Newly diagnosed

[Melphilp]

I am a woman, 55 years old and obese.

I had my first attack in October 2014 in my right big toe, not 4 weeks after I had my overactive gallbladder removed. I was prescribed Allopurinol but didn’t think I needed a drug to treat, didn’t realize the evolution of gout and the damage being done.

I backed off of red meat, seafood, beans (only culprits in my diet that I can find) and added tart cherry juice and apple cider vinegar to my vitamin/supplement regimen.

At my second attack in April 2015 on left big toe covering more area and more severe and swollen than the first attack, I got on the bandwagon of taking the Allopurinol daily and primary doctor also gave me colchichine(sp) with emergency dosage but no further instruction to use (to his defense, I have not gone back to see him since or gotten my blood tested).

I want to keep from getting another attack at all costs! I have twinges that frighten me in my ankle, knee and both big toes. I have looked for a rheumatologist to see but so many of them are also primary doctors in my area – and difficult for a new patient to see. Suggestions on what else I can do?

Are there other anectdotal triggers I can avoid? What else can I do to be proactive? Any ideas would be appreciated.

I am happy I found your site and will keep reading for more information, but wanted to add my story….Thank you.

Melissa

---

[Gout Support Admin: posted via feedback form at Doctor, do I have gout?]

[Keith Taylor]

Hi Melissa,

Thank you for your message. It’s great to see your first post as a Guest. I hope you will consider becoming a GoutPal Member. It costs nothing but a few moments of your time to join, and you will soon save that time when you post more topics and replies. Due to my availability, I always respond to members first.

Who said beans are bad for gout? I don’t think so, but I’m willing to look at the evidence if I’m wrong.

Why take allopurinol then not get blood tested again? The only reason for taking it is to get uric acid safe. It’s really important to get uric acid tests to make sure the dose is right. If the dose is wrong, allopurinol will not help you, and it might give you more pain than is necessary.

I don’t think you need a rheumatologist, unless you have health complications that you haven’t mentioned. The process of controlling uric acid is a simple one. I can give you a step by step guide to what you need to do. It will involve a doctor so you can get the right drugs. Do you have access to a doctor near where you live?

There are lots of other things you can do to minimize gout attacks. Let’s start with the big issue of getting allopurinol right. Then I can give you some advice about avoiding triggers.

Hope to hear from you soon
Keith

[Melissa P]

My blood test is tomorrow so I should have a better idea of how I am doing with diet and allopurinol dosage. My husband has a really good podiatrist that I like and he will treat gout – I think he will be more helpful than my primary has been. I see him the end of this month. However, initial chat with him indicated he thinks diet is #1 key (not in agreement) and Uloric is better (tbd). I will give him a chance.

I truly want to do whatever it takes to avoid another attack. The first one was bad and the second was horrific so I will be compliant and careful. Thank you for your website and your support!

[Keith Taylor]

Bad news, Melissa.

Once uric acid has built up to the point where it causes a gout attack, it is very difficult to avoid another.

You can definitely stop all gout attacks, by getting rid of old uric acid deposits. Unfortunately, it takes several months to do this. Therefore, you need 2 plans:

1. A gout pain treatment package that will limit inflammation, reduce inflammation, and block pain.
2. A uric acid treatment plan that gets uric acid safe.

You can rely on the gout pain package to help you until the uric acid package becomes effective. That might not mean no more attacks, but it should mean no more suffering.

If you are not confident about the level of healthcare you are getting, I can advise you what to ask your doctors, and how to understand their responses.

I have a natural suspicion of podiatrists, but there must be some that are useful. On diet, I do not believe it is ever #1 key. However, it is very important. Irrespective of a specific gout diet and how it might affect your treatment plan, diet is very important to anyone who is overweight. Excess weight is a significant gout factor. It can be outweighed by taking uric acid lowering drugs. However, obesity is also linked to several other health factors. It seems pointless to control gout only to suffer diabetes or heart disease. On Uloric, professional rheumatologists advise is clear – it is only recommended when allopurinol has been considered and found lacking. I know the factors that make Uloric better than allopurinol in some situations. Does your podiatrist know them?

I hope you’ll add your latest test results to your profile, Melissa. Best to put the latest result in the uric acid box, then keep a history in the “Other personal gout facts” box, with list of dates and results.

[Author]

Posts