my physician. It
works for me, and until it doesn't any longer, this is the way I'll keep
treating it. My physician explained to me that the mechanics of allopurinol
can actually exacerbate an attack in progress (make it worse quicker) --
although, logically, it would not seem so.
Jay

[INLINE]

We hope all of you have a great New Year,

Benny and Family

I have had gout for 4 years now. Usually getting one attack ¾ of the way through summer. Does the heat have play some role in an attack? This year I have had gout 8 times, one right now. I take Indomethacin 100mg, 2 tabs. 4 X a day. I have cut out meat completely after the 5^th attack but still get it stronger and stronger each attack. After reading an email from another member I can relate to being in such acute pain even when making slight movements. It seems to be in my right foot every time. I am a coach bus driver/student, no work means no school tuition payments, no completion of my degree. Eating cherries doesn't seem to work. I am 31 years old, moderately overweight by 15 pounds. I exercise in the summer only. Is there anything members have learnt by trial and error in what not to do and eat?

Thanks,

Daniel

P.S. My personal email is: daniel@...

Besides staying on my medication faithfully, there are a few things I do to limit and prevent gout attacks. I have not had a major attack since I started my medication, Allopurinol -- and I've just celebrated my first anniversary on meds. I had two attacks prior to this, one so painful I couldn't even lower my foot while lying on the couch.

#1) STAY HYDRATED!!! Don't know whether or not you can tolerate water, or non-caffienated and non-alcoholic drinks, but you'd better learn to love them now! I try to drink 2 liters of water a day -- though somedays I only make it to do 1. If it's not water, it's other liquids. Avoid alcohol totally if you can -- or only drink it occasionally (socially), NOT daily. Limit caffienated drinks to ONE a day -- whatever you drink to get yourself going in the morning (ONE cup of coffee -- not five). If I haven't said it enough -- avoid alcohol like the plague.

On the hydration thing, I can usually "feel" an attack coming on -- it's almost like an "aura" feeling in my great joints of my feet. They just start to tingle in the joint, with some dull soreness upon palpation (pressing the joint). At this point, it's almost too late, but I've prevented a few attacks from coming on when I've felt this by stopping all fluids except water -- I once drank a liter of water over an hour or two -- and popped a couple of Motrin to alleviate the beginnings of inflammation. When this "feeling" starts, I know I've let myself get dehydrated. As a gout victim for life, DEHYDRATION IS YOUR WORST ENEMY!!! Dehydration leads to gout attacks because the concentration of uric acid in your system is greater -- hydration delutes it in your circulatory system.

#2) FOODS. There are many foods to avoid -- you'll have to research them. Avoid organ meats and anything that contains them, avoid broths or concentrates of meat, spinach, and limit your intake of red meat -- which is slightly higher than the other meats in purines. Personally, I only eat fish and fowl. Limit protein intake -- I only eat two servings of meat a day, and do okay with that. During a gout attack, I go on a protein fast -- I eat NO meat during such, only leafy green vegetables to absorb the uric acid. Also watch your legumes -- which, unfortunately, means a vegetarian diet is really no better for your joints than watching your meat intake.

#) MEDS. Whatever your doctor has prescribed -- get on it and stay on it. Become an expert on that medication! For allopurinol, I know that if I'm having an attack, I have to get off of it until the attack is over, and use colchicine to alleviate the pain. Allopurinol and some other meds can make an attack worse, but do help prevent attacks.

Other points to ponder: Some people really don't take their gout seriously, and don't worry about diet and other things until their joint is the size of a golf-ball. This is pure ignorance! Like diabetes, or any other chronic illness, gout must be managed 24/7 -- regardless of the presence of an attack. YOU WILL HAVE GOUT TILL YOU DIE.

One thing that happens if you don't manage it, is that uric acid builds up in your system creating crystals -- and they do a bit more than irritate your joints. Over time, they can damage your kidneys, and as a nurse myself, the last thing I EVER want to do in my life is be on kidney dialysis! If you love living, and want to live as long as God and/or mother nature intended, watch your weight, stay hydrated, watch your foods, and get and stay on medication!

Good luck!

Jay

<<Subject: Gout Thanks
I have just joined this group and it is a relief to know I am not
alone.Just on 2 1/2 years ago I had my first brush with Gout and wow
was it painful I am currently getting my second attack only this time
I know what it is and start on medication before the attack got to
severe.Could anyone in the group forward diet sheets etc.and any
advise on how they control attacks.All help would be gratefully
received.thanks all for taking the time to read this and have a happy
new year and free from any attacks.
All the best Tony

Hi everyone,
I have suffered from gout for at least 4 years, I can't be sure
how long as I always used to put the pain down to injury playing
hockey.
The attacks were getting more and more frequent, so just over a year
ago I found GOUTCURE on the net.
I take 3 tablets everyday, I have not had an attack since I started
taking Goutcure, I do get an occasional tingle, (normally after
serious overindulgence) and after doubling the dose it clears.
I decided it was brilliant, but the cost of getting it from America
was huge, so I have set up a UK web site www.goutcure.co.uk
to make it available with lower delivery costs to UK and Europe.
Whether you decide to try it or not there is a lot of information on
the site about Gout.
Kind Regards
Chris Mills

I'm a new member and have been taking 100mg of Allopurinol, later
increased to 200mg per day. I thought I'd cracked it with no attack
for 3 months - then wham, am now in the middle of a major attack
(crawling across the floor etc). I've no painkillers with me. Anyone
recommend a good one (Indomethacin??) and should I continue with the
allopurinol during an attack.
Am being as good as gold on diet, drinking lots (2litres per day) of
water, although probably over indulged over Christmas.
Any help and advice gratefully received.
Happy (ouch!) New Year.

I have just joined this group and it is a relief to know I am not
alone.Just on 2 1/2 years ago I had my first brush with Gout and wow
was it painful I am currently getting my second attack only this time
I know what it is and start on medication before the attack got to
severe.Could anyone in the group forward diet sheets etc.and any
advise on how they control attacks.All help would be gratefully
received.thanks all for taking the time to read this and have a happy
new year and free from any attacks.
All the best Tony

Alright I know beer is bad. Yes I know I should not drink it. But IF one was to drink a beer is any kind better or worse than another? Brand name or brew type, i.e. Bud vs. Becks, or Ale vs. Stout.

