Help Please!!

2007-10-31 21:02:13

My husband is now going through his second attack in three years. The
first had all the symptoms of gout-red, swollen and very painful large
toe. He had blood work done which showed a high reading of uric acid
and was put on "colchicine"(sp?)which he took until he got the dreaded
"diarrhea". He stopped taking the med and felt better. This time it
appeared in his hip. Again blood work showed a high level of uric
acid,all other readings were great. X-rays showed that there was no
inflammation or injury and the area was not red or swollen. The
emergency room Dr. said it looked like gout again and prescribed
indomyicin (sp?) which helped but he is still in pain-he made an appt.
with a general practitioner at the earliest date which was 9 days away!
So, I have been trying to help him through the food he eats and this
is where I am getting so frustrated. We had been following Weight
Watchers since the beginning of March (07) and he has lost about
30lbs. He is not a large man/nor obese. It seems that everything
healthy that we were eating-whole grains,most of the vegies,oatmeal
and fish are on the list of foods to avoid while under attack. Here
are my questions:
1. It says not to diet while in the throes of gout-but do not eat
these foods....how the devil do you NOT lose weight with the foods you
are allowed to eat? I am just afraid that I am prolonging this attack
by what I am feeding him-with the exception of all the distilled water
I can get him to drink-that I feel pretty confident in giving
him-seems that water is the one thing all the reports agree on!!
2. We do not have medical coverage-so this appt. on Tues. is critical
in finding help-what should we focus on in talking to the dr.?
3. It says that stress can cause an attack-do any of you think that
post traumatic stress is a factor? The first attack was not stress
related-this time our youngest son was killed in a car accident a year
ago-and I'm wondering if that is a factor?
4. Both times fluid was not drawn from the afflicted area-is a high
uric acid reading enough info for a diagnosis of gout?
I appreciate any advice you all are willing to offer-thank you for
reading this very long post....
Lynn

Looking for a pain free day!

2007-10-31 20:11:46

Hi Everyone,
I am new to this suject, my mom has gout. First it was in her feet now
it is in her arm. I visit her yesterday and her arm was swollen like a
balloon. I felt so bad for her she hurt like h..... She had tears in
her eyes from the pain. She is on pain med that she says really does
not help but makes her loopie (her words), she has a hard time taking
meds... She also has high blood pressure and we almost lost her about 7
years ago.
Anyway has anyone found found anything that helps the pain of the gout?
I wish I could take it for her, so that she can have a pain free day...
Any informatopn would be helpful...

febuxostat or peg-uricase

2007-10-31 12:12:24

Does anyone know the approximate approval time or info on a new drug
called febuxostat? Or does anybody have any information about peg-
uricase? I am allergic to allopurinol so I cant wait for these
approvals. A 25 year gout sufferer am I.

Coffee and Gout

2007-10-31 04:17:41

http://www.physorg.com/news99286291.html
I quit drinking coffee in January. Since May 1, I've been under the worst gout
attack of my life.
I've since cut out meat, alcohol and sugar, and have been following a low purine
diet.
Just wondering what other folks think about coffee and gout?
Thanks,
James

Gout and Coffee

2007-10-31 00:47:46

There's an interesting report on the BBC News web site this morning:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6690595.stm
It seems there is some unknown ingredient in coffee (not the caffeine) which
lowers the UA levels.
The BBC report on the research suggests a two-step process:
1) Coffee lowers insulin levels,
2) Lower insulin leads to lower UA.
The inverse of step 2 (that higher insulin levels lead to higher UA levels) is
stated to be 'established'. I've not heard that one before? Has any one else?
I'm particularly interested in that link because, as regular readers may recall,
I was diagnosed last month as having Diabetes (along with my gout). Some of the
Diabetes medications (thankfully not the one I'm on this week) are designed to
_increase_ the levels of insulin. I wonder if they have any impact on the
co-occurrence of gout!
Any thoughts, experiences, research pointers, anyone?
Chris Haynes

My Own Gout cures

2007-10-30 21:10:46

Hi there I am new to this group and posting.

I have read through quite a few stories here and there are a fair few people far worse off than I am.

I have suffered severe gout for over 15 years and since studying it I have a few remedies that certainly help my own suffering and definitely reduce my attacks and are excellent for my Gout maintenance these could also help your suffering.

I use Apple Cider Vinegar ( with Mother ) It must be organic, unpasteurised. During an attack I use 2 table spoons with a tablespoon of organic honey in filtered warm water. It tastes a little off but it reduces the acid levels in the blood supply very fast.

For general control I have 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspons of honey mixed with water after every meal. Since taking this daily I havent even had a twinge of gout, and i have been dabbling in the beer and red wine lately.

Another helpful product is a celery formula from a health food store comprising of 3 grams celery extract equivalent to dry seed combined with 2mls of celery oil. This is an anti inflammatory and helps flush uric acid out of the body.

What concerns me the most is any medicine prescribed
will have side effects in the long ter use of it. NSAIDS do kill many people every year with complications, every other drug is synthetic therefore will have a side effect.

Always drink plenty of water, up to and around 2 ltrs of water per day to keep the kidneys flushed.

Whilst I myself take the occasional drug during an attack, I try and maintain my health by using herbal supplements.

I have a few more concepts and ideas about gout and invite you all to visit my site and also supply an opinion to this horrible painful beast.

Try the two above and see the results. It doesnt hurt to try, just seek medical advice if you are going to take any drug or supplement just in case it effects you.

My site is Gout Aware.

regards

Peter

Gout...and Crohn's...

2007-10-30 16:13:48

Hello Everybody,
I'm new to this forum and would be interested to know if any of you has
the two above conditions. My husband has Crohn's and probably two to
three gout attacks every year. The BIG problem being what is good for
gout is not helping his Crohn's.
Thanks in advance for any help, suggestions, personal experiences,
anything you want to share.
Regards
Jan

I can't believe what you folks are eating... Aren't you tempting fate?

2007-10-30 01:55:41

Hi all,
I've had two *nasty* gout attacks... the first one was about 4 years
ago... it hit my left big-toe and ball of foot area--and made me
feel I had broken my foot. (I was taking karate at the time with my
two kids--and thought I had kicked something a tad too hard.). At
the time, I was sort of underemployed without insurance, so I didn't
go to the doctor, but from the symptoms I was experiencing I figured
I was having a gout attack... so I ate a lot of dark cherries,
blueberries, and lots of water (only) for two weeks... after which
the symptoms disappeared...
Then, last year in November, after a particularly feast-like week...
(I had seafood on Wednesday, Tri-tip on Thursday, and on Friday a
fine Mexican meal of beef burrito, pork tomales, and chicken taco
(combination plate) with beans and rice and, of course a nice cold
beer!... Saturday my legs were a bit sore--in particular my left
knee. I didn't think much of it because I have bad knees... and I
had been moving furniture around that weekend. Sunday, my knee was
a bit more tender, but still I could put up with it. I hobbled off
to work on Monday morning, but it was a struggle getting in and out
of the car. By Monday night, I had to almost lay down to pull myself
across the bench seat of my truck just to get in and out. Tuesday
morning, when I woke up and dangled my leg over the side of the bed,
the pain shot right through me... I woke up my wife with all the
screaming and yelling (she thought I was *possessed*...) ... I
immediately called work and told them that I wasn't coming in... and
then we waited (me in bed in a sweat and fearing moving my leg)
until the doctor's office opened at 8am. We called them... I
couldn't make it into our van... and it was so painful that I laid
on the floor of the van between the seats while my wife sort of
raced through town to the doctor's office. They wheeled out a
wheelchair for me (thank God!)... the doc took one look at my leg
and pronounced it as *gout*... and ordered a blood test... and also
prescribed colchicine, indomethycin, and allopurinol... after
reading this group, I waited until after the pain subsided before
taking the Allo. I also fussed with the doc about the pain, so he
switched me to Vicoden for the pain... it took two weeks of me in a
wheelchair before it started to ease up.
This being said... I've been on Allopurinol (300mg) now for the past
6 months... and have gone off the colchicine and indomethycin...
I'm drinking *more* water now than I ever have. I've cut back on the
coffee (used to drink two to three cups a day--now I drink one small
one every morning). I've joined a health club to loose some weight
(slowly to not trigger a gout attack)... and I'm avoiding things
that have a high purine/uric acid content.
Beer is a *big* no-no! Alcohol is also risky. Mushrooms are
triggers. No liver or other organ meats. And I try to limit my
protein intake. Although I'll eat *small* portions of some meats--
such as chicken and steak, I avoid pork and gravies... I *love*
seafood... but I'm squeamish about eating too much... so I'll nibble
on a few shrimps, maybe just a tiny bit of squid/calimari, and just
a tiny bit of crab/lobster... but not much.
We now keep an ample supply of celery, jicama, carrots, blueberries,
cherries, and strawberries in our fridge. Also, bromelain is a
component of pineapple (pineapple is a bromiliad plant)... I've also
tried including a little apple cider vinegar in my diet (just a
little--it does't taste too good... but I hear that the malic acid
helps to remove the uric acid and the pectin and other apple
components in the cider vinegar helps other aspects of health as
well <one thing it does is that it *CLEANS YOU OUT*! so don't drink
too much unless you want to camp on the porcelain throne
This being said, I'm wondering about the wisdom of pressing the
limit on what you are eating. I am so scared of passing that fine
line and getting another attack and I'm also not much of a beer
drinker anyway, that I won't touch another drop again. Too much
risk--the pain is not something I want to go through again if I can
prevent it. I also would not go off the water or the Allopurinol
and I'll continue to snarf cherries and blueberries and also avoid
large chunks of protein.
So... Am I crazy or is this a good tactic/strategy to keep from
subjecting myself to any more excruciating pain?
Best wishes to all... no one should go through the pain of gout!
Regards,
Dave

OJ

2007-10-30 00:00:33

Thanks for the comments on OJ.. When you say "quality OJ unsweetened" do you mean fresh out of carton, squeezed, frozen concentrate? Or does it matter? I have been using Bird's Eye unsweetened concentrate and mixing it with distilled water. Any comments on this?

