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So, why not just take 3 pills and get it over with? I had bunion surgery, only to find out that I had gout. Colchicine was prescribed, but I could have done without the 6 weeks of recovery from the surgery.
The ortho doc said they used to just prescribe colchicine and the instructions were to take it until you had diarrhea. Now, they’ve decided that 3 pills will do the trick.
Nobody has surgery for gout unless they have a serious buildup of urate in the form of tophi, or lumps of urate crystals that sometimes burst. Google it. Its not pretty, but tophi only occur in more severe cases.
Colchicine treats the inflammation but does nothing to treat the underlying cause of urate buildup which can cause bone erosion and otherwise damage joints. And it can lead to tophi.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn
Tried and true, see for yourself - SO easy: a lot of Omega 3 capsules.
You can thank me later
Omega 3 can possibly help in reducing flares in some people, but again, flares are only half the problem. It does nothing to address urate buildup, which can cause joint damage even in the absence of flares. Most of the damage from gout is silent.
So, I just had my second gout experience. It is on the outside and top of my foot. The ultrasound showed arthritis. The podiatrist prescribed colchicine and it seems to be improving. My blood test on day 3 showed only high normal uric acid. Like last time, seven years ago, no clue as to what caused the flare up.
Although the pain has gotten better there is still a pink sore area. It’s day 5 and if it’s not completely gone in a few days, I guess I’ll go back to the orthopedic foot doctor.
So, I just had my second gout experience. It is on the outside and top of my foot. The ultrasound showed arthritis. The podiatrist prescribed colchicine and it seems to be improving. My blood test on day 3 showed only high normal uric acid. Like last time, seven years ago, no clue as to what caused the flare up.
Although the pain has gotten better there is still a pink sore area. It’s day 5 and if it’s not completely gone in a few days, I guess I’ll go back to the orthopedic foot doctor.
As recommended by the Mayo Clinic, you should see a rheumatologist for gout treatment.
"After an initial examination, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (rheumatologist)."
As an "over-producer" of uric acid, I've been on allopurinol for the last 20 years. IIRC colchicine mainly address the pain. There is another drug that helps "under-excretors".
As recommended by the Mayo Clinic, you should see a rheumatologist for gout treatment.
"After an initial examination, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (rheumatologist)."
As an "over-producer" of uric acid, I've been on allopurinol for the last 20 years. IIRC colchicine mainly address the pain. There is another drug that helps "under-excretors".
Also, did the ultrasound detect urate crystals ?
Thanks for that suggestion. The doctor did not mention any crystals, just that the joint did not look normal.
So, I just had my second gout experience. It is on the outside and top of my foot. The ultrasound showed arthritis. The podiatrist prescribed colchicine and it seems to be improving. My blood test on day 3 showed only high normal uric acid. Like last time, seven years ago, no clue as to what caused the flare up.
Although the pain has gotten better there is still a pink sore area. It’s day 5 and if it’s not completely gone in a few days, I guess I’ll go back to the orthopedic foot doctor.
Uric acid levels are suppressed during gout flares and for several weeks afterward, so your actual level may be several points higher than it is during/after a flare. Wait a month after your current event has completely cleared up and get tested again to get an accurate reading.
What caused the flare up is your immune system reacting to the buildup of monosodium urate crystals because your uric acid levels have been above the saturation point, most likely for years. When that happens the UA crystalizes as monosodium urate in joints and tissues and in about 1/3 of such lucky people like you and me, the immune system freaks out and attacks. Most rheumatologists recommend keeping uric acid below 6 mg/dl to prevent it from spiking above 6.8, which is the saturation point.
While some people have "triggers" or foods that initiate a flareup, the real culprit is the buildup that has been going on for many years. Diet/lifestyle plays a role in that buildup and genetics plays an even bigger role.
I heard hot dogs, certain spices and salt not great for gout. I'd increase water intake to the point were 70% of trips to bathroom are clear and/or odorless. And increase in fruits and vegetables wouldn't hurt either. i know with seniors they want salt intake reduced big time. Half the battle is increasing circulation to carrry fluids and stuff out of there.
I heard hot dogs, certain spices and salt not great for gout. I'd increase water intake to the point were 70% of trips to bathroom are clear and/or odorless. And increase in fruits and vegetables wouldn't hurt either. i know with seniors they want salt intake reduced big time. Half the battle is increasing circulation to carrry fluids and stuff out of there.
You are correct that hydration is important but the rest is highly individual and largely anecdotal. Dietary salt actually lowers uric acid.
As recommended by the Mayo Clinic, you should see a rheumatologist for gout treatment.
"After an initial examination, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions (rheumatologist)."
As an "over-producer" of uric acid, I've been on allopurinol for the last 20 years. IIRC colchicine mainly address the pain. There is another drug that helps "under-excretors".
Also, did the ultrasound detect urate crystals ?
The thing is, I have a fatty liver, and slightly elevated liver enzymes, so my PCP does not want me taking a daily medicine unless the flare ups get too frequent.
I have just started taking an herbal supplement that is supposed to aid in expelling uric acid. I figure I’ll take it until I get another attack, then I’ll know it doesn’t work.
The thing is, I have a fatty liver, and slightly elevated liver enzymes, so my PCP does not want me taking a daily medicine unless the flare ups get too frequent.
I have just started taking an herbal supplement that is supposed to aid in expelling uric acid. I figure I’ll take it until I get another attack, then I’ll know it doesn’t work.
I can save you the trouble. It doesn't work. And all the while you'll be building up more urate deposits that can damage joints and take years to eliminate. Allopurinol rarely affects the liver adversely and its easily monitored in case it does.
You should see a rheumatologist.
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