JJC

I have found that when you have a critical attack of gout you have to
up the intake of Indomethacin to 50mg every 4 hours and as
arnoldtheskier said Colchicine tablets taken with the Indomethacin
should see the gout dissapate within 24 hours.
Heres what I do BUT I am not a doctor so it would pay to consult
first.
I take 500mg of Allopurinol/day, When I am under attack I drop the
Allopurinol to 50mg/day and take 50mg of Indomethacin every 4 hours
plus 0.5mg of Colchicine 2/day when the Gout has gone (Not easing)
drop the Indomethacin to 25mg every 4 hours and the Colchicine to
0.5/day,and slowly cut back on the Indomethacin to 25mg/day and up
the Allopurinol to 500mg/day over a week and cut right out the
Colchicine. The Colchicine will most likely give you diarrhea but
this is part of the ridding the body of Uric Acid. When you are sure
the Gout has gone give up on the Indomethacin. When you feel the
first twinge of another attack go back on the Indomethacin 50mg every
4 hours etc.
Please consult your Doctor about this method. But it works for me!!
Regards........BB

Hi Listers - quick question: Is oatmeal OK for gout sufferers? If it's OK, then how about the milk that goes with it?

Thank you.

Hi,

I have had gout for 11 weeks now. The pain is unbelievable. I take INDOMETHACIN 50mg and it doesn't help. I'm not sure if Cherries do anything, I have been eating them by the dozens. Does anybody have any recommendations for pain relief, and to prevent any attacks in the future?

Thanks,

Daniel

(New Jersey).

I am posting this for a friend who doesn't have a computer. He has
occassional bad bouts of gout, and says that they are definitely
related to periods of stress in his life. Do others of you find this?
He now has a badly infected blister /sore on his foot from wearing
shoes during a recent trip when his feet were swollen from gout...he
is now on antibiotics and a velcro boot on the foot.
Do many of you find that stress brings on gout attacks, and what do
you do to allievate the stress, other than the usual "stress
management" techniques.? His wife is chronically ill, and that stress
cannot be eliminated from his l

JJC, here's some info (from the 'gout' archives) I posted back on
Sept
11/02 about Tart cherries (which are also available Dried)......BJD
--- In gout@y..., "le_deuce" wrote:
People on this list are often inquiring about or praising cherries &
cherry juice for it's properties w.r.t. gout.
This weekend I chanced to drop by a cherry shop (to buy tomatoes).
while I was there, I noticed various sizes of bottles of cherry juice
and containers of juice concentrate in the cooler. I asked the
salesclerk for the prices. He gave me prices and volunteered much
info. He said the concentrate was made from a different kind of
cherry than the bottled juice and that he had people coming from all
over the state to buy the concentrate for their gout. The concentrate
is made from "Montmorency" cherries (which are tart and not usually
sold fresh to the public these days). He said that the bottled juice
he had (Bing or Black Cherry, I forget) was mainly for a beverage and
he insinuated that it didn't have much effect on gout.
In the past, I have tried the occasional quart or 1/2 gallon bottle
of pure Black Cherry juice (Knudsens or Trader Joe's in California)
in between or during attacks but I wasn't able to tell if it helped
or not. (Usually I loose interest when the pain is not there, so I've
not taken it for any long stretches).
Maybe part of the reason some people swear by cherries and others
find little or no effect is due to the particular variety of cherry
they try, maybe the tart ones have a more pronounced effect.
I don't post very often but I've been a 'lurking' member of this list
back since March '99 (archives post # 7).
....BJD
Links and info....
The Montmorency Concentrate was about US$35, but it was made from 20
gallons of cherries (the size of the concentrate looked to be about
a 1/2 gallon or so. They also have a smaller US$25 size that they
were sold out of for a few days. There was also a hand pump available
that fit into the concentrate bottles so you could pump out a shot at
a time. I got the impression there was no other ingredients in the
concentrate (need to ask), it kept in the 'fridge' for months (6 or
12, I can't remember).
The cherry shop I dropped by is C.J. Olsen Cherries in Sunnyvale,
California. Their WEB site is http://www.cjolsoncherries.com but it's
hard to find mention of the Tart Cherry concentrate on their site
(the salesclerk said they ship product UPS all over the
country(world?).
Best to try e-mailing them at bings@c... or phoning at
1-800-738-2464 to confirm this.
On Olsens' I found a link the "Cherry Marketing Institute"
(http://www.cherrymkt.org/index.html)
and they have all sorts of info on the health benefits of cherries,
especially the tart ones. They have links to other sources all over
the USA (http://www.cherrymkt.org/wheretobuy/index.html). The Health
info... http://www.cherrymkt.org/health/index.html
More than you wanted to know about cherries, eh! ..BJD
--- End forwarded message ---

Thank you for all your advices and "tips." These will surely help us understand this very mysterious gout.

Additional Questions:

1. Has anybody in this list tried some of these Herbal Medicines that claim to help?

For Example:

http://www.goutcure.com/index.html

http://www.biogro.us/goutrol.html

http://www.hamidapharma.com/goutrol.htm

http://freedompressonline.com/FPO_FeaturedArticles_Goutrol.htm - Interesting...

http://www.youngagain2000.com/goutplex.html

http://www.dreamwater.net/medicine/En/Letters/Gout.html - Also interesting article about goutcure...

2. If my brother suffers more and more gout attacks, what is the worse scenario that may happen if it cannot be remedied via medication nor diet due to his condition (down syndrome)? Can this be surgically fixed?

Thank you in advance.

Carlos

Hello Listers!

My name is Carlos and I'm glad that I found this group list. Actually, I'm joining this list not for myself but rather for my brother. His name is Paolo and we're from Los Angeles. He's 24 yrs of age and he has down syndrome. Unfortunately, he has been having some acute gout attacks and we have done everything already to avoid it according to his doctor.

We have been limiting his diet but perhaps we're not doing it right. I'm sure this is a question that has been asked for so many times already, but can someone please enlighten us more on how to solve this problem. It breaks our heart when we see him suffering from the pain of gout. His doctor prescribed Colchicine and Allopurinol but then again, I know that these medicines have side effects and we were advised that diet is a better solution.

PLEASE HELP.

Thank you very much.