Thanks

Dave

Any gout sufferers with Kidney Transplant?

2007-10-29 16:58:33

Quick history. My husband has suffered from gout for 12 years and he
is only 30! When he had is first attack at 18 during testing they
uncoverd renal failure. He ended up on dialysis and had a transplant 5
years ago.
He just went back to work yesterday after 2 weeks off with gout. This
is the worst I've seen it, he was litrally crawling about the house.
He takes Allopurinol anyway but he still has the odd attack. He takes
cochicine (sp?) when he gets gout but it kills his stumoch. Doc
prescribe paracetemol and diahydracodine but didnt do much good so
they gave him tramadol. Seemed to help but made him sleepy and sick
(not good when he already has imunosuppressants to keep down).
As I said when back to work yesterday after feeling much better over
the weekend. He is a service engineer so is on his feet a lot probable
doesnt help. Was fine when he came in tonigh and cut the grass after
which he was in agony and has gone to bed with cochicine and tramadol.
I hate seeing him like this in pain hopping/crawling about the house.
Dont have any specific questions, just venting I suppose and looking
for someone who understands.

UA level test received

2007-10-29 14:54:16

I am certain I have a mild case of gout. My right big toe hurts and
the skin gets red for a few days, especially after drinking, stress, or
eating beef. I talked to my doctor about it on May 1st, he put me on
allopurinol and ordered blood tests. I got the results back today,
according to the chart that came with the test my Uric Acid levels
should be between 3.8 and 8.5 MG per DL. My test level was 8.1, and I
made sure to not start taking allo until after the blood was drawn.
Could this just be that the test occurred during a normal fluctuation
down in my UA level, or could it mean something else?
Chase

what to eat ?

2007-10-29 01:49:51

Hi All:
I am just 40, but has gout for about 10 years ! I have an acute
attack on 25 Apr and still suffering from it till now. I went to
the hospital twice (on 25 Apr and 4 May mid-night) to have injection
yet the pain still on.
We gout sufferers were always told not to eat this or that, and the
browsing in the Internet gives lots of controversial information on
what food we can/cannot eat.
May I ask, from your personal experience, what food is good/suitable
for gout sufferers ? And is there any food/drug that we could take
after several most regretable(yet enjoyable !) big meals/feasts ?
Wish you all gout-free and good health !
Cheers,
Edward (from Hong Kong)

Beginning Allopurinol

2007-10-28 22:01:58

I went to see my doctor last week to discuss gout. It was pretty
interesting. I told him my symptoms and why I was certain I had a mild
case of gout, showed him the book I have been using: "Getting Rid of
Gout" by Emmerson, and told him the drugs and dosages Dr. Emmerson
recommends. He looked at my toe and I told him the gout was not active
at the time, and he quickly wrote me up my requested prescriptions for
allopurinol, colchicine, and indocin. He didn't even discuss dosage
with me, just agreed with Emmerson and sent me on my way. The next
morning, after fasting all night, I went back to the clinic for general
and gout blood tests, and that was the end of it. I don't know if he
wants me to come back for further blood tests as I get going on the
allo. My doctot did recommend I take .6 mg prophylactic colichicine
daily for a few weeks while my body adjusts to the allo, but I am not
doing that because I have zero twinges. I took an emergency supply of
indocin and colchicine to my office in case I get a surprise attack
while at work.
Anyway, on Thursday I took my first 100 mg allo, next Thursday I will
go to 200 a day, and the Thursday after that to my proposed maintenance
dosage of 300. So far I am not noticing any reactions at all. I went
to a party last night and drank two beers, a little wine, a big
margarita, with no problems.
So my questions are: 1. when will I start experiencing rashes or other
negative allo side effects if I am going to get them? 2. When can I
start taking chances with food? (I haven't had a steak since last
July.) 3. When should I go back for another blood test? Any advice is
welcome, and I will post my blood test results when I receive them. I
really appreciate the opportunity to discuss these matters with all of
you.
Chase

Re[2]: [gout] Beginning Allopurinol

2007-10-28 20:05:19

A skin rash if one has started taking Allopurinol in recent months is a VERY BAD
sign. Stop taking the Allo and consult a doctor immediately.
I have read that once the next set of symptoms have displayed themselves (after
the rash) the bad Allopurinol reaction can by then be irreversible and fatal.
I recall reading that this bad reaction can happen to about 1 in 10,000 takers
of Allopurinol - but probably not fatal if caught at the 'rash' stage.
For lots of references, click here:
http://www.google.com/search?q=allopurinol+rash+fatal
Chris Haynes

any luck with lots of water

2007-10-28 10:47:20

Hello,
I am new to the board and have had a gout attack approximately 3 times
a year for the past few years.
Typically, right before a nasty attack, I always can feel it coming on
and I know by the next day, I am going to be down for the count.
I do work out quite a bit and recently noticed I was feeling
dehydrated in the morning. Just a couple of days ago, I felt and
attack coming on and it virtually disapeared in 5 to 6 hours. I am
drinking approximately a gallon of bottled water a day. Maybe more if
I am having a few cocktails that night.
Has anyone anyone else found water helpful?

Monavie....

2007-10-28 10:21:47

I just wanted to introduce you to this amazing product called Monavie.
Gout is a disease that runs in my family and after having attack after
attack I was hopeless. I started eating right and exercising and had
some results, my doctor never diagnose me with the disease. I tried
everything even giving up shrimps, but once I started drinking Monavie
my life was changed, not trying to sell anything just wanted to
introduce you to Monavie.
[I'm skeptical, but I'll let you all decide -- Terry, co-moderator]

My final experience with Goutcure

2007-10-27 21:18:22

On February 25th I shared the results of my first month on the
Goutcure herbal program, that post can be found here:

CMP panel

2007-10-27 18:48:46

While going through my bills I found the results of my last series of
lab tests from my checkup last year. There are 14 tests that are part
orf a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. I am trying to decide if any of
these 14 tests might be helpful for diagnosing gout, but so far have
not satisfied myself either way. There is a test for calcium and for
BUN, and I am within normal limits on both. Do the the normal CMP
tests have anything to do with gout?
Chase

Gout and Diabetes

2007-10-27 14:52:36

Hi all,
I've just been diagnosed as having diabetes - along with my gout. I'm awaiting
full diabetes lab tests to confirm, see how bad etc.
The diets look similar - it looks as if I can use my gout diet and just(!) add
controls on sugar intake.
Any experiences, advice on a diet for both conditions?
Chris Haynes

Gouty arthritis

2007-10-27 08:26:20

Some time ago I asked the question about pain levels and whether people were still feeling twinges or pain levels well after the initial gout attack. Since I seemed to be the only one that was, I've been rethinking the knee problem and now wondering whether it is gouty arthritis. There is always an inkling of pain in my knee, going to twinge-level, and at night sometimes, full-on pain (like a hot needle in the joint).
Although I've considerably altered my diet (decreasing a whole clothes size - whoopee!), I am not on Allopurinal as that didn't seem to make any difference. The diet and exercise is ok and I'm feeling heaps better, but am wondering why my knee hasn't responded as I had hoped.
Any answers "out there"?
Linda

Omega 3

2007-10-27 03:38:47

Hi all,
I've been doing okay since my last gout attack in February. Trying to
eat right to help prevent more attacks and for all over improved
health. I would like to know from other gout sufferers if you think
Omega 3 would in anyway promote gout attacks.
Right before my last attack I was trying a liquid formula of Omega 3
and stopped taking it after the attack because I didn't know if it had
triggered the attack.
Gloria

whey powder

2007-10-26 18:44:51

hello to every one. I'd been reading all your posting for more than a
year now. and always learn new every day. I have a gout for more than
10 years now. as we all know it comes and go. Right now i'm in the
processing of wieght management. Is there any body here that knows the
effect of whey powder to gout ( if any)?

This is actually gout related, fluoride can cause early cell death also.

2007-10-26 11:54:29

Cell death accounts for 60 to 70 percent of all uric acid production so if your cellular death rate rises above normal that increases your chances of too much uric acid in the system. That is one reason why stress plays a role in gout attack outbreaks.

Wonder how important information is withheld about what we are told. Studies are not only inconclusive because they can be slanted the findings also can be totally hidden depending on which refrigerator your butter is coming from.

Professor at Harvard Is Being Investigated:

Douglass, who has taught at Harvard since 1978 and has edited the Colgate quarterly since 1997

Fluoride-Cancer Link May Have Been Hidden

Federal investigators and Harvard University officials are probing whether a Harvard professor buried research suggesting a link between fluoridated tap water and bone cancer in adolescent boys.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), which funded Chester Douglass's $1.3 million study, and the university are investigating why the Harvard School of Dental Medicine epidemiologist told federal officials he found no significant correlation between fluoridated water and osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Douglass, who serves as editor in chief for the industry-funded Colgate Oral Care Report, supervised research for a 2001 doctoral thesis that concluded boys exposed to fluoridated water at a young age were more likely to get the cancer.

The Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization, urged federal officials late last month to explore whether Douglass had skewed his 2004 report to the institute to play down possible risks associated with fluoridation.

The practice of fluoridating tap water -- which more than 170 million Americans drink -- has inspired controversy for years, but the majority of federal and state officials back it as a highly effective way to prevent tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ranked fluoridation as one of the top 10 health achievements of the 20th century, and numerous studies have shown that fluoridation prevents tooth decay. The National Cancer Institute states on its Web site: "Many studies, in both humans and animals, have shown no association between fluoridated water and risk for cancer."

