What about a bout of gout?

[ST.George]

G'day STriders,

Been very waylayed lately by another nasty episode of that insidious affliction called "Gout". In the last cupla years (I'm 58), I have been a gout victim at unexpected times. Gout is a variant of arthritis 4 those who haven't encountered it and it seems my 2 decade passion 4 home brew has caught up with me.
Two weeks ago I bumped my knee and within a day it imflamed 2 double size and I was off my feet 4 a week b4 I could walk normally. Then last week a minor knock on the elbow imflamed it 2 double size and here's a pic of it almost right again but still imflamed, hot, sore and unable 2 straighten.



Have done much research and basically gout can attack anyone but usually males and usually on the big toe. I've had that and bloody hell does that make it hard 2 sleep.

Gout is caused by the kidneys and liver being unable to prevent purine rich food and drink such as red meat, shellfish, processed meat like bacon, alcohol and yeast (home brew has both) from forming excess Uric acid which then forms razor sharp crystals that travel to joints and cause movement 2 be excruciating and very inflexible.

Certainly can't ride motosickles!

Classic curatives can b 2 decrease the above no-no's and by boosting the digestive and liver/kidney systems by building up general health via an xercise regime. Also, celery pills and pomegranate juice can help and cherries also have helpful chemicals. Been 2 the GP about it but have refused 2 give home brew up completely coz HB is my friend and helps me relax and dream and go 2 sleep. Can nature b so cruel so as 2 deny me this simple pleasure? I'm hoping that fitness will b the answer and if I can get the bod strong all might b well again!
Anybody else suffered gout and if so - what works 4 u? 

[Biggles]

For me it's classic arthritis in the finger joints, especially the first joint of the two ring fingers.
Celebrex is a big help, but has mildly damaging side-effects.

[Kev Murphy]

[Philbo]

I get gout occasionally, usually in my big toe joints.  Feels like standing on knife blades.  I take a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) called Arthrexin (indomethacin) as soon as I feel the rumblings.  This stops the swelling and pain and joint damage.
Drink plenty of water to flush the system.
I am not sure what causes it in me, as purines can be found in so many foods.  I definitely stop seafood and cut back to small potions of meat.
Phil

[Sicman]

Tomato's have high acid content in the skin and seeds - If you buy peeled tomato's then the acid content is reduced. 

When drinking make sure you have a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink to help the kidneys and liver process the naughty bits

[STeveo]

I have had it on and off for about 10yrs. After the first attack I stopped eating all shell fish, crustations, offal meats (liver, etc) cut back red meat to three times a week and less of it per serve, no vegemite, no beans (mung, soya beans, lentils, etc), cut down on tomatoes and NO pineapple. Drink lots of water to flush your system. By doing this I have only one or two attacks a year now. I have stopped with the beer and will only have one cider then soft drinks on a night out.

[bobSTer]

 

Oh dear You poor man That looks sooooo painful Feel sorry for you buddy

 

[Wild Rose]

I had my my first bout of Gout 15 - 20 years ago, I do not remember the last attack that I have had
I take 300mg tablet of Zyloprim once a day and watch what I eat and drink anything in moderation
But I do avoid Red wine and port and pork but do have a bit of ham occasionally
Love beer and prawns but just have to be carefully
I know the signs when to back off, At Christmas I always have to be careful