Carlos

Today, I received news from my rheumatologist, and I don't know how
to feel about it. Last month, I had a more tests focused on my
kidneys. Though, my uric acid level tends to be low and the medicine
seems to be working, the doctor noticed that my levels of creatinine
were consistently elevated.
One of these test consisted in an ultrasound that found no problems
with my kidneys. The other test was a urine test and it showed
evidence of protein and blood in it. He also told me that he cannot
do anything more, and that I should be referred to a nephrologist
(kidney specialist).
I hope that I have nothing to worry about, and that this is only to
make sure that nothing really bad is going to come and bite when I
am older. If you have had any similar experiences, please drop me a
note.
My background: I am 30 years old, I had my first attack when I was
27, and the attacks generally come when I loose wait suddenly (don't
worry, I always loose wait through exercise and proper diet, no fad
diets for me, always with the help of professionals).
Thanks,
Arturo

Recently I had my worst gout attack ever, which lasted almost a month.
Afterwards, I noticed a new phenomenon (for me). The gout lingered on for a
long time on a low level. There was no pain except when the joint was touched
directly. The area around the joint remained red. This lingering, low-grade
gout is something I have never experienced before. Anyone have any suggestions
on how to get rid of it?
Also, I picked up a few tips from my last attack. I found out that if you are
taking prednisone for gout, you might have to double or triple the strength if
it suddenly becomes ineffective at the original dose. I also noticed that
exercise seems to help during an attack if you can figure out a way to do it
without involving the sore joint. And I found that wearing my slippers to bed
during the attack gives the toe some added warmth and protection.
Irwin

Hello!
I am CJ in germany and have been diagnosed with gout. I am
interested in finding a sheet or a list of recipies that will help me
to reduce my uric acid level. I will answer all replies.
Thanks,
CJ in Germany

general list q: will taking allopurinol faithfully lead to freedom from
gout? does its effects wear off? i am only 24 so if i start taking it now, i
don't want it to stop working when i get older
my doctor has previously mentioned that gout attacks don't just happen when
the uric acid in your blood is high, but also if it drops too quickly (which
is why dieting can bring on gout attacks) he mentioned it as i had lost four
stones but my attacks were getting worse...
maybe a half a tablet when you get an attack, rather than a full one? -
maybe you need a steak to stop your uric acid dropping? - i've noticed that
if i go out drinking, and i drink just vodka, and i am in the middle of a
moderate attack, for a few days the attack goes away. this only works on
long term, low level attacks. the short sharp attacks are something else, as
we all know, but strange how this works on me.
i think it is the most dastardly thing to ever be afflicted with. being so
young it is a constant source of amusement to my friends (im 24). damnit.
its a pity you have to cross your fingers with gout isnt it. so hit and
miss...
d

Anyone else ever heard of this?I am on maintenance
colchicine..2/dy..been for a few years..OH I needed it..and nothing
else worked..I am also on allopurinol..in the hope that in 1-3 yrs
(another 1 1/2) will rid me of uric acid deposits in my feet.
Then..the gout came back..no.. abolutely not one thing
changed..nothing..just that the gout came back..
Somehow it dawnwed on me that my feet felt fine UNTIL about an
hour after I took the colchicine..so one day I didn't take it..and
felt fine..AND then EVERY single time I took it..gout
twinges..discomfort..
Hunh?..it appears that my loyal old friend..colchicine..has
turned against me..what's this all about?..I sure tried this theory
enough times..that's enough of that..I'm not exactly going to go
looking for gout..SOoooo..I just stopped taking it..and feel fine..
I am VERY lucky in that I can see a specialist,chiropodist,and my
gp with practically no notice..I see them plus my rheumatologist in
Dec.so I think I'll let this one slide..I'm pretty sure they'd just
say to stop taking it..and I did.
Gout is a stupid disease..there I was again with it..caused by
what used to cure it..
Always fit,low uric acid(down from average),almost perfect diet..
Oh well..hey I feel good..fingers crossed..

Anyone have any thoughts on how to stop a gout attack that goes on longer than
usual and doesn't respond to the usual drugs? In the past, Prednisone has
stopped my attacks within a couple of days, but this one has gone on for over a
week now. Oddly enough, it began right after I started using Montmorency cherry
juice as a preventative!
Thanks, Irwin

I'm new to this group so forgive me if I'm re-asking a question others have.
Is there anything out there that tells you the exact level of purines in a
specific amount of food? All the web sites I've been to group foods into
general categories like "high" "moderate" and "low" purines. I'm looking for
something that gives me a more precise measurement.
I'm hoping to control what I suspect is a gout with natural means.
Thanks
JC

I have a few more questions, and thought I would start here as you
all have been so kind in answering my questions.
My pain comes and goes. Unfortunatley it comes more than it goes. I
was told my a podiatrist that I have gout. NO blood work or anything
else was done to confirm this. Just my symptoms.
Now... should I go to my PCP and get some blood work done, or is that
useless. I am not currently having an attack so to speak, but I am
very stiff and sore most of the time.
I have read that blood tests are not all that accurate, and if that
is the case, do I really have to have one done? I guess I am asking
if something will show up in the blood work, or do they do a urine
test to confirm crystals? Just curious as to what I am in store
for.
Who knows. Maybe I just have arthritus, and not Gout. Either way...
this is really a strange condition. One minute I am fine, and the
next I can't walk. And my wrist is HORRIBLE. I had an EMG done on
my nerves, that came back negative for carpal tunnel... so I am
thinking this might be the gout, or arthritus.
Thanks for "listening".
Andi

Anyone out there runners?.....With gout is hard feet exercises now not feasible? I trying to get more work out on my treadmill but it seems like I have a few good day then a bad day. Is the jarring in the feet causing attacks?

hi all. i just got some arthrotec 75 tablets off my doctor, and have had
uric acid levels tested.
firstly, has anybody tried diclofenac?? - maybe it goes by other names?
secondly, what is "normal" uric acid, and what is high?
thirdly, does gout ever become permanent? I've had an attack since mid
august, only slightly there, occasionally enough to make me limp, when wham,
wednesday gone got a big attack, had thurs and fri off work sick. now i've
got the tableyts, but the attack is still there
just so i know a bit more when i go back to the doctors......
d

bob has been on alipurinol for a few months now.
things were looking up after a year of nonstop gout
attacks in his feet, ankles, knees and wrist. the meds
got him down to a slight attack every 6 weeks or so.
that is until thurs. he now is suffering from a bad
attack in his wrist and not so bad attack in his toe.
it seems like the only thing the dr. prescribes
anymore is prednisone. is this the case with anyone
else? there are a lot of pain killers he cannot use
because of his kidneys.
annmarie

Ok fellow sufferers...
Whats the scoop on Apple Cider Vinigar? Does this stuff work? I am
taking a shot glass a day now, (2 days into it) and the taste is
absolutely horrible! I take probenicid and coltrocine twice a day as
well. I am just wondering if this is part of my magic pill?? (I know
there is no Magic Pill)

I was recently told I have gout. They did not do this thru testing,
just based on my symptoms. I am waiting to see if my pain comes
back, so they can draw fluid and test.
I have a TON of questions, as I am only 30, and this is something I
thought older men got, and not many women. How my eyes have been
opened!! Looking back, this has been going on for awhile, and I did
not realize it.
Do you know of a web site, or somewhere good I can start to do some
research? I have found some sites on the web, but most of them
contain conflicting information from one to the next.
Thanks so much in advance!

Anyone know the numbers on hypoexcreters (probenecid takers) versus
hyperexcreters (allopurinol users)? My doc wants to go straight to
allopurinol, and claims probenecid is "extinct". Also, what are the
typical dosages for allopurinol. He wants to start at 300 mg, my
impression was you started lower and worked up.