Douglass reported last year that the odds of having osteosarcoma after drinking fluoridated water was "not statistically different" from the risk after drinking non-fluoridated water. But in 2001, Douglass's doctoral student, Elise Bassin, published a thesis using his data that concluded: "Among males, exposure to fluoride at or above the target level was associated with an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma. The association was most apparent between ages 5-10, with a peak at six to eight years of age."

Bassin's thesis work is considered the most rigorous human study to date on a possible connection between fluoridation and osteosarcoma, a rare but lethal form of cancer that affects males nearly twice as often as females. Patients with the cancer live an average of three years after diagnosis. In 1990, an animal study by the National Toxicology Program found "equivocal evidence" of a link between fluoridated water and cancer in male rats. And more than a decade ago, a New Jersey Department of Health survey found that young males in fluoridated communities had a higher rate of osteosarcoma than those in non-fluoridated communities.

"Fluoride safety is a major public health issue, and a Harvard professor potentially falsifying public research results has huge public health implications," said Richard Wiles, senior vice president of the Environmental Working Group. He added that Douglass's role in editing a newsletter funded by Colgate-Palmolive Co. "creates the appearance of a conflict of interest."

Douglass, who has taught at Harvard since 1978 and has edited the Colgate quarterly since 1997, referred inquires to the university's press office. Harvard Medical School spokesman John Lacey said the school "takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and has a standard system for reviewing allegations of research impropriety. The school is assembling an inquiry committee to review the questions raised concerning the reporting of this work."

Douglass has not edited for the newsletter articles on the possible connection between fluoridation and cancer and has not testified publicly on the issue, Lacey added.

The institute issued a statement similar to Harvard's, saying the NIEHS "takes allegations of misconduct very seriously" and is reviewing the matter.

Bassin could not be reached.

Some public health experts, including Richard Clapp, an expert in the environmental causes of cancer at Boston University's School of Public Health, think Bassin's study should prompt additional research. Researchers suspect a possible connection because half of ingested fluoride is deposited in bones, and fluoride stimulates growth in the end of bones, where osteosarcoma occurs. The Environmental Protection Agency has commissioned a National Academy of Sciences study to examine the safety of fluoridation. A report is due next year.

Other info, conspiracies or reality? Interesting at the very least and makes you think, what else are they not telling us. Money makes interesting bed partners.

American âeducation and researchâ was funded by the Aluminum Manufacturing, Fertilizer and Weapons Industry looking for an outlet for the increasingly mounting fluoride industrial waste while attaining positive profit increase. The âdiscoveryâ that fluoride benefited teeth, was paid for by industry that needed to be able to defend "lawsuits from workers and communities poisoned by industrial fluoride emissions" (Bryson 1995) and turn a liability into an asset. Fluoride, a waste constituent in the manufacturing processes of explosives, fertilizers and other ânecessitiesâ, was expensive to dispose of properly and until a âuseâ was found for it in Americaâs water supplies, the substance was only considered a toxic, hazardous waste. Through sly public re-education, fluoride, once a waste product, became the active ingredient in fluorinated pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides, anesthetics, tranquilizers, fluorinated pharmaceuticals, and a number of industrial and domestic
products, fluorinated dental gels, rinses and toothpastes. Fluoride is so much a part of a multibillion-dollar industrial and pharmaceutical income, that any withdrawal of support from pro-fluoridationists is financially impossible, legally unthinkable and potentially devastating for their career and reputation.
Funded by US industrialists, in an attempt to encourage public acceptance of fluoride, Edward Bernays, known also as the father of PR, or the original spin doctor, began a campaign of deception to persuade public opinion. Barnays explained "you can get practically any idea accepted if doctors are in favour. The public is willing to accept it because a doctor is an authority to most people, regardless of how much he knows or doesnât know"(Bryson 2004). Doctors who endorsed fluoridation didnât know that research discrediting fluorideâs safety was either suppressed or not conducted in the first place. Fluoride became equated with scientific progress and since it was introduced to the public as a health-enhancing substance, added to the environment for the childrenâs sake, those opposing fluoride were dismissed as cranks, quacks and lunatics. Fluoride became impervious to criticism because of a relentless PR offensive, but also because of itâs overall toxicity. Unlike chemicals
that have a signature effect, fluoride, a systemic poison, produces a range of health problems, so itâs effects are more difficult to diagnose.

In August 2003, the EPA requested that the National Research Council, the research arm of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), re-evaluate water fluoride safety standards by reviewing recent scientific literature, because the last review in 1993 had major gaps in research. "Neither the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor the National Institute for Dental Research (NIDR), nor the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has any proof on fluorideâs safety or effectiveness"(Sterling 1993). The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology has classified fluoride as an unapproved dental medicament due to itâs high toxicity and the US National Cancer Institute Toxicological Program has found fluoride to be an "equivocal carcinogen" (Maurer 1990).
Currently the US government is continuing to introduce further fluoridation schemes throughout the country, including the Water Act passed in November 2003, which has made it impossible for water companies to undergo civil or criminal hearings as a result of adding fluoride to public water supplies.
In a society where products containing asbestos, lead, beryllium and many other carcinogens have been recalled from the marketplace, it is surprising that fluoride is embraced so thoroughly and blindly. It seems absurd that we would consider paying the chemical industry to dispose of their toxic waste by adding it to our water supply. Hiding the hazards of fluoride pollution from the public is a capitalist-style con job of epic proportions that has occurred because a powerful lobby wishes to manipulate public opinion in order to protect itâs own financial interests. "Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country... our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of" (Bernays 1991).

Another I cure my Gout Attack

2007-10-26 07:20:38

It is time for me to contribute something back. I used to collect
gout information from this group, newsgroups and web sites.
YES, I cure my Gout attack.
Always consult your doctor first. I am not a licensed medical doctor,
nutritionist and dietian. The information posted here is purely for
your enjoyment. Use your own judgment wisely with great care.
(Do not sell this for profit)
What do we need?
1. Indomethacin(prescribed from your doctor)
2. Vinegar(I got 1Gal Stater Bros Apple Cider Vinegar for its better
taste)
google vinegar and gout to get the scientific paper which is
full of technical jargons and very hard for average people to
understand.
Vinegar is proven to be a Diuretic to remove uric acid in the
human body.
(Do not sell this for profit)
3. Baking Soda(I got Ralphs, Target and Stater Brothers ones.)
I use this to neutralize the acidity of Vinegar.
It is also claimed to be helpful(or cure) for Gout Attacks.
4. Sugar Free Equate Fiber Therapy - Psyllium
(Walmart has the cheapest 36.8oz one)
70% uric acid is excreted from urine and 30% is from you know
where. Psyllium is a good stuff to capture this 30% uric acid.
(Do not sell this for profit)
5. Measures for liquid(check baby section) and powder(kitchen section)
6. Decide which liquid you like to drink(water, tea...).
I personally, prefer tea which is also a Diuretic.
7. No restriction on food intake(I am in low carb diet)
Start
1. The very first sign you have doubt on a possible Gout Attack, eat
lots of food and intake one 50mg Indomethacin(please consult your
doctor first). I usually do this for one to three days depending on
how I feel. I guessed wrong once and had one minor Gout Attack.
(Do not sell this for profit)
2. Every morning I mix
one to one and half cup of water
1 tbs to 2 tbs of Psyllium Orange flavor
1/2 tsp to 1 tsp baking soda
3. Drink it down all ASAP.
4. Drink 2 pot of tea per day(about 20 to 24 cups in 12 cup coffee
pot)
Since I am in low carb, I add Canola Oil in my tea.
5. Have your restroom nearby. You need it.
End
After 1 to 2 months, there is no need for Indomethacin anymore.
Since everyone has different body, habits, life styles...., one
should adjust dosages accordingly.
(Do not sell this for profit)
Uric Acid is acting as an anti-Oxidant in our body which is also
connected with cancer prevention and longevity. So we are gifted to
have high level of uric acid. Unfortunately, its byproduct UAC(uric
acid crystal) causes us lots of pain.
Our goal is to control the level of Uric Acid in our body by the most
natural way with natural foods(also has to be cheap.) So we can enjoy
the benefit of high level of Uric Acid in our body and prevent the
creation of Uric Acid Crystal.
(Do not sell this for profit)
There is no easy way to measure the amount of Vinegar we need to take
daily to prevent the creation of UAC, plus the complication of the
difference of food intake and body metabolism of different people.
We also don't know what would happen if all the deposit of UAC in our
body is depleted by Vinegar when we keep taking Vinegar.
Created by Luukcc, March 24, 2007

Surgery and gout

2007-10-26 05:00:21

I had surgery a few weeks ago and got a crushing gout attack. My dr
said this was commen, so make sure you drink your unsweetened cherry
juice and water after surgery. Also does anybody know when the drug
febuxostat will be available on the market or test areas? Have a good
day...a 24 year gout sufferer

NEWBIE INTRO

2007-10-25 22:28:53

Good morning all. I joined this morning in hopes of reading about the exact pain my husband is having right now in his left knee. He's had occasional attacks the past 20 years, but usually it's in his big toe or one of his ankles. This usually coincides with something stressful in our lives like moving or vacations (I know, you'd think vacations would be UNstressful, but it was to my folks': and he's on crutches and I'm carrying the luggage in the snow through the airports, minivan expresses, small planes, etc - lol). The current one in his knee he got just returning from his ailing mother's bedside (she has celiac disease, congestive heart failure and had carelessly ate gluten to where she was on her deathbed, but she's recovering now).

