Gout, Allopurinol and lifestyle
Discussion
Several months ago I had what was believed to be an attack of Gout in my big toe.
Saw the doctor, got given Naproxen, rode it out for 2 weeks or so and it got better. I was scheduled to have a blood test, which was then cancelled due to Covid.
I had the blood test this week, and my uric acid levels are high. Doctor has instantly prescribed Allopurinol and I'm sitting here looking at the box wondering whether to take them (for life).
My issue is that I've had one gout attack. Shouldn't the first treatment be lifestyle changes, and better hydration or should I just take the tablets? Everything I've read says that Allopurinol should be prescribed for regular gout attacks...I'm not sure 1 counts? Does it?
Saw the doctor, got given Naproxen, rode it out for 2 weeks or so and it got better. I was scheduled to have a blood test, which was then cancelled due to Covid.
I had the blood test this week, and my uric acid levels are high. Doctor has instantly prescribed Allopurinol and I'm sitting here looking at the box wondering whether to take them (for life).
My issue is that I've had one gout attack. Shouldn't the first treatment be lifestyle changes, and better hydration or should I just take the tablets? Everything I've read says that Allopurinol should be prescribed for