The food list I got said chicken up to 4x weekly, or other foods on that
list, and beef once a week or less. Cod is on the beef list, Finnan
haddie (is that similar to haddock?) is on the chicken list. Most beans
are on the chicken list, lentils are on the beef list, as are carp,
halibut, pike, turkey, veal. Tuna & salmon & bluefish & trout are chicken.
Bass, flounder, whitefish, pollock don't show up on the lists at all,
so the dietitian assumed they were low in purines and thus OK.

hi rod, thanks for your reply
I have tried a different medication, but it gave me nausea and dizziness, so
i got moved onto arthrotec 50. - i often go for long periods without
drinking, and i know it makes it far worse for me, although as i already
mentioned ,i went out sat. night, got drunk as a skunk on bvodka, and the
attack disappreared for a coulpe of days before coming back... maybe if i
pickle my self in vodka all week it might cure me ??!!?? - naaaah, not worth
the risk if i'm wrong :)
now i have heard of both cherry juice and apple cider vinegar have helped
various people. does anyone in the UK know which stores sell it??? because
i've never headrd of either substance....
d

Info. here..http://www.emedicine.com/med/byname/gout.htm

I just had my first experience taking Colchicine to relief a case of
gout. The bottle said to take one pill every hour until I began to
feel relief so I took one every hour for six hours and still didn't
feel any relief when I went to bed. The next morning most of the
pain was gone except for a small sore spot that soon went away.
My problem was thatfor the rest of the day I was bothered with
intense nausea and diarrhea which didn't go away until the next day.
My question is: Has anyone else had the same experience taking six
tabs (0.6 milligrams) and if so did they find by reducing the dosage
that they still found relief without the side effects?
Thanks,
Richard

Hi,
I am new to the group, finally my doc has labeled me with gout. Two years
ago he just gave me a precription to a NSAID called Diclofenac and sent me
on my way thinking it was some minor injury of some type. But I had told him
that my brother had gout and he told me I did not have gout because I was
not
screaming for pain killers. My pain tends to be all around my right foot
some times on top and some times on bottom, sometime in the heel and I
finally got it in my big toe. In the past year it been in my shin and calf
also. Blood test does showed elevated Uric acid. So
now he has given me the "impossible no purine" list..Ya right! What is there
left to eat besides eggs and white bread. Also he gave me the colchicine
drug.
Boy did that give my GI system a cleaning out. My question to the group is
that a friend of mine used a NSAID plus Probenecid and I am wondering how
many
others use Probenecid. How how long does it work before another attack
comes? What side affect are there?
Thanks for any comments you can provide.
Michael ValeCruz
Atlanta GA.

Were still standing by Joe Wolf Falcone

Its been a year, and we are still standing. Yes, we grieved. We went through the process. Shock, fear, horror, and sadness to the absolute depth of our souls. And at the same time, we stood together, with strength and pride. We put aside our differences, reached out to each other, and took a stand. All the diverse cultures that are the United States of America came together and said, NO, we will not fall.

No matter where we were, we suffered. All of us, personally, in so many different ways, on and after September 11^th. But victory does not lie in being able to inflict damage and pain; it comes from how people react afterwards. Not only are we still standing, we are victorious. We have come back from the most horrific single event in our lifetime.

For a while, our culture changed, in business, entertainment, security, travel, and in so many aspects of our daily lives. But that was just a moment in time. We adapted and are again, living our lives. The life that each of us chooses. That is the American dream, the freedom to be, by our individual choice.

The Twin Towers may have fallen, but our heart, still beats strong. Its in our souls that the American spirit lives, not in our architecture. Its this spirit that makes ours a great country.

As I wrote last year, We all know, its been said before, we are not perfect. But, when compared by and large, with most other countries, it is here in the United States of America where we have the greatest opportunities available and where we can express ourselves as we choose.

Those who attack us are those who would also dominate the individual spirit. We celebrate the human spirit, the right of choice and responsibility.

We are still standing. We will continue to stand, and when threatened, we will all come together as one. To our own defense and in the aid of one another. We always have and always will.

Our spirit, the American spirit, will never fall.

People on this list are often inquiring about or praising cherries &
cherry juice for it's properties w.r.t. gout.
This weekend I chanced to drop by a cherry shop (to buy tomatoes).
while I was there, I noticed various sizes of bottles of cherry juice
and containers of juice concentrate in the cooler. I asked the
salesclerk for the prices. He gave me prices and volunteered much
info. He said the concentrate was made from a different kind of
cherry than the bottled juice and that he had people coming from all
over the state to buy the concentrate for their gout. The concentrate
is made from "Montmorency" cherries (which are tart and not usually
sold fresh to the public these days). He said that the bottled juice
he had (Bing or Black Cherry, I forget) was mainly for a beverage and
he insinuated that it didn't have much effect on gout.
In the past, I have tried the occasional quart or 1/2 gallon bottle
of pure Black Cherry juice (Knudsens or Trader Joe's in California)
in between or during attacks but I wasn't able to tell if it helped
or not. (Usually I loose interest when the pain is not there, so I've
not taken it for any long stretches).
Maybe part of the reason some people swear by cherries and others
find little or no effect is due to the particular variety of cherry
they try, maybe the tart ones have a more pronounced effect.
I don't post very often but I've been a 'lurking' member of this list
back since March '99 (archives post # 7).
....BJD
Links and info....
The Montmorency Concentrate was about US$35, but it was made from 20
gallons of cherries (the size of the concentrate looked to be about
a 1/2 gallon or so. They also have a smaller US$25 size that they
were sold out of for a few days. There was also a hand pump available
that fit into the concentrate bottles so you could pump out a shot at
a time. I got the impression there was no other ingredients in the
concentrate (need to ask), it kept in the 'fridge' for months (6 or
12, I can't remember).
The cherry shop I dropped by is C.J. Olsen Cherries in Sunnyvale,
California. Their WEB site is http://www.cjolsoncherries.com but it's
hard to find mention of the Tart Cherry concentrate on their site
(the salesclerk said they ship product UPS all over the
country(world?).
Best to try e-mailing them at bings@... or phoning at
1-800-738-2464 to confirm this.
On Olsens' I found a link the "Cherry Marketing Institute"
(http://www.cherrymkt.org/index.html)
and they have all sorts of info on the health benefits of cherries,
especially the tart ones. They have links to other sources all over
the USA (http://www.cherrymkt.org/wheretobuy/index.html). The Health
info... http://www.cherrymkt.org/health/index.html
More than you wanted to know about cherries, eh! ..BJD

Isolated chocolate and caffiene as problems for me years ago...only
recently discovered that hard excercise was problamatical. Have been
wondering about a sodium connection; I dont drink soda but eat lots
of salty pasta. After all, with our diets, what else is there? I am
fascinated by Barry's post - but dont understand how if uric acid is
being neutralized, it can still be a problem. Also, what is Bilberry
juice? I used to use cherries, but they were a complete failure this
season. Anyone know the chemistry behind that? Same for the
proponent of vinegar. Cant see why I want more acids going in,
curious if anyone can explain that one. Anyone know generally how
long it takes the crystals to dissolve once they find a home in our
joints? Feels like about a month, but curious if any data. Any
foods, drugs etc to speed the dissolving? Sorry for the length of
the post - hadnt had an attack in quite a while but this summer's was
lengthy, and a biggie. PS. Vioxx is sure a lot more pleasant than
the stomach killer, Indocin.