I've perused only a page of questions and notice the info about alkaline foods right away. I have celiac disease and hypothyroidism and have done a lot of reading about food. I need to lose 100 lbs (have lost 30 so far) and my DH needs to lose 40-50. He's the meat eater, I was the vegetarian who ate bread/peanut butter or beans/rice for protein. He's the runner and I'm the Tai Chi wannabe. We totally need each other to balance each other out - and I think it's ironic! I've tried searching for gout and celiac disease connections, but didn't find much. Celiac is a disease of malabsorption from eating glutenous grains (wheat, rye, barley and contaminated oats). If you don't get your nutrition you starve your immune system/brain and have subsequent health problems: dementia, depression, RA, lupus, hypothyroidism, uncoordinated balance (ataxia), the list is incredible (but not gout!). But with my getting diagnosed with it and his mother having it I can't help but
wonder about some kind of connection. Gluten is inflammatory in our system.

So, my question for you all is: have you ever noticed any connection to grains and inflammation, and how many of you have had knee gout pain (besides the person who'd just had surgery)? He's an inflexible person - meaning, he doesn't stretch his muscles like he should, and thinks it's because of the position of his knee on the plane home from his mother's. BTW, he's taken Allopurinol for 10 years, 200mg/day, and tested negative to a celiac panel blood test. But he went gluten-free (gf) for a week to see what I was talking about, and he couldn't believe how good he felt (clear headed and reduced asthma when running on the treadmill).

I'd appreciate any thoughts regarding your experiences with diet.

I

Zyloprim

2007-10-25 15:50:10

Is Zyloprim an altermative medication for Allpuridol? I am asking because my husband has really bad side effects ..like dizziness and upset stomach and lower back pain when he takes it..but he really needs to take something to help him on top of his new way of eating to keep the gout attacks to a minimum.

I would like more info on this if anyone can help me.

Thanks,

Kathy

Hello from a Filipino newbie!

2007-10-25 03:15:10

Hi! I've been a member for several months now but so far have been content to just lurk and learn from you guys. I'm a 41 year old father of 4 from Manila, Philippines. Any other Filipinos or Asians here?

Anyway, my very first gout attack happened 11 years ago and since then has progressed steadily to 2-3 major attacks per year. When I say major, it means I'm confined to my bed or crawling around for at least 5 days. Minor attacks only last anywhere from 2-3 days tops but I'm still able to go out of the house to work. I get minor attacks more frequently...like once every month or two.

A month ago, my wife introduced me to this wonderful product called Fern-C. Its actually Vitamin C but the major difference is that its not acid-based. Its alkaline based! And from what I've been reading in this group, alkaline is good...very good! Since I started taking Fern-C, my attacks have lessened considerably. I'm sure it would help even more if I lost some weight. But I highly recommend the product to you. Its truly heaven-sent!

To learn more about it, check out its website at www.fern-c.com

Regards,

VG

Tsai-Fan Yu RIP

2007-10-24 20:57:14

Tsai-Fan Yu, 95, Physician, Dies; Helped Alleviate Gout
By JEREMY PEARCE
Published: March 12, 2007
Dr. Tsai-Fan Yu, a physician and researcher at Mount Sinai Medical
Center who helped explain a principal cause of gout and evaluated
early drugs to treat the disease that are still in use, died on March
2 in Manhattan. She was 95.
The cause was respiratory complications after a stroke, her family
said.
In the 1950s, Dr. Yu helped to found a groundbreaking clinic at Mount
Sinai to treat gout, which causes a painful inflammation of the
joints not unlike arthritis. Working with Dr. Alexander B. Gutman,
who was a chairman of the department of medicine there, she helped
establish a connection between elevated levels of uric acid and the
pain in ankles and wrists experienced by patients.
In their clinical studies, Dr. Yu, Dr. Gutman and others tested a
drug, probenecid, that was shown to remove excess uric acid by
causing it to be excreted in urine. Probenecid proved to be a success
and remains in use as a treatment for gout.
They later conducted a five-year study of an anti-inflammatory drug,
colchicine, and its effects on 208 patients, evaluating its
usefulness in preventing recurring attacks of acute gout. The results
of the study were published in a widely cited paper in the Annals of
Internal Medicine in 1961. Colchicine was also a success and remains
in use.
In the 1960s, Dr. Yu, with Dr. Gutman and others, continued her
pioneering studies of gout's mechanisms and evaluated allopurinol, a
drug that helps interrupt the formation of uric acid and still is
used in treating gout and kidney stones.
Tsai-Fan Yu was born in Shanghai. She received her medical degree
from Peking Union Medical College in 1936.
Dr. Yu arrived in the United States in 1947, after initially studying
diseases in citrus fruits and bacterial blight affecting beans in
China. She taught at Columbia before moving to Mount Sinai as an
associate professor of internal medicine in 1957.
She lived in Manhattan and became an American citizen in the 1950s.
In 1973, she became the first woman to be appointed a full professor
at Mount Sinai, a position she held until retiring in 1992, said Dr.
Paul Klotman, chairman of Mount Sinai's department of medicine.
Dr. Yu is survived by a son, Yu Yu of Manhattan; a brother, Dr.
Jiefei Yu, a surgeon, of Chongqing, China; and a niece, Dr. Hua
Eleanor Yu, a cancer researcher, of Glendora, Calif.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/12/obituaries/12yu.html?
ex=1331352000&en=228d2f80e83e0515&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Chase
PS, a great lady, but named her son Yu Yu? That sounds like dirty
work at the baptismal font.

Re[2]: [gout] A few questions &amp; update

2007-10-24 18:13:39

On Monday, March 12, 2007 at 4:11:07 AM, anna bykovskaya wrote:
...
Hi Anna,
You can order the UA Sure meter and supplies from this web site.
www.arcticmedical.co.uk
They ship world-wide.
Chris Haynes

Anyone have Lap Band Surgery with Gout?

2007-10-24 08:54:05

I am seriously looking into having Lap Band Surgery and am wondering
how any of you have done with your Gout and the surgery? My Arthritis
doctor recommended the Lap Band instead by the RNY By-Pass.

Hi, I'm new to the group

2007-10-24 04:35:37

Hi, I'm Kathy.
My husband Mark has a bad problem with gout. First the Dr put him on
indomycine (sp) and it worked at first, then it stopped working. Now
he is taking Chochicine(sp). He tried to take Appurinal(sp) for 3
weeks and he had bad nausea, and back spasms. He was told to stop
taking that. Said it could cause Kidney damage....Now he is in the
middle of an attack right now in his right foot ankle area..its been
going on for almost 3 weeks now. He has been to the Dr 3 times
during this, and the Dr told him to take Chochicine , 1 pill every
hour up to 10 a day till the attack stopped..well this gave him
horrible loos bowels..so the point he could not control it! We woke
up last Thurday night and he has gone on himself in the bed and
didn't even know it! We just woke up and felt squishy...ugh...and he
got up..his was pale and sitting on the toilet and it was like
water..sorry to be so graphic but we need help. I ended up taking
him to the ER and his Blood pressure has dropped and he was
dehydrated bad. They gave him phenergan and some kind of stomach
cocktail they call it, to calm his gastro down and stop the
diarreah. They told him not to take the Chochicine for 3 days so he
waited till today..(4th day) because the gout has become worse.
What can we do home remedy wise..??? for pain and swelling? and what
foods will help him too?
Thanks in advance and thank you for letting me join this group.
Kathy

Morbid Obesity Treatment

2007-10-23 22:54:41

With obesity rising at an alarming rate within Western Society and the
consequent increase in the number of people suffering from morbid
obesity, the American College of Physicians have recently issued a set
of clinical practice guidelines for obesity and morbid obesity
treatment with five main recommendations...read more on here
http://www.articlesforall.net/health/morbid-obesity-treatment.php
Hope this article could be useful, Kindly send your comments on this
article through the form at http://www.articlesforall.net/contact-us.php
Regards,
Thomas

A few questions &amp; update

2007-10-23 21:31:34

Hi All,
I had a few nagging questions
- How many of you take 'baking soda' regularly? Is it helpful in short
term? Is it helpful in long term? Are there any long-term 'side
effects' to taking 'baking soda' regularly? Do you just mix it along
with any of your daily food, and take it?
- Does 'Green beans' come under the list of foods to be avoided?
- I also notice that, i am getting bouts of itchy rashes all over my
body(head to toe), and i have a strange suspicion that it might have
something got to do with gout/uric acid levels(it has been occuring
only in the last 3 years.....since when i also have been having gout
symptoms).....Anyone have similar issues?
Thanks
- prem
Also just to give you an update on my current state,
- I was officially diagnosed with gout in dec 2006(uric acid level:
8.4), started on a almost vegeterian diet since then, and followed the
other recommendations as well.
- There was swelling in my big toe, and couldn't do my regular
jogging(on treadmill)
- I checked uric acid level in Jan 2007, and was found to be
higher(9.0)......DISBELIEF
- Started trying to identify triggers. I seem to be ok with chicken,
but beef & fish seem to trigger(atleast i felt so)
- Havent checked uric levels again, but trying to be very careful
about diet
- In the meanwhile the swelling in my legs has come down(but not
disappeared....i can see visible difference between my left(light
swelling) & right leg)
- Also, i've started going to gym.....started with brisk
walking..........nowdays i do 25 mins walking + 20 mins running(i am
checking to see how much risk i can take).....i try to workout 3-5
days in a week
- So overall.....though i am far from being out of the red zone....i
feel better
The gout group has been really resourceful to me, and i thank every
member for that

Re:Pain relief through meditation

2007-10-23 09:25:18

I think there are frequencies on neuroprogrammer for pain relief.

http://www.transparentcorp.com/products/np/

I think it is available to try free for a month.

