What is Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints. It is an intensely painful disease, which in most cases affects only one joint (monoarthriti...
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colchicine notes...
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So I saw a specialist this fall and she and I discussed an alternative usage of colchicine that has helped me. As always you should discuss with your doctor - my point in writing this was that your doctor may not be aware of the different ways in which this medication can be used.
Old School Method: Take 1 colchicine every 2 hours up to 6 or 8 in one day immediatly after gout attack has started. New School Method: Take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening, preferably in a prophylactic fashion, i.e. when you have eaten something you expect to cause a gout attack begin taking the colchicine before symptoms start. I have found that this new method has become a new weapon in my arsenal against gout attacks. Having taken colchicine in the old school way I did not like it as it made me sick (Gastro-intestinal problems diarrhea) and really wasn't very effective in treating an acute attack in my experience. I had therefore after talking with my old doctor left the colchicine out of my therapy plan, instead relying on prednisone - which has many other issues. But after trying this new method I am finding that it works well especially when I know I will be "falling off the wagon" so to speak. For example I recently celebrated my 35th birthday by having a nice dinner out with my wife. I really enjoy good food and a good glass of wine with it. So I had a glass of wine and even dared to eat a bite of my wife's lobster ravioli. That night I began taking the colchicine. While I did experience pain in my toes over the following 5-7 days it was much less than would have occurred without the colchicine. So that's my little tidbit to pass on - take it and talk with your doctor and see if it is appropriate for you. Posted on 12/30/08, 08:12 am |
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I agree! taking the colchicine seem to break down the crystals in the connectivity joints where the blood flows seem to be little. Once the crystal forms, then the white blood cells attacks it, and form a coat over it. Then it's harder to get rid of it, swelling happens, and now you have to break through that coat. Prednisone is amazing! It takes me to start off at 60 mg to get a head of it. But at least I can walk. I had both of my knees operated on, and they showed me the crystal they had taken out. Now, I know I have them in my left foot. Sleepless nights, and I'm getting old fast. 
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I took prednisone for many yrs (2-10mg) it worked like magic, but the moodswings were horrific. I was glad when i was introduced to colchicine. It really does work beautifully. The key is to take it at the very first faint symptom. If I do that, it stops the attack altogether.
Another thing to do for gout sufferers besides the diet modifications, is to ask your Dr about "allopurinol" this drug will keep your uric acid at range and you can forget the gout attacks. I haven't had an attack in close to five yrs (***couts her blessings!!***), I used to get gout 2-3x/week. Allopurinol has helped me.
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My doctor gave me colchicine when I was in the middle of an acute episode of gout in my knee, Oh My God, I was so sick I thought I would die, he had me take it every 30 minutes until I took 8, then two a day after that. But before I could even get to the second day I started vomiting. The 8 and then one I took seems to really have helped, but the gastro-intestinal problems and vomiting really made it unpleasant. He gave me a prescription for Alpurinol to start four days after my symptoms subside, so far they have backed off but not subsided. I'm looking forward to being gout free on the Alpurinol. Thanks for the information about these two medications though. Also, has anyone else gotten cortizone shots for this, I have had two and they really don't seem to help. Thanks!
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When I was given colchicine I was told to take one every 3 or 4 hours if I could tolerate them. If you take too many it does upset your stomach, as you sadly discovered. They worked great for me.
The allupurinol has worked great for me. It lowered my uric acid levels and have had no flare ups in 5yrs. I had two cortisone shots. they numbed my foot immediately, within 30 minutes I was pain free. But, being a diabetic (steroids are dangerous for diabetics) my sugars jumped to 400's and remained there for almost 24hrs. Some natural foods you can try for gout are: cherries, celery, tumeric, avocado, pineapples, and olives Take care! Marina
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i take 2 allupurinol and 1 colchicine in the AM. and it seems to help for awhile now.but NO i would NVR take the colchicine ever 1 hour 3 or 4 hours again,that was horrible.I also drink alot of water the doc says it help with the meds.
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