Have any of you developed gout only to have kidney stones a few months later? I have and wondered if there was any way for the two to be linked. Both problems state that you should drink HEAVY amounts of water to dilute uric acid in the bloodstream and decrease calcium deposits in your kidney's. Can anyone comment?
S.D. Littlefield

Chocolate is also an "evil doer" for me...It seems that anything
that takes away water from my blood stream also triggers my gout. I
just need to keep my body very hydraded (sorry for spelling) at all
times. Is there a direct connection with chocolate, teas, coffee, or
carbonation? I find that the more soda pop I drink, the worst it
gets too? Any insite is helpful. Thanks again group for support.
Chris M
Minnesota

Hello..well I guess that's about it..HEHE.
I see a g/p,rheumatologist,foot specialist and another
specialist.They say that I have the worst gout case ever..yeah yeah
they probablly say that to everyone.
I've always been athletic..good diet..NEVER ate anything on the
bad gout diet list.
Age 47.First attack..1990..left hip..about 10
days..undiagnosed/treated.2nd..1996 right
hip..undiagnosed/treated.3rd attack..1999..classic big
toe..SAVAGE..hospitalized..uric acid
average..indomethicine,gravol,demerol..morphine..useless..I left the
hospital in the same pain as I went in..They said NOTHING could be
done until the swelling went down..It did..on it's own..in 10
days.Next attack..2001..started with death like fever..severe..balls
of feet..alternating..left/right.Again average uric acid.A doctor
insisted on indomehicine again..useless..then Viox..useless..I tried
cherry juice..useless.
My self and others attributed this to excessively hard,aggressive
downhil skiing every other day for a few months.My feet were so
swollen the only thing I could wear were big boots with felt
liners..without the liners.I waited about 3 weeks..learned about
gout..got another doctor..asked for colchicine..Max dose
colchicine/indomethicine..relief in 2 hours..I walked in 5
hours..however I ended up in bed..20 hours a day for 3 months.Started
allopurinol..off the colchicine..back to the gout..back to the
colchicine..severe rash..off all med's..on steroids..no fix..a wise
old specialist said that Allopurinol can do this..the only cure for
this rash is to go back on the Allopurinol..so I did.
I went to heaven from Oct to June..had another superb ski season..
June 2002..I had been cutting back on the colchicine..to 1 every
other day..back to gout..although not severe..acute
exhaustion/fever..for 6 weeks..back to 2 colchine day for 2 weeks
now.6 hours a day on my feet for a week..LOOKS like I'm on the mend.
Dr's say I have to quit the colchicine..in 6 months..2 years is
too long.1 feels that by then the allopurinol may have lowerred my
uric acid into the very low area and this should prevent further
attacks.It has gone from average to low on the Allopurinol.I have
read..and according to the rheumatoligist.. that it can take 3 years
for Allopurinol to reach it's maximum effect.This is often determined
by the length of time the excess was deposited in/around the
joints..the kind that can not be determined by blood tests.This they
refer to as "secondary uric acid"
Idno..1 1/2 yrs..3 attacks..1 for at least 3 months..1 for 1
month..1 for 2 months.Looks like 2 colchicine/day does it.
The 4 Dr's I see all agree that with my blood tests/health and
diet..all that can be done is wait.They say that in my case diet makes
no difference.I've had just about enough blood tests..fasting and
other wise..and just about enough of those "write down what you
eat..everything..and every glass of water" type tests.
I am 6' 200 lbs. basically 0 fat.My diet is 2 oz meat(lean),2 oz
fish,1 egg.2 varied fruits,2 varied vegetables,1/2 l juice,milk,3 l
water/day.1 or 2 coffee..whole wheat bread..1 sweet/day..I
never,ever,EVER veer of my diet.NEVER!Literally a beer or 2 every
week or two.I've had this diet for 10 years.
I mean this GOUT NONSENSE! This has to go..having just had a
summer of it..I guess I could accept/understand it better if I had
fluctuating..and controllable..from high..uric acid level.But I don't
Sorry for ranting on and on..this gout makes me VERY TESTY!!!
THANKS for listening!If anyone gets any benefit/knowledge from all
this..great!Email me if you want..

I will watch it closely! I am cycling an attack now, and am drinking
lots more water, drinking apple cider, taking the meds, and trying
to strech. (It effects my knees alot, and streching helps me...)
Any one thought we could open a chat room? Or, anyone use MSN
messenger?

I have read most listings for the last couple of months, and I am
surprised that nobody seems to take Probenecid.
Currently I am taking Probenecid and Colchicine everyday. I haven't
had an attack with these medicines. Also, I don't have any side
effects (just a little more flatulent). Does anyone can tell me your
experiences with taking Probenecid for long periods of time (couple
of years)?
Before that, Allopurinol didn't help me with my gout, I had an
attack during this medication, and as a side effect my face became
dry.

Hello all!
I am new to this group, but not to gout. Levels rise to 10.5 or so,
and struggle with it very regularly. Have taken allopurinal, lost
its effect after 5yrs. I am on probenicid now, an older med, but
working none the less. I also take colcricine when a flare hits. I
drink as much water as I can, and stay away from all alcohols,
gravys, and bacon, although I love bacon cheeseburgers!
I would love to meet some of you for ongoing moral support, please
email me if you wanna chat, or just need an ear during a flareup.
THanks!
Chris
cjmax@...