I am new to the group....I have a attack of gout now

2007-10-23 08:46:14

Hello everyone,
I am so glad to have found this group! I had my first attack a year
ago. The meds made me so sick I was weak. I really hate going on the
meds full time but my DR said one more time and I would have to. This
attack started last tuesday and It is still hurting real bad and very
swellen. I can't hardly walk. How long does it last on you all? And
was wondering if any of you also have other types of arthritis?
I have had fibromyalgia since 1989. I also have morphea( scleroderma
but this is just involves the skin), degenertive arthritis amoung other
things. I had to quit working several years ago . I am married for 27
years. I have one son and one grandson. I live in central Florida now
but came from Indiana.
I love knitting, books and movies. Thats about it for me. I look
forward to getting to know all of you.
Jeanie

Pain relief through meditation

2007-10-23 03:38:53

I've mentioned a few times that Buddhist meditation techniques can help manage
pain, but I've never been able to give a specific reference.
The link below has just been published.
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=7,3786,0,0,1,0
It describes a pain relief research team at the University of Massachusetts who
use Buddhist-derived mindfulness techniques, and claim to help some people with
arthritis.
They imply that there are several clinics across the USA which use their
techniques.
Has anyone with gout pain tried these techniques?
Chris Haynes

too much allopurinol?

2007-10-22 14:13:52

I am currently on Allopurinol 300MG and wonder if my current feeling of
being off can be attributed to the amount of Allopurinol I am taking. I
have never taken Allopurinol everyday until this past week and wonder
if anyone has had this side effect. I have read other post and it seems
most people are only taking 100MG so I wonder if I am taking to big of
a dose, however I am a large guy 6'5 300lbs. I just feel cloudy headed
and kinda disoriented when I try to read for an extended time.

chewing tobacco and how much water to drink

2007-10-22 13:43:04

I am new to the group and have a few questions. I am 30 years old and
have been experiencing gout attacks for the past 9 years. I recently
quit using chewing tobacco thinking that the constant spitting was
dehydrating my body. I wonder how much water the average person drinks
to help ward off these attacks. I currently have been drinking a gallon
of water a day but have been suffering from a mild attack the past two
weeks. This site has already taught me that when I am suffering from an
attack that taking Allopurinol only worsens my attacks so thank you for
that tidbit. I was also wondering if anybody knows how much weightloss
does it take to help avoid these debilitating attack. If anyone knows
how long it takes to buildup enough Uric Acid to set off an attack that
would be helpful. If I eat a large steak tonight is that going to give
me gout in the morning or is it more of a cumulative effect. I find
that sometimes my diet is terrible and I will go gout free for months
at a time and sometimes I have a great diet and have one gout attack
after another. Luckily for me Indomethacin always seems to take away my
pain and swelling does has this ever stopped working for anyone.
Sincerely,

My Experience with Goutcure

2007-10-22 03:49:00

My experience with Goutcure:
http://www.goutcure.com/
January 26th, at the advice of one of our esteemed members, I began
the Goutcure program. I figure one month is enough time to give a
preliminary report.
Before I start I think a fairly detailed history of my gout is in
order to help put my results in perspective. I am almost 53 years
old, and male. In March 2003 I decided to go on a "natural foods"
diet for overall health reasons. I avoided all processed foods and
95% of my diet was meat, eggs, and fresh fruits/vegetables. I drank
mostly tap water, with an occasional beer or wine. No dairy, no
beans/legumes, no potatoes/tubers. I was eating a lot of steak,
because I am no chef and they are easy to prepare in my George
Foreman grill.
One morning in November 2004 I woke up with a sore right big toe. I
limped around for a few days and then it went away, and I thought
nothing of it. About six months later my toe started hurting again,
I didn't pay much attention until it lasted a few days, and then I
remembered that I had had this kind of pain before and began to
wonder what was going on. I noticed the skin on the toe was reddish,
and a little research revealed I probably had gout. But after a few
days it went away again and I forgot about it. A buddy advised me to
drink black cherry juice, and I did. Another six months or so and I
had another attack, but they always went away within a few days and I
didn't worry about them.
Last July 27th I broke up suddenly and unexpectedly with my
girlfriend, and I was devastated. I went home early from work and
began drinking scotch heavily. Within a few hours my gout was back
worse than ever, and the next morning I was limping heavily. This
lasted for about two weeks, and I knew it was time to get serious
about it. It hurt enough that I was driving places I would normally
walk to, and this bothered me. I began doing lots of research,

Aggrenox

2007-10-22 02:43:32

Hi,

Just wondering if any of you take Aggrenox along with gout meds such as Indomethacin?

I'm getting over a major gastrointestinal bleed which was the result of interaction between

coumadin and Indocin. Looking for an alternative.

TIA.
--
Sam A Brooks

Crazy with this gout

2007-10-21 15:56:25

Hi, I am new to this list but NOT to gout. I am going crazy as nothing
seems to help anymore. I have an attack already for the last week. I
am desperate. Doesn anyone know if any of those "remedies" and cures
advertised online really work? Thanks

Distilled Water?

2007-10-21 15:40:33

I was reading the recent posts about water and it is interesting there
are so many different opinions. The last time I had an attack, which
was my worse one so far (six months ago) my Rheumatologist told me one
of the best things I can do is drink "distilled water". She said that
Bottled and tap waters, like Spring Water have minerals and other
things that hinder our body getting rid of purines.
Some of you may not agree but just wanted to share what my doctor
recommended. Now I am not on any medication, (which my Rheumatologist
also recommened I do) but am drinking a lot of distilled water.
SR

It is not funny!!!

2007-10-21 02:04:22

Hi Chris in the UK.
I have had gout on and off for about two years but may be longer as
some pain put down to sprains etc. I am coming to the end of an attack
now with pain moving from big toe to ankle. Able to drive and walk
with some pain.
Working my way through the posts. Looking for foods that reduce UA (if
there are any?)
When people ask what I have done to my foot. I say i have gout. They
ALWAYS smile and say something like. 'Lay off the red wine and
Pheasant'. I do smile back. I never new a body part could hurt so
much!! I only take Ibuprofen for the pain. The doctor does not seem
too worried unless I get another attack soon.
Look forward to seeing posts and ideas you all have.

New to the list, not to gout

2007-10-20 23:03:20

Hi all,
I am new to the list. My name is Sam and I live in St. Louis, MO. I
have been gout attack free for the last 5 or 6 years. I take
Allopurinal and Colchicine daily. I have, however, read some
literature on both meds and found that Colchicine can be poisonious
(sp?) and Allopurinal can cause dry and itchy skin, which I have and
it is terrible. I am thinking about going off of both and just
handling the gout with diet. Any ideas out there?
Thanks,
Sam Campbell
symeonsam@...

Spring water

2007-10-20 17:12:34

We have a little greenspace with a natural spring here in Salt Lake
City known as "Artesian Park." That is where I have been getting my
drinking water for the past few months, filling up lots of big jugs
each time. I am sure there is no chlorine in the water, but I strongly
suspect it has plenty of other minerals in it. It sounds like you
don't think that is such a good idea either. What are your thoughts?
Chase

Vacation??

2007-10-20 12:14:15

Gloria wanted to know if everyone was on vacation?

Reply: Methinks everyone is free of aches and pains. And they are all

out enjoying life as they should be. Seems we only hear from people

when they are confined to the house and firmly ensconced in front

of the computer. You know the saying--Misery loves company.

Here's to pain free life, says Sam, listen for the sound of glasses

clinking together in celebration.

And thanks to the moderators for their good work.
--
Sam A Brooks

Quiet

2007-10-20 10:52:32

Is everybody on vacation? Gloria

Gout is such an easy thing to deny after months of no attack?

2007-10-19 20:52:33

I read the posts often on this site and when I am having an attack I am
on it daily. I am realizing how I go into denial between attacks and
wonder if other people do also? I sometimes feel like I will never have
another attack, which is such denial. My mother had Gout and suffered
with it more and more as she aged.
It has been over 6 months since my last and worse attack that last
almost three months. I have had three attacks in two years, and each
one gets worse.
I made a list of things I need to do to get back on track and stop
denying I have a problem...just wondered if others slip into such
denial?
Gypsy

Foods to Eat/Foods to Avoid

2007-10-19 13:21:59

This was in the group's files section and it's
somewhat helpful (click on the link, and a .pdf
document should pop up).

New to gout! It hurts &amp; worse than childbirth!!!

2007-10-19 05:50:15

I have been reading these postings to my hubby as he is too crippled to make it to the computer. He always tells me that I'll always have 'childbirth' and he'll always have 'gou't as a comparrison for extreme pain. We had an electrician in on Weds. while hubby was dying on the couch and the guy asked if he had 'hurt his ankle'. When the subject of Gout came up, this young, fit, vibrant electrician stated that he was a sufferer as well and had been down in bed and in tears with it on many occasions, as were all of his brothers. Actually felt good to talk to another kindred spirit in person. Misery loves company?!? Actually - I think that a lot of people don't believe the amount of pain gout sufferers are in.
Nooooooooooo, toothache is no pain at all compared to gout. If it feels like someone drilling your foot or a thousand bees stinging it then it must be gout

New to gout! It hurts!!!

2007-10-19 04:58:25

Hi everybody... sorry to find you on this forum, because like me, you
have probably got here by desperation!
I don't know what to do. I suffered a suspected gout attack about 18
months ago, but due to some doubt by my doctor, it appeared it might
have been a foot injury due to power walking.
But it returned about four weeks ago, in the other foot. You know the
symptoms. I eventually gave in a saw my doctor, who didn't even check
out my foot, just prescribed me with some Naprosyn, told me to take
it until the attack subsided, then stop.
That was two weeks ago. Since then, my foot has been sore, but not
particularly swollen, although it seems a little red around the joint.
I am also experiencing nagging pain in the foot, feels like every
bone is bruised and broken.
Is this normal?
It also hurts to bend my big toe upwards, but not downwards, again,
is this normal?
I was told three years ago to eat AT LEAST 3 portions of oily fish a
week to help with high blood pressure (I am on three lots of tablets
for this). Could this be the source of my attacks?
I have discovered a remedy by GoutCare.co.uk, which involves taking
some capsules every day, but i am so confused by the dietary advice,
the cherry juice argument, the prescribed drug route, I really don't
know what to do for the best.
My foot throbs when I am not walking, but is very painful when I put
weight on it. I am sure you all know the feeling.
Any help, advice or whatever, would be so gratefully received.
Thanks for listening.

