Gout Support Group

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 (monoarthritis), most commonly the big toe. The classic picture is of excruciating and sudden pain, swelling, redness, warmness and stiffness in the joint. Low-grade fever may also be present.

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Genetic & Metabolic
/ Gout Support Group

Ugh...too long

dverrico
dverrico

I’m a 73 year old male.  Had gout attacks since my 40s.  This time it won’t go away. Three months.  Left big toe and instep.  Had bone scan, X-rays.  Being treated by my PCP doctor and one visit to podiatrist. Got a steroid shot.  Have been taking 100mg Allipurinol...not high enough dose maybe?  Going up to 300.  Cannot take anti inflamatories...take blood thinners.  Tried prednisone...nothing.  So doc had me sign up for medical marijuana. Not really helping...but wife says I’m happier.  I’m getting to think that this is not going away.  I’m very fit, was active...not diet related I don’t think... it in truth I wasn’t too careful about shellfish and scotch.  I tend to get dehydrated.  Marijuana helps me sleep at least.  I’ve got lots of different kinds of ice packs.  I’ve been reading a lot of books.  This has really put a hold on my life.  I spend half the day with my foot elevated with ice.  I used to be a runner.  It seems evenings and nights are the worst.  It flares up and my foot turns purple and it hurts.

2019kindness
2019kindness
hello, indeed this seems to be a severe attack of gout given the color description and duration you describe.
You should really pay attention to your diet and also avoid alcohol by all means possible.
I would like to ask though are you taking any vitamins or supplements for your health?
Teamworksetd
Teamworksetd
I'm in a similar situation. 60 years old and very active until recently because I cannot get the gout to go away completely and get flare ups whenever I am active. Right big toe and heel is where I am feeling it now. That is new spot for me since I have only had it on my left foot before this. Started alopurinol about 8 weeks ago - 100 mg once a day. That has not necessarily made it worse but I am wondering if that is keeping it from going away right now after reading that it typically gets worse when first starting to take alopurinol. I am also taking colcrys and indomethicin as needed to keep it in check so I can go to work.

I typically handle flare ups with herbal treatments - cherry, celery seed, curcumin and boswellia and that is not helping with this. at least not how it usually does and that is why the other medications. It seems that alcohol has an affect but not sure since I stopped all alcohol for about a month and that did not help. I am really confused about what is causing it and keeping it from going away.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Nursing_student_in_NorCal
Nursing_student_in_NorCal
In regards to your allopurinol, that seems to be a pretty low dose to provide effective relief. I was initially prescribed the same doseage over 5 years ago, but relative to my uric acid blood levels, my dose has been increased with some relief. Consider seeing your provider for a change in dosage. HOWEVER.... if one is not proactive in avoiding the trigger foods, beer and alcohol and purine rich foods, the medication won't keep it in check. As time goes on the bodys ability to excrete and flush the uric acid systemically decreases relative to aging and decreased metabolic functioning.. I take some herbal supplements as well: Tart Cherry , Tumeric and Vitamin C. Gout is tied into the endocrine system, (thyroid gland I think) so in addition to serum uric acid levels a thyroid function panel might be in order. Cheers!