Hello.... I'm new to this cussed gout but after diagnosis I've realized
it's been creeping up on me for years...
I've found so much conflicting information on the internet regarding
diet and I want to thank stratagem57 for posting the low-purine diet!
Question:
Is Metamucil a high purine item?
Are there some excellent url's on gout?
Cheers,
Barb
Australia

hi everybody

Originally posted a few days ago in response to another member:
*****************************************************

hi everyone. God only knows why i didnt think of joining a mailing
list before, as i have looked all over the net for advice, but here i
am now, eh?
well, best tell my story. I have always been overweight, since i was
a little kid, and I first got gout at 17 (and 17 stone), when i went
to the docs thinking i'd broken my toe. was diagnosed with gout after
blood tests. this was through excessive drinking, rather than being
inherited, i think. Since then, I have had occasional attacks,
especially when i was 19-21 yrs old (and weighted 21 stone) and had
to completely stop drinking for nine months.
Now, i've lost 5 stone (am 16 st now), and i only ever get gout that
lasts for a day or so, rather than a couple of weeks. the reason
i'vedecided to join the list? i've just spent the last week
recovering from a rather bad attack, which i think was brought on by
antibiotics i had to take after having a wisdom tooth removed (not
being able to eat OR walk is fun fun fun, let me tell you!), and this
attack has lasted for ten days now, andf thats with anti gout
antibiotics!
what i want to know is has anyone managed to get rid of gout through
everyday substances. i find the advice from doctors to "stay away
from rhubarb, port and liver" a little python-esque to be taken
seriously :) - also, does anyone have friends that take the mickey
out of them for having gout??? my friends are merciless!!!!
anyway, just thought i'd make my presence known. remember to post
your "home rememdies" for gout please!!!!! thanks people
d

Hey;
My name is Jay, and I'm relatively new to this gout thing as well.
About two years ago, I had a relatively mild attack -- and had no
idea what it was. It hurt to walk, but I managed it OTC NSAIDS. A
collegue suggested it might be gout, but I put it out of my mind when
the pain went away. I think the "precipitating event" might have
been the fact that I was trying out the "Atkins" diet to try to lose
the extra baggage I've gained since high school.
Currently, I'm 32, slightly overweight, a bit sedentary -- but, I
really don't eat "richly," and don't ever drink alcohol.
Anyway, about a year later, (and a rather large serving of some sort
of delicious "bean,") I had an awful attack. Being a nurse, I've
seen worse, but for me -- it was god-awful. I had to stay home for
nearly a week, at times, the pain was so unbearable that it was the
worst thing just to lower my foot to even TRY to walk -- much less
walking itself.
It was a weekend, and having no health problems until this point, had
to resort to going to an ER for treatment. After 5 hours in the
waiting room, I went back home -- deciding I could suffer better at
home.
Anyway, during the week, I did manage to get professional help, and
was given Indocin. By this time, the pain was a bit better, and the
swelling had gone down, and they told me it wasn't large enough to
try and "tap" the joint with a needle. I didn't care; what I had had
a name, and I was given something to help the pain.
A few weeks later, I followed up; this time with blood and urine
samples. I was pronounced as not having gout, since my uric acid
levels were slightly elevated, but not high enough to call it "gout."
I chose another physician a few months later, and not only explained
my problems, but other health issues that seemed to arise as well.
At the time, I was beginning to doubt if I had gout -- due to some
other signs and symptoms. I was convinced I was having some sort of
tissue disorder; my tongue looked blotchy, my scalp was red and
irritable -- plus the occasional "gouty" episodes. I had a great-
aunt that died with sclerederma -- and I feared the worst. This
doctor ordered half-a-million labs to rule out a plethora of
diseases. My uric acid levels were quite high; so she pronounced
me "gouty" and put me on allopurinal. She also stated I just needed
a good dandruff shampoo, and that I had an unrelated, benign
condition called "geographic tongue."
Anyway, within a few days of taking allopurinal, some amazing things
happened. Though I wasn't "gouty" at the time, I did notice some
other positive improvements. All of my skin and tongue
discolorations completely disappeared! My scalp is perfect, and my
tongue looks perfectly normal -- though it had once resembled a map
of the Florida coast line and the Keys.
I've had a slight gouty attack since then. I was at work overnight,
and caught it just as it started -- with NSAIDS. It lasted for a
couple of days, but it never worsened since I "beat it down" with
colchicine when I got home (and wisely held the allo while it was
going on). Funny thing, right before it happened, I had lapsed a bit
with my diet, and my skin had started acting up again.
Though my physician never verified this, it seems that this
(especially my tongue) is an early warning sign (at least for me)
that I've got too much uric acid. Has anyone else had these "other
symptoms" before?
Jay

Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the
gout group:
Clinoril (Sulindac)</a
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circ
ulars/c/clinoril/clinoril_pi.pdf
o It Works Great - I Recommend It!
o It's Just OK.
o It Did NOT Work For Me.
o I Think You Should Avoid It.
o I Did Not Try It.
To vote, please visit the following web page:

Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the
gout group:
Heat and Cold Alternating Compress
o It Works Great - I Recommend It!
o It's Just OK.
o It Did NOT Work For Me.
o I Think You Should Avoid It.
o I Did Not Try It.
To vote, please visit the following web page:

Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the
gout group:
Cranberry Juice
o It Works Great - I Recommend It!
o It's Just OK.
o It Did NOT Work For Me.
o I Think You Should Avoid It.
o I Did Not Try It.
To vote, please visit the following web page:

My doctor has prescribed Sulfinpyrazone Tabs for me, to combat my
gout. Please could anyone provide me with info on this drug and any
of the side effects.

Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the
gout group:
Black Cherry Juice
o It Works Great - I Recommend It!
o It's Just OK.
o It Did NOT Work For Me.
o I Think You Should Avoid It.
o I Did Not Try It.
To vote, please visit the following web page:

Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the
gout group:
Apple Cider Vinegar
o It Works Great - I Recommend It!
o It's Just OK.
o It Did NOT Work For Me.
o I think You Should Avoid It.
o I Did Not Try It.
To vote, please visit the following web page:

Folks,
How many times do you have gout attack per year?
Like me: 2000 - 3 times
2001 - 4 times
2002 - not any yet.
I reckon that it is good to know that then we can fugure out how serious we
are.
Thanks,
Ai

Hello,
I'm new to this and I have a couple of questions.
Iv'e been looking through messages and I see a variety of "home"
remedies mentioned. Is there any kind of a database where these are
all described in one place? I'm looking for common points to
compare, like amount taken, potentcy, side effects, etc.
Along those same lines, is there any kind of a database where these
home remedies are "rated" by people who suffer from gout?
I'm going to try one (or more) of the following:
Apple Cider Vinegar (in water)
Cranberry Juice
Black Cherry Juice
Wheat Grass Juice
Has anyone seen these compared to each other anywhere?
Personally, I seem to be affected after eating fried scallops of all
things. Unfortunately I love seafood too much to quit. Has anyone
else seen that one particular food item affects them more than others?
OK - I'll stop being a pest now! :-)
Sufferin' in Joisy

hello
I have just joined this group and was wondering if anyone out there
has ever used or know of anyone who has used Bee Venom Cream?
I also saw an internet ad for GOUT CURE. How effective is that?
Here's to all us sufferers of GOUT......hope they find a cure one day.
Thanks
Keep safe keep smilin and ummm EAT HEALTHY.
Arvin Villaluz