How long till the Colchicine kicks in?

2007-10-19 03:08:05

Been on Allo (100mg) for 2.5 months and had an attack start this past
Sunday in big toe / foot / ankle. Knee hurts as well, but I'm not
sure that isn't from babying the foot. I have deteriorated over the
last three days and called for a script of Colch late yesterday for
the 1st time. Started taking it (every 2 hours) at 6 AM today and I
am worse and on crutches tonight. Doc didn't tell me to stop taking
the Allo, but the pharmacist did. Pharmacist said I will take the
Colch until the pain stops, I have an allergic reaction, or I can't
stand the side effects. Is it normal to get worse b/4 getting better
on the Colch?

Febuxostat

2007-10-18 21:12:32

My rheumatologist is participating in the studies to get Febuxostat on
the market. He told me that the FDA has slowed the process of approving
the medicine because of some adminstrative/political garbage. When it
comes out, it will be a Godsend to all of us who cannot take
Allopurinol and, apparently, a great substitute, even for those who can.
Watch the studies.

Re[2]: [gout] black cherry juice

2007-10-18 08:49:40

Hi Linda,
None of us are on any doctor-prescribed medication (related to gout/arthritis -
M-I-L has asthma spray).
Mother-in-law and wife had tried over-the-counter pain / inflammation relief
meds. - to no effect.
I manage my gout by diet + I am taking Vit. E, , Pantothenic Acid, Fish Oil and
Lecithin.
I can't tell whether Cherry Juice is having any effect on core gout - I have not
had an attack for 12 months, which proves nothing.
I only know that the reduction in the daily low-level foot pain corresponds to
starting to take the Juice.
Chris

Take the drugs!

2007-10-18 07:40:06

Forget the home remedies! I consumed gallons of Black Cherry Juice
and water with Baking Sode. Nada.
Trying to control my gout with diet left me with 6 years of intense
pain. (You all know what I mean.) I figured that I was on crutches or
a can for at least 3 of the 6 years.
Then, a friend gave me some Indomethicin, when I was in the middle of
an attack. About 24 hours later, I was walking, again. I went to the
doctor and started drug treatment, and I have not had any significant
attack in the past 8 months. (I had the start of an attack, but
Indomethicin knocked it out.)
I kick myself, every time I think of my spending 6 years in pain,
simply because I did not want to go to the doctor and take some pills.
Do it!!!! Go to the doctor. Take the medicine. Drink lots of water.
Live a life without pain.
I know what the pain of gout is like. Don't let yourself live with
it, needlessly.
Best wishes.

black cherry juice

2007-10-17 20:28:05

Does anyone know where I can buy black cherry juice in the UK? I have checked all the main supermarkets and the only thing I could find was tesco fizzy cherry juice which is about 1% cherry.

Richy

It doesn't seem like ALL veggies are safe

2007-10-17 14:38:25

Almost all of my worst attacks have been triggered by
eating spinach (along with also ingesting my other two
main triggers: turkey processed sandwich meat and
scotch--- not all three at the same time, mind you,
but within a day or two of each other). I don't seem
to have any problems with mushrooms, but then I don't
eat those in large amounts (I only have chopped
mushrooms, fresh, on my salads sometimes).
Spinach is a real no-no for me, however. And of
course I love it. Sigh...
--Diane

Tks

2007-10-17 09:03:15

Thanks y'all who answered my query about orange juice, mushrooms, herbs, blood tests, and whoever said for every action there is a reaction :-)
Linda

Re:grape seed oil

2007-10-17 03:03:43

for an amazing, fairly gout-diet-friendly artichoke dressing, take a clove of
raw garlic and
put it through a garlic press, pressing it into a bowl containing into 5
tablespoons of good
exta virgin olive oil (you can adjust these proportions for whatever amount you
want to
make). mix it around and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, to let the garlic
absorb into the oil.
then add 1 tablespoon ordinary red wine vinegar (a decent italian one is best),
a quarter
teaspoon of good dijon mustard, a tablespoon of half and half (or whole milk), a
small
amount of very finely chopped marjoram (or basil), and black pepper. salt it if
you like, but it
really doesn't need it. then whisk with a fork (or a whisk) until creamy.
dynamite!
makes a superb salad dressing, too.
enjoy,
joe

deposition testimony

2007-10-16 21:42:30

I am a lawyer. Yesterday during a deposition my client testified as to
what health problems he had before his auto accident, and what his
health was like after. He never mentioned gout. When opposing counsel
questioned him about the drugs he was taking, I immediately noticed
that allopurinol was on the list. During a break I asked him why he
hadn't mentioned gout when he was explaining his pre-existing health
issues, and he said he had forgotten about it. He had bad gout in his
30s, started taking allo, and then had literally just forgot about it
beyond taking a daily pill for about 12 years. He apologized for not
mentioning it, and I explained it wasn't a problem, I just wanted to
know why he hadn't mentioned it. So that, at least, is one very
satisfied allo user.
Chase

Kidney stones and OJ made with distilled water posted before

2007-10-16 19:41:33

Mon Sep 4, 7:03 PM ET
MONDAY, Sept. 4 (HealthDay News) -- An independent study finds that
orange juice beats lemonade and other citrus fruit juices in helping
to keep kidney stones at bay.
Experts have long known that potassium citrate -- found in citrus
juice -- can slow stone formation in people with a history of the
condition.
But this study, by a team from the University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas, found that other components can affect a
juice's ability to prevent stones.
Thirteen volunteers (some with a history of kidney stones and some
without) took part in the multi-phase trial, which was funded by the U.S.
National Institutes of Health. For one week, participants drank
distilled water, for another week orange juice, and then lemonade for
another week. There was a three-week interval between each of these weeks.
During each phase, the participants drank 13 ounces of orange juice,
lemonade or distilled water three times a day with meals. They were
also put on a low-calcium, low-oxalate diet, which also helps cut
stone formation.
The study found that orange juice increased levels of citrate in the
urine and reduced the crystallization of uric acid and calcium
oxalate, the most common components of kidney stones. Lemonade did not
increase citrate levels.
"One reason might be the different constituents of various beverages,"
study lead author Dr. Clarita Odvina, assistant professor of internal
medicine at the Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and
Clinical Research, said in a prepared statement.
Odvina noted that the citrate in orange and grapefruit is accompanied
by a potassium ion while the citrate in lemonade and cranberry juice
is accompanied by a hydrogen ion. While hydrogen ions counteract the
beneficial effects of high citrate content, potassium ions do not.
The study is available online and was expected to be published in the
Oct. 26 print issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of
Nephrology.

Linda, sorry your question was met with silence. I didn't want to be the first to jump in and whine, but rather than make you feel we're not paying attention...

I personally have joint pain almost all the time at this point, a constant ache in feet and ankles, my right elbow, my back, and now my fingers. I'm told that will pass with time and allopurinol. I still have attacks, though they've been milder and not the kind where both feet swell up and the pain is so excruciating that I can't stand for anything to touch them and I have to crawl to the bathroom.

Oh, and did I mention kidney stones? Now there's a real treat! I've passed only one, and I don't even want to know if there are more lurking.

My doctor says it may be a year or two before the tophi have dissolved, but I am looking forward to living a normal life one day soon. There's a light at the end of the tunnel!

