I've been reading the site for only a few weeks, spurred on by my
latest attack. Many sites (see below) and books lists "secondary"
gout and give diuretics (water tablets) as a possible cause. Small
dose asprin used to prevent clots, heart attacks, strokes can also
cause problems.
I've had two heart attacks, one 10 years ago, one five and have been
on asprin and a diuretic (Frusimide, now re-named Furosemede)for the
last five years. Gout attacks started three years ago.
I'm not convinced this last attack which lasted almost five weeks
and attacked the left knee, then foot and then the right knee and
foot and was more about muscles/ligaments than joints, was just gout.
Furosemede is meant to ease the breathlessness caused by my slight
heart failure (one leaky valve).I've stopped the Furosemede and have
not suffered breathlessnes etc but have still to tackle a proper
hill walk. Still to go back to GP and tell him what I've done.
Anyone any experience in this area?
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 18 months ago, and it now seems
possible that that was the result of being put on beta blockers.
OK, it's a question of balance, but it's hard not to feel that
consultants don't know/care enough about the effects of their
suggested medication outside their speciality. If you die of a heart
attack that's on their books; if you're banging your head on the
wall with gout or can't plan a walking holiday in case it flares up,
that's not on their patch.
Details about effect diuretics on British Gout Society, Bandolier
and netdoctor.co.uk sites. Brian Mason