I am 29 years old and I had my first attack when I was 26. I have
had 4 attacks in my life, 2 of them in the last 4 months. I know it
could be worst, but I am writing this, just to know if anyone shares
my history.
What I hate of being sick is the fact that everything that I have
read about gout tells me that I shouldn't have it. I am in my 20s, I
am not overweight, I do exercise (regularly for the last 6 years), I
don't take more that 2 alcohol drinks per month (since my first
attack), and I have never smoked. I have always tried to avoid
purines since my first attack. Furthermore, no one in my family has
ever had gout.
I have noticed that gout attacks happen only when I try to loose
body fat, even though I never loose more than 1 pound of fat per
week. Also, when I diet I eat a healthy and with the help of a
nutritionist. Maybe the solution to my predicament is to never gain
fat, so then I wouldn't need to loose it.
Currently my doctor has me on colchicine and when needed I take
indomethacin. I was on allopurinol, but it didn't work, I had an
attack while taking this drug. The prospect on being on medication
for life frightens me. The doctors generally don't have an answer
about what I can improve in my life to avoid the attacks. They just
keep me doing blood or urine exams.

I don't know if this is the right thread, but I've had
gout for about 7 years and I am 38. There have been
times when I had a very difficult times just getting
out of bed because of swollen ankles and knees. I
don't get gout very much anymore in these areas but I
have recently had it in both wrist. Now what I do
other than seeing the doctor for indomethcin, I drink
up to 2 liters of water a day and drink pure black
cherry juice. It works for me and I found that info
here on this thread.
Thanks
Jim

Besides all the disruption of your lifestyle resulting from the intense pain
of gout attacks, you also need to be aware that joint damage is slowly being
done by each attack. The good news is that the accretion of damge is over a
long period of time, and accumulates slowly. This is why it is important to
try and get your gout under control.
What happens on the joint damge is that you tend to end up with enlarged and
distorted joints. The joints are effected this way by the number of attacks
you've had in each. In my personal case, the majority of my attacks over
the years were in my big toe on my right foot. Today, the base joint there
is visibly enlarged. Some of your joints only show enlargement and
distortion in xrays, not openly or visibly. But, some degree of damage
does occur with each attack.
Your best defense is to get control of why you have attacks. Diet and
finding "trigger" food and/or drink is fine, but don't leave it to that.
For some reason, our bods go into overdrive periodically and kick out way
too much uric acid (this is where the triggers come into play). Control
meds can help prevent the overproduction of uric acid, and can also help our
bods get rid of it before it causes the attack.
The attack and pain is caused by precipation of uric acid and resulting
crystal deposits in the joint lining---typically in lower extremities
because of the law of gravity.

Hello all, I just found this club and haven't really had the time to
explore around and see what's what. So I'll give everyone a rundown
on my situation and see if I can get a little bit of free help!
Ok, I was diagnosed with gout (doctor did a blood test and they said
my urate levels were about 8.3 or so). It started in my right big
toe, was terribly inflamed and red--swollen as well. They gave me
some steroids (took 6 one day, then 5 and so on) and it reduced the
swelling. They also gave me some medication for the pain, and let
me tell you...it's a pain! So it went down (this was about five
weeks ago), but never really away. Then a few weeks ago, it started
in my other foot, not nearly as bad, but the doctor then perscribed
me some medication specifically for gout (Indomethacin). Took the
thirty pills for 10 days and it worked...sort of. Well, the last
few weeks, I have had good days and bad. I play a LOT of golf, so
I'm on my feet a lot, but I'm wondering when, if ever, this will go
away?
I don't know a lot of the facts about gout, I know it's fairly
common (i.e. you tell someone you have it and they're like "Oh, that
hurts doesn't it?"). My doctor didn't seem to terribly worried
about the whole ordeal and she said that if I kept having flare ups
that I could get on a medication to regulate my uric acid levels in
my body.
I'll come right out and say that I drink a lot of beer. Don't get
me wrong, I'm not a fall down drunk or anything, but it's not
uncommon for me to drink a 6 pack with my buddies on a daily basis.
I realize I shouldn't do that for a number of reasons, but just
thought I'd be honest (no lectures, please). I'm 29, not overweight
(6'2" and weighh 215) and don't really know what to think. I hate
to keep running back to my doctor, but this is noticably slowing me
down and I want the old me back. Any and all help will be greatly
appreciated!
Feel free to email me at matt@... and I'll check
messages back here in the club as well.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out with your tips and
such.
-Matt

Low-Purine Diet
Introduction
Why this diet?
Foods to avoid
Best bets
Resources
Bibliography
A low-purine diet is often prescribed for individuals with gout and
Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder that occurs in 1/100,000
people). People with diabetic nephropathy need to restrict proteins, a
regimen that includes, but is not limited to, the restrictions imposed by a
low-purine diet.
Why do people follow this diet?
In people who have gout, uric acid production in the body is increased while
its elimination is reduced. The excess uric acid builds up in the
bloodstream, is deposited in the small joints or soft tissues, and causes
symptoms that resemble arthritis. Purine is a compound that is mainly found
in animal protein and is metabolized to uric acid in the body. A high-purine
diet, obesity, regular alcohol consumption, and diuretic therapy can all
contribute to elevated uric acid levels in individuals with gout.
Preliminary research suggests that insulin resistance may also play a role
in the development of gout. A low-purine diet and medications-such as
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and allopurinol-are
commonly used to treat gout. An effective diet is important to avoid or
reduce complications and lessen the expense of drug treatment. Restricting
calorie intake and alcohol consumption, and losing weight (if overweight),
can also reduce uric acid levels. It is also important to drink plenty of
fluids to increase uric acid excretion from the body. Alternative sources of
protein should be included in a low-purine diet.
What do I need to avoid?
To avoid purine ask about ingredients at restaurants and others' homes, and
read food labels. The following list is not complete. Consult with a
healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.
The following foods have very high purine levels, and should be avoided
completely:
Anchovies
Bouillon
Brains
Broth
Consommé
Dried legumes
Goose
Gravy
Heart
Herring
Kidneys
Liver
Mackerel
Meat extracts
Mincement
Mussels
Partridge
Roe
Sardines
Scallops
Shrimp
Sweetbreads
Yeast (baker's and brewer's)
Yeast extracts (e.g., Marmite, Vegemite)
These foods have high purine levels
Fish (including shellfish)
Poultry
Meat (except those with very high purine content, noted above, or those with
moderately high purine levels, noted below)
These foods have moderately high purine levels
Asparagus
Cauliflower
Legumes
Lentils
Mushrooms
Oatmeal
Peas (dried)
Soy
Spinach
Tripe
Best bets
Beverages (carbonated)
Butter
Cereals and cereal products
Cheese (all kinds)
Cocoa (however, caffeine is prohibited in Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome)
Corn
Cornbread
Eggs
Fruit juices
Fruits
Gelatin
Ice cream
Milk
Noodles
Nuts
Refined wheat flour
Tapioca
Vegetables (except those noted above)
White bread and crackers (but not whole wheat, which is moderately high in
purines)
White rice
Are there any groups or books?
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
http://www.nih.gov/niams/
Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org
The Purine Metabolic Patient's Association
http://www.pumpa.co.uk
Bibliography
Dessein PH, Shipton EA, Stanwix AE, et al. Beneficial effects of weight loss
associated with moderate calorie/carbohydrate restriction, and increased
proportional intake of protein and unsaturated fat on serum urate and
lipoprotein levels in gout: a pilot study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2000;59:539-43.
Emmerson BT. The management of gout. N Engl J Med 1996;334:445-51.
Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S, eds. Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy.
10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 2000.
http://www.marinurology.com/articles/calculi/foods/purines.htm
Wolfram G. [Diet therapy in gout]. Ther Umsch 1995;52:524-7.

