No one who has ever had a gout attack, ever wants another.
FWIW, My thoughts.
The actual physical "hurt" comes from high uric acid, which creates microscopic "needles" and settles in and around joints, most commonly at the base of the big toe. In effect, it's like having crushed glass slivers in the flesh. Causes swelling redness, and is incredibly painful. Those who have had an attack commonly liken the pain to having root canal surgery without an anaesthetic. Without treatment, can last two or three days.
Common causes :Foods high in purines
Beer, other alcoholic beverages.
Anchovies, sardines in oil, fish roes, herring.
Yeast.
Organ meat (liver, kidneys, sweetbreads)
Legumes (dried beans, peas)
Meat extracts, consomme, gravies.
Mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower.
Allopurinol is the recommended ongoing medication to prevent recurrent attacks. The NAIDS (Aspirin, Naproxen, Ibuprofen etc, help with the pain.
Colcrys, is a relatively new medication that replaces the 1400 year old remedy Colchicine... (IMO a very ugly story of sneaky Pharma manipulation that now raises the cost per pill from $.30 to $6... Make your own judgement).
Spotlight on Colchicine: The Colcrys Controversy - General Medicine Pushes annual treatment costs from under $25 to $1800 -$3600.
As far as I can see, Colcrys is Colchicine with FDA approval.
Anyway... this is the immediate treatment for an ongoing attack. Much more effective than the NSAIDS. Causes stomach distress and diarrhea, but beats the pain.
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Now, my own opinion... personal experience...
Had first attack about 10 years ago... Just went to Doctor, got the Colchicine, and in 2 days was fine. The second time came a year later. Didn't know about the causes before this, but started studying. Since that time, have had one or two mild attacks, but because I had the colchicine on hand, stopped them dead overnight.
In my case, I have determined the triggers to be shellfish, and the few times I have more than one of my 4PM 2oz Dry Martinis. From talking with others with the same predeliction, different strokes for different folks... YMMV.
My thinking for anyone starting out on this adventure, is to:
#1 when you feel the initial twinges coming on... be very careful of what you eat or drink, and take lots of water, which seems to help.
#2 obtain a prescription for the Colcrys and take as directed. A second recommendation here... Ask the doctor for enough to take you through another attack. Invariably Gout comes on at night, and probably on the doctors day off.
As far as I can see, it's a matter of diet. If your annual physical includes blood tests, ask to add the "uric acid" test. That should let you know if you're a potential victim.
Normal disclaimer... Am not a doctor, and have no medical training. This is just an opinion based on personal experience, and talking with those who have been fellow sufferers. Fingers crossed, no serious attack in years... Deepest sympathy for those who are afflicted.
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