Bonnie

From Gout /ALLOPURINOL To Polymyalgia rheumatica/PREDNISONE

2007-10-16 07:51:35

Three years ago (2003) I was diagnosed with high uric acid levels.
Doc A put me on ALLOPURINOL (Gout), and DIOVAN (High blood pressure).
2005 I HAD MY APPENDIX REMOVED!
I haven't really felt very well since the end of November 2006. My
carpal tunnel in both hands was really acting up. I couldn't sleep
very well at night. I would wake up with both hands throbbing in
pain. My knuckle joints felt swollen and disconnected. I wondered if
the third Hepatitis B shot that I recently took (for work) caused my
immune system to go into high gear and attack both of my hands?
Often when driving the car my hands would go to sleep. I would shake
them as I drove trying to wake them up. My wife kept complaining
about my hand shacking. Finally, I decided to go and have carpal
tunnel surgery. Dr. X of the Surgical Center performed surgery on my
right hand on the 3 day of January 07. They surgery went well! Three
days after the surgery my hand was still in a lot of pain. Both hands
were still acting up. My knuckle joints felt swollen in both hands.
My body temperature was normal. .The right hand which had the carpal
tunnel surgery didn't have as much pain as my left hand. Why did my
left hand act up when my right hand had the surgery?
After the surgery I noticed that my body was stiffer in the mornings.
I couldn't put on my socks. My hips, shoulders, and hands hurt. I
couldn't sleep at night. Both of my hands felt numb.
I went several nights without sleep. Finally, I went to Dr DDD at an
instacare center. I talked about my problems. He took blood samples
and sent them off two a lab. I returned to see my lab results ---two
weeks later (all of this time I had no sleep). He said I had swollen
joints but my blood test didn't indicate arthritis. Friday the 26 of
January 07 he gave me some new prescriptions and told me to get back
with him if the problem continued on for another two weeks. He would
do some more testing.
27 of January 07
My wife took me to the hospital emergency room. I was in a lot of
pain and could hardly move. Dr mmm, who works in the emergency room,
questioned me about what was going on (my symptoms). After discussing
my symptoms with Dr mmm he suggested that I could possibly have an
arthritis condition. He said that my overall medical symptoms
indicated possible arthritic conditions. I was given two shots while
at the hospital that night. One shot was for pain while the other
shot given was an anti-inflammatory steroid. I was also given two
medical prescriptions. I went home that night and got into bed around
2 AM. I slept this night. Prior to this night, I had been unable to
sleep for several weeks due to joint stiffness and pain!
28 of January 07
I woke up around 9:30 AM this mourning. My body felt less painful
when I woke up this morning. Thank goodness! I ate cereal for
breakfast at 11 AM, and then took my daily blood pressure medicine
(DIOVAN 160 MG).
My wife drove me to the pharmacy to pick-up my prescriptions from Dr
mmm
They are: PREDNISONE 20 MG (2 tablets once daily for 5 days)
OXYCODONE W/APAP 75/500 TAB( take 1 or 2 every 4
hours if needed)
Today I took 2 PRENISONE and 1 OXYCODONE W/APAP 75/500 TAB at 2PM
It's 3PM. I'm feeling much better today than I have for several
weeks. Will all of the problems fade away with time and treatment? My
hands still feel swollen with tingly fingers and my shoulders and
hips still feel stiff and sore. But I feel much improved when
compared to how I felt yesterday at the emergency room. At 9:30PM I
took my OXYCODONE. Around midnight I downed the ALLOPURINOL.
29 January 2007
I feel the same today as yesterday. My hands still feel numb and
tingly but I'm better off than I was in the Emergency room. I think
the steroid shot that I received Saturday helped.
Today I took 2 PRENISONE and 1 DIOVAN with breakfast at 8AM. I spent
(all mourning) trying to get into see a Rheumatologist immediately.
No luck! There seems to be a shortage of this medical specialist. One
medical office quoted me that their Rheumatologist was busy seeing
patients all the way into the month of June. I decided to take 1
OXYCODONE at noon with lunchI wouldn't be driving to any
Rheumatologist on this day!
I decided to contact my primary care physician DR A. I called his
office and they told me to come in tomorrow at 10:30AM. I took
another OXYCODONE at 8pm. When I go to bed in a few hours I'll down
my ALLOPURINOL.
January 30, 2007
I slept from midnight to about 8AM this Tuesday mourning. I had 2
PREDNISONE (20 mg) and 1 DIOVAN with toast and honey for breakfast. I
visited DR. A today. After listening to me describe the past couple
of months (medical history) he suggested that I might have a
condition known as Polymyalgia rheumatica. He said that doctors don't
know what causes flare-ups in this disease, but they know how to
control the flare-ups by using certain steroids. He had his nurse
draw blood from me for testing. And put me on PREDNISONE (10MG). I'm
to take 5 tablets daily for 3 days then decrease by 1 tablet every
three days until taking 2 tablets daily. I will return to his office
next week on Monday. I picked up the new PREDNISONE (10MG)
prescription. I started this amount on Tuesday. Since I had already
taken 2 PREDNISONE (20) in the mourning I took only 1 PREDNISONE (10)
this day. This adds up to 50 mg for the whole day.

vericose veins

2007-10-16 01:56:12

i have been suffering from gout for 15 years, recently in the last 3or4
years i have gotten real bad vericose veins. i am only 39 and i think
it has a lot to do with this gout problem why i am getting these. my
doctor told me to get job socks but i dont know if they will help. any
ideas?

Pain levels

2007-10-15 23:30:37

Hi...
I have a question around pain levels that occur after a gout attack. Do list members still feel a residual pain in the affected joint after an attack, and if so, on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the most painful and 1 being no pain) how would you describe the pain?
My knee is still slightly swollen, gets hot at times during the day and generally makes itself known at night which makes me restless and sleep very broken (quite apart from the trips to the loo). I would describe the pain level as between 3-6 with a stabbing rather than consistent, pain.
Linda

antiobiotics which may cause gout

2007-10-15 13:19:11

Recently, I was instructed to take amoxicillin to deal with a tooth
abscess. Amoxicillin is a member of the penicillin antibiotic family.
Within 12 hours of taking Amoxicillin, an attack of gout flared.
Within 24 hours of ceasing to take Amoxicillin the attack died down.
Has anyone else in the group had this experience with Amoxicillin or
any other antibiotic? Does anyone now whether there is an antibiotic
I can take for my abscess which will not produce an attack of gout?
Thanks for your help.

Re:grape seed oil

2007-10-15 06:17:49

I order grape seed oil from Lambert Bridge winery in Sonoma Valley. They have different flavors of grapeseed oil, and I find the citrus cilantro flavored grape seed oil is superb in salads. Google Lambert Bridge winery and then check the gift shop.

Location Tracker

2007-10-15 05:54:27

as advised by terry ,here the data base for all the memebers , its
good to see where all the members came from ,i guess its beneficial to
the group.
thanks
john

new member with some questions...

2007-10-14 21:11:58

Hi All,
I'm a new joiner hailing from rainy Manchester in Mother England to

6 weeks and counting

2007-10-14 12:09:56

Hi all,
Being part of this group has been great for me, and I wanted to share some inof
with you.
I am know in week 6 of an attack, and thoroughly p****ed with the whole thing,
to the extent that I have used my private medical healthcare to see a consultant
rheumatologist. In short, he said that there is still no proof that gout is
food and diet related, but more related to BMI. It is directly linked to urate
levels, as we all know, and there is no cure. Allopurinol will help lower the
levels of urate in blood, but must be taken every day. I was given an injection
of steriods into my ankle, which helped for about 2/3 days, but now back to
square 1. Still taking diclofenic sodium to ease the pain, but it is no longer
a joke -perhaps an amputation will ease the pain?!?!?!
Good luck to all
Paul
ps. is anyone in this group based in UK?

gout in the hand

2007-10-14 09:54:27

Hi folks,

Can you get gout in the hand and would it cause the hand to swell up?

Richy

GoutCure

2007-10-14 08:20:45

At the advice of one of our esteemed members, I ordered the Goutcure
starter pack yesterday through priority mail, and it arrived today.
It's hard to argue with service like that. Besides a 90 day supply
of their 11 secret herbs and spices, it comes with a 120 day supply
of acidophilus and related bacteria cultures for a healthy gut.
The booklet that came with it is amateurishly written, which bothers
me a little. If they can't be bothered to put together a grammatical
booklet, it makes me wonder if they are sloppy in other respects.
But I am probably being too hard on them. Since I have nothing to
gain from sales of the program, if it works I will certainly be
letting people here know and they can decide for themselves.
http://www.goutcure.com/
The initial cleansing diet is going to be hard for me to follow, but
I will give it hell. I am certain to lose weight on it. I am 6'2"
and about 210, but according to the BMI charts should be down under
195. So I am hardly fat, but the loss will do me good. They
strongly advise against losing weight initially, but it doesn't seem
possible to not do so if I am eating nothing but fruits and
vegetables and brown rice and yogurt. I work out often, so I guess I
will back off the exercise to help slow down the loss.
My gout is much milder than what most of you have to deal with, but I
get "twingey" a couple of times a month in spite of a modestly
careful diet, so by the time three months is up that will be a
reasonable test if the stuff is going to work. I have never tried
allo or colchicine or anything like that because my case is so mild,
but it also means I won't have anything to compare it to except
avoiding the prime rib with anchovy stuffing.
Chase

Goutcure

2007-10-13 22:11:10

This is my missing message from Thursday, one of the moderators found
it and suggested I resubmit it.
********
At the advice of one of our esteemed members, I ordered the Goutcure
starter pack yesterday through priority mail, and it arrived today.
It's hard to argue with service like that. Besides a 90 day supply
of their 11 secret herbs and spices, it comes with a 120 day supply
of acidophilus and related bacteria cultures for a healthy gut.
The booklet that came with it is amateurishly written, which bothers
me a little. If they can't be bothered to put together a grammatical
booklet, it makes me wonder if they are sloppy in other respects.
But I am probably being too hard on them. Since I have nothing to
gain from sales of the program, if it works I will certainly be
letting people here know and they can decide for themselves.
http://www.goutcure.com/
The initial cleansing diet is going to be hard for me to follow, but
I will give it hell. I am certain to lose weight on it. I am 6'2"
and about 210, but according to the BMI charts should be down under
195. So I am hardly fat, but the loss will do me good. They
strongly advise against losing weight initially, but it doesn't seem
possible to not do so if I am eating nothing but fruits and
vegetables and brown rice and yogurt. I work out often, so I guess I
will back off the exercise to help slow down the loss.
My gout is much milder than what most of you have to deal with, but I
get "twingey" a couple of times a month in spite of a modestly
careful diet, so by the time three months is up that will be a
reasonable test if the stuff is going to work. I have never tried
allo or colchicine or anything like that because my case is so mild,
but it also means I won't have anything to compare it to except
avoiding the prime rib with anchovy stuffing.
Chase

Oils? article I came across, something to think about?

2007-10-13 12:34:26

I am revisiting the subject of oils and fats, because it is perhaps the most misunderstood subject in the field of health and medicine. More than misunderstood, it is probably the biggest cause of ill health in our food system. Those who have been with me for over 15 years know that forever I have been teaching against the use of soy and other polyunsaturated oils, and I have been promoting the use of coconut and olive oil.

Over the years health practitioners and the health media are slowly coming around to accepting that much of what they have been promoting concerning fats and oils has been plain wrong and causing ill health. Polyunsaturated oils are actually not good for you, most soy is not good for you, and coconut oil is actually a very healthy saturated fat and has many super health benefits.

Like years ago when I went against the common beliefs on soy, vegetable oils and coconut oil, I received a lot of questions and heard a lot of doubts. Today I want to further provide information to support why I recommend not using oils other coconut for cooking, why you should not be using vegetable or seed oils, and why I favor olive oil on your food and for salad dressings.

I am glad to see the well-known and respected Dr. Mercola is now also supporting this view...

"When it comes to knowing which vegetable oil is best and safest to cook with, many restaurants and so-called health experts don't seem to understand basic biochemistry. That's because even the "safe" vegetable oils used by restaurants and recommended by experts convert to seriously damaged breakdown products that have been linked to heart disease and neurological disorders.

"These include the fatty acid-derived toxin 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE). According to researchers, HNE collects in high amounts in polyunsaturated oils that have linoleic acid, which include:

* Corn
* Canola
* Soybean
* Sunflower

"The toxin certainly holds a fatal future for humans. Many studies have linked HNE consumption to increased risks for cardiovascular disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, liver problems and cancer.

"Researchers explain that HNE's toxicity stems from the fact that it reacts extremely energetically with biomolecules once it is absorbed into the body by way of food. Also, it reacts with the various kinds of amino groups--proteins, DNA, RNA--affecting basic cellular processes."

Again, Dr. Mercola...

"So what's the best oil to cook with? Hint: It is not olive oil. http://www.mercola.com/2005/jan/29/olive_oil.htm Although olive oil is one of the best oils to use, is especially high in monounsaturated fats and is a great source of squalene and a host of other cardio-protective nutrients.

"That said, olive oil should be reserved for your salad, and if you choose to cook your food I would strongly suggest you seriously consider the healthier option, coconut oil. http://www.mercola.com/2003/oct/15/cooking_oil.htm Coconut oil is far less damaged by heat than olive oil and seems to be the ideal choice for cooking."

More excellent information from Dr. Mercola to challenge conventional wisdom: Five Health Foods To Avoid! http://www.mercola.com/2004/jan/31/food_warnings.htm

And now the original great teacher on this subject, Dr. Raymond Peat...
Here is a very informative article on the toxic effects of polyunsaturated oils. This is written by my teacher Dr. Raymond Peat. Fifteen years ago this genius taught me the foundations of what I know and teach concerning fats and oils, thyroid and hormones. Dr Peat was way ahead of everyone. He was the first to teach about the wonders of natural progesterone, coconut oil and so much more. Read this article and hopefully I have convinced everyone today to stop consuming oils and fats that are destroying your health and the health on the planet. http://www.longnaturalhealth.com/library2.asp?A=86

Gout Relief

2007-10-13 12:08:09

I'll be up front I have a business of selling health supplements, and
have found one of my products that helps relieve Gout Symptoms. If you
care to talk about it please feel free to respond and I'll send you to
all the info you need. I have people who will testify to there
exsperiences with the product.
Regards,
JP

newby

2007-10-13 03:44:42

Hi everyone, hope you don't mind me joining your group?
I'm a 50 year old woman living in the UK. I have several medical
problems, all of them appearing since I had a total thyroidectomy in
2000. My latest is Gout - I've had high uric acid levels for quite some
time and recently have been having bouts of very painful feet and
ankles - today I've seen a rheumatologist who has given me allopurinol
tablets - another drug to add to the huge pile I take every day :-(
Just wondered how managable this is? and does the pain every go away
completly?
Thanks
Mags

Benzbromarone

2007-10-13 01:53:00

In message 6907 of 6 January 2007 Joe asked about this drug.
I am thinking about using it, because I have had a kidney transplant;
consequently Allopurinol is of limited use to me. I have a tophic gout
issue.
The trouble is that Benzbromarone has a past. A rare side effect is
"fulminant hepatitis". With a Hollywood flourish I shall describe that
in English as an exploding liver. I gather even regular blood testing
may not protect a user from that happening.
For me a kidney transplant is quite enough, thankyou! I wouldn't want
to hunt for a liver as well. The mortality rate is quite high
(comparatively speaking for liver diseases) for fulminant hepatitis.
Not surprisingly therefore, Benzbromarone has not become mainstream. It
remains unregistered in several countries.
That is not to say I will not use it - all the above is from my googling
around - a notoriously unsafe practise for a layperson to follow.
I am going to see what my rheumatologist says about Benzbromarone in
February.

Anybody know anything about Goutrex?

2007-10-12 16:51:27

I was doing a little research this morning. Some of this sounds
similar to what Tom Weed was writing about in the past few days. I am
fortunate because my case is really mild, but I am not going to ignore
it. I would love to hear what some of our gurus think of this.
http://www.alternativediscoveries.com/goutrex.html
Chase

Age of members-Dave

2007-10-12 05:45:18

65. Have had gout for three years. Average attack every 6 months. Have not had an attack for 11 months. I am not on meds. Using herbs, vitamins and goutcure. Trying to drink at least 65 ozs of water a day. Seems that I have an attack after shell fish. Shrimp, mussels, clams seem to take we 'over' the top. I have not had them for a year. Prime rib, beef in moderation. I drink about six oz of red wine about 5 nights a week.

I feel the same as a lot of you. Drinking water, watching my diet and try to be moderate in all that I eat or drink.

Dave

gout info

2007-10-12 02:06:45

Known as "the disease of kings and the king of diseases", gout has been studied by physicians and has caused suffering in countless humans since at least the days of Hippocrates. Formerly a leading cause of painful and disabling chronic arthritis, gout has been all but conquered by advances in research. Unfortunately, many people with gout continue to suffer because knowledge of effective treatments has been slow to spread to patients and their physicians.
The inflammatory process in gout is unrelated to infection. Rather, it is incited by the deposition in the joint of uric acid crystals usually due to an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream. This can be caused by an increase in production by the body, by under-elimination of uric acid by the kidneys or by increased intake of foods containing purines which are metabolized to uric acid in the body. Certain meats, seafood, dried peas and beans are particularly high in purines. Alcoholic beverages may also significantly increase uric acid levels and precipitate gout attacks. Gout is strongly associated with obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and dehydration. A familial pattern is observed in 5-15% of cases.
The four phases of gout include elevated uric acid levels without symptoms, acute gouty arthritis, multiple attacks with intervals between attacks, and chronic tophaceous (nodular masses of uric acid crystals (tophi) deposited in different soft tissue areas of the body) gout. Patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia do not require treatment, but efforts should be made to lower their urate levels by encouraging them to make changes in diet or lifestyle.
Uric acid is a product of the chemical breakdown of the purine bases that compose the genetic material, DNA. As cells die and release DNA from their chromosomes, purines are converted into uric acid which is excreted in the urine and, to a lesser extent, the intestinal tract. The level of uric acid dissolved in the bloodstream is directly related to this delicate balance between uric acid production and excretion. The normal level is approximately 2-7mg/dl.
In most cases, an under-excretion of uric acid by the kidneys is responsible. Among the more common predisposing factors are kidney failure from any cause, diuretics, dehydration, hormonal diseases, alcohol consumption and using low doses of aspirin. About 10% of people with hyperuricemia are overproducers of uric acid. For some of these patients, diseases of the blood and bone marrow or inherited enzyme abnormalities can be implicated. Some are associated with metabolic alterations due to obesity, but for most the exact cause is indeterminable.
An attack of acute gouty arthritis is caused by the body's inflammatory reaction to intermittent deposition of needle-like uric acid crystals. When these crystals are ingested by white blood cells, the cells release enzymes that evoke inflammation. Attacks are usually marked by intermittent joint pain, swelling, redness and warmth. In some individuals, it is a progressive, crippling chronic disease that also damages the kidneys. Gout is from 5 to 20 times more common in men than in women and afflicts an estimated 840 out of 100,000 people. Gout and its complications occur more commonly and at a younger age in males.
Signs and Symptoms
* Rapid onset of severe joint pain, swelling and redness, often beginning at night after ingestion of alcoholic beverages, uric acid-elevating medications or high-purine foods.
* In 90% of initial episodes a single joint is involved - especially the joint at the base of the big toe. Gouty arthritis of the big toe afflicts some 90% of patients some time during the course of their disease. The foot, heel, ankle, knee, hands, wrists and elbows are some of the other joints that are frequently involved.
* Attacks tend to last a few days to a few weeks.
* Attacks respond well to medications.
* The frequency of subsequent attacks is variable. 5-10% of patients will never be bothered again, but most relapse within a year.

Untreated cases may develop chronic gouty arthritis in which multiple joints are involved by a long-term destructive process. Tophi, small nodules consisting of uric acid and inflammatory tissues, may be seen on the ear cartilage and along tendons.
Diagnosis
Since several other kinds of arthritis can mimic a gout attack, and since treatment is specific to gout, proper diagnosis is essential. The definitive diagnosis of gout is dependent on finding uric acid crystals in the joint fluid during an acute attack. However, uric acid levels in the blood alone are often misleading and may be transiently normal or even low. Additionally, uric acid levels are often elevated in individuals without gout. While sudden swelling and pain in a joint, especially the big toe, suggests the diagnosis of gout, many other arthritic conditions and some infections present themselves in a similar manner. Gout is the diagnosis if gout medications resolve the symptoms. Uric acid levels are usually elevated around an attack, and reduced when treated successfully.
Gout in women occurs exclusively after menopause. Women develop gout at an older age than men and have twice the prevalence of hypertension, renal insufficiency and exposure to diuretics. The onset of gout before age 30 in men or before menopause in women is unusual and raises concern about an associated inherited enzyme defect or renal disease.

Trigger foods for attacks (and a question for Ray)

2007-10-12 00:35:09

Same here: all my attacks occur after I've been
careless and eaten too much of one of my trigger
foods. I've found I can get away with very *small*
amounts of most of my