anyone here have any experience with GOUT ?

[Skittles]

a friend of mine was diagnosed with this painful condition today; he is only 27 years old. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[billyskank]

1. Does he drink much?

[Skittles]

10. well, he indulges like most young folk

but he's not a drunk - believe me, I can spot a drunk

[fudge stripe cookays]

2. Is he a hunter?

I have heard it's caused from eating too much wild game...something about the acid crystals that build up in your system, I think.

Tell him to cut back on venison, rabbit, elk....things like that if he eats them.

[pagerbear]

15. I believe that's a wive's tale

While some types of foods can aggravate the condition, and some perhaps help, the cause is actually hereditary.

Oh, and gout hurts like hell!

[SmokingJacket]

3. Apparently cherries help.

Just a thing I heard -- can't hurt to try since they taste good.

If your friend is overweight, losing weight helps. I had a friend many years ago who was only 21 when he got gout, but he took terrible care of himself.

[WCGreen]

6. Go to a health food store and get cherrie juice....

It works....

I know...

[Skittles]

12. no he is not a hunter and he is pretty thin

a bit too thin I think but I think he takes pretty good care of himself

[hippywife]

4. I have a friend who has it.

He has to limit his intake of red meat and stay away from shellfish altogether. I suggested he ask his doc about alopurinal and he got a scrip for it. He says it helps him immensely.

Good luck to your friend.

[Crabby Appleton]

5. Unfortunately I do - really sucks

Had my initial attack when I was about 30; it is not very common to develop gout this young. It is a metabolic disorder caused by a high concentration of uric acid from either the body producing too much or impaired excretion. The condition is asymptomatic until uric acid crystals precipitate out of the synovial fluid of a joint, usually a peripheral joint like the large joint of the big toe, ankle or knee. The acute attacks can be extremely painful with swelling, redness at the problem joint, and distinct warmth to the touch.

Long-term treatment consists of dietary restrictions; reduction of purine (an amino acid) containing foods (i.e. meat, especially red meat), reduction of alcohol consumption (interferes with purine metabolism) and avoiding becoming dehydrated – drink plenty of water, and drugs of a few different types. During an acute attack indomethacin, a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory will usually bring the pain down to at bearable levels. Acute attacks can be managed with colchicine although some doctors don’t like this drug because of the side effects, but it does work well. Allopurinol is frequently prescribed after the acute attack; it inhibits the production of uric acid in the body. Long-term medical management of the condition is necessary to avoid future attacks and complications. The attacks can erode the joints causing impaired joint function and high levels of uric acid will sometimes produce uric acid kidney and urinary tract stones.

[pagerbear]

16. When I was getting gout attacks, I was once prescribed colchicine

...and I really like the results, but since then I've found doctors resistant toward using it. I have also been prescribed indomethecin and allopurinol. Nowadays I'm not on any drugs. I occasionally have a twinge, but my uric acid levels seem to be fine.

[UTUSN]

7. Why, yes, yes I do

Yes, the ancient conventional wisdom that it has to do with excessive meat-eating is true. But also with alcohol intake. Uric acid. It's crystallized arthritis. Need to wash it out. I'm an expert, have I told you that? CHEENEE had an attack of it a few months ago.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

8. Here is an article from the NHS website

Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) will quickly ease the pain of most attacks of gout. Your GP will be able to prescribe the most suitable type for you. Occasionally an alternative medication called colchicines is prescribed instead, but usually only if you have had adverse reactions to anti-inflammatory painkillers in the past. Ice packs can also ease the pain until the other treatments begin to work.

As part of your treatment it is also important to reduce the amount of purines that you take in. Alcohol, especially beer, is high in purines, so it is important to cut down, or cut it out completely.

(snip)

You will need to look at other aspects of your diet too, and reduce the number of calories and the amount of cholesterol you take in. In particular, avoid foods that are high in purines, for example, offal, shellfish and spinach. Your doctor may refer you to a dietician for further advice and support.

If you have regular attacks of gout, your GP may prescribe you a drug, such as allopurinol, which will help to lower the levels of uric acid in your blood, and therefore help to prevent future attacks. However, this treatment should not be started until several weeks after an attack, and may not be suitable for people with kidney failure.


http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=180§ionId=13514

[femmocrat]

9. My brother has it... he has to avoid ham, luncheon meats, bacon,

cured and smoked meat.

[IndyBob]

11. My pop had/gets it

For him, overindulgence in rich foods sets it off. The last time, it was three or four slices of cheesecake while at dinner in Jamaica. It's very painful, my dad takes Tylenol, says it helps a lot.

The only good thing it is temporary, and can be avoided if you are aware of what sets it off for yourself.

Hmmm - I checked myself, and see no reference to rich foods. Read for yourself:

http://www.webmd.com/hw/gout/hw69013.asp

[Lady President]

13. My friend has it

One of my best friends was diagnosed with gout in his early 30s. For him, giving up red meat and rarely drinking beer was a huge help. The real trick was drinking water all day. For the last several years he has carried a water bottle everywhere. From my understanding it is very painful, but manageable with some lifestyle changes.

Plus, you can tease your friend that he's turned into a old man. ;)

[Suich]

14. Had it in my big toe last year...thought I was going to die!

I don't eat red meat or rich foods and drink lots of water so I don't know why I got it. There was a thread about it last year which got locked but I remember the cherry juice. I think it was something you could get at Trader Joes.

Good luck! :hi:

oh, and I had some oxycontin a friend gave me. Finally got some sleep by the 3rd night.

[mvd]

17. Locking

Threads seeking medical advice are not allowed at DU. Please tell your friend to seek advice from a medical professional.

mvd
DU Moderator