---Lead poisoning can cause GOUT! See my previous post.
email me if you wish. Lindy lindyholc@...

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this group...I have joined because my husband gets
severe cases of gout on a pretty regular basis. It has always been in
his ankle, but this time in his knee. He is a truck driver and it
gets pretty UNBEARABLE driving a truck with gout in the knee!
He has been able to change his diet and uses the herbal
remedy "gout cure"...which has helped in the last couple of months,
but now this last attack is in his knee. The docs ALL prescribe
colchinine, which makes him vomit and gives him diahrrea for days.
He took himslf to a hospital this week and spent 3 days down in a
motel...he felt good enough, although weak, to try to deliver his
freight, but now the gout has returned 2 days later. He does NOT want
to take the colchinine, because of how sick he gets...we are at an
impasse... any suggestions???
He is in agony........I would appreciate ANY info!
Thanks and bless you all, Lindy

Hi everybody,
could s.o. please explain why it is so bad to drink coffee? Does it do
anything bad to the joints when one suffers from gout? Or is it just bad in
general?
Thanks.
Cia:o) Brigitte, Germany

Well kind people,
I apologize for not reading through all the posts before I asked that
last question. I didnt mean to repeat what has already been posted.
I do wonder though...I am on Lasix...two 40 mg tabs per day. This is
a dieuretic (sp) which helps me eliminate fluids since I tend to have
quite a problem with retention. Do you all think that is
contributing to the problem? My foot and ankle feel much better this
week. I was taking alleve but havent taken any for a few days now.
(I am no longer seriously limping so I consider that an
improvement.)
Paula G.

I have just (today) found out I have gout. My right big toe looks
huge and painful which is why I went to the Dr. My question, is
there a list of low purine foods I can get? It seems everything I
love, I can no longer eat. What do ya'll eat? Help!
Keriann

Hi folks,
I havent formally been diagnosed but the symptoms I have certainly
point towards Gout. I had bariatric surgery just over a year ago
which calls for a high protien diet. I also have a malabsorbtion
type surgery(Duodenal Switch). I have labs done regularly and my
last two showed my Uric Acid to be above the normal range at 7.4 and
7.9 over the past year. My pain seems to be in my right big toe and
ankle. It just aches and feels warm and sort of red. I have been
taking Alleve and just wonder if that is the route I should be
following at least until I see my doctor. In just the few posts I
have read, it seems that high protein diets tend to aggravate the
condition. Is this correct? Would upping my water intake help? Any
advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all!
Paula G.

That's probably your culprit, then.
Beans I've been told are about equivalent to chicken. 1/2 cup cooked
dried beans is about 1 oz of meat, according to one list.
<http://www.kaiserpermanente.org/toyourhealth/food/nutritiontips/purine.pdf

Im 57 years old, and Ive suffered from gout in my right foot for
about fifteen years. The only medication the doctor has prescribed
is colchicine which I only take when I feel the tinged of pain coming
on.
Ive noticed that my gout episodes have increased over the last year.
In the last four months I am averaging about two a month. I also
note that the medicine seems to have no effect.
My question relates to diet. I am desperately trying to determine if
there is something in my diet that is triggering the attacks. I quit
drinking alcohol last July (non-alcoholic beer only) and have
drastically reduced my red meat intake. A couple of months ago I
cut out shrimp, but my attacks are increasing in their number. I
question whether any of the following could be the culprit:
Coffee (two pots a day)
Beans- Im eating vegetarian chili I make and it is made out of
kidney and pinto beans. I eat this twice a week (big bowl each
time) and often put kidney or garbanzo beans on my salad that I eat
two or three times a week.
Cheese- grilled cheese sandwiches, string cheese, and grated cheese
on my salad.
You can tell from my question that Im not that knowledgeable but
any advice would be appreciated. As an aside, Im wondering if I
should be taking a different medication.
Thanks for the help,
Jeff

From: deb s <debs@...
Indeed. I mentioned the gout meds to my doctor, and
he gave me a scrip for allopurinol 300 mg 2x daily.
From reading the list, and from reading the prescribing
info from the manufacturer (available on line), I know
that if I do that, launch straight into 600 mg/day,
I could likely get an attack. I wonder if he reads the
prescribing info.
That's what he said caused the gout (in my elbow) -
the thiazide diuretic. That's another thing: the
prescribing info for allopurinol says that one should
be very careful administering it when one is on a
thiazide diuretic, because of the effects of the
diuretic on renal function. Another doctor friend
says that the thiazide modifies renal tubules, which
impedes excretion of uric acid. So does this change
undo itself when one stops taking the diuretic, or is
the change permanent?
I tried an icepack, it just hurt.
I suppose I ought to introduce myself. I'm 36, and
after taking Hyzaar for BP for a couple of years, (it's
the best thing we've tried so far for the BP [thiazide
diuretic plus something else]), and eating a lot of meat
while on vacation, found that I had a pain in my elbow.
When I noticed that it was hot, I asked myself, "how could
I get an infection in my elbow?" and called the doc. He
said, "I was afraid of this - you have gout". We changed
the med, which didn't work as well, so I've been taking
less Hyzaar plus something else, and eating a gout diet
(actually, even less meat/fish than the diet suggests,
in hopes of having lower-than-normal uric acid levels so
that the stuff in my elbow leaches out). Now I'm trying
Cozaar+Norvasc, starting yesterday, and the doc prescribed
600 mg/day allopurinol, at least for a while to get rid of
the small pain left in my elbow, which still remains after
oh, about 7 weeks. But given the warnings about allopurinol
+ thiazide, I'm a bit scared to take any. Anyone have
experience in this area? Are my kidneys permanently screwed?
- jon baker jjbaker@... <http://www.panix.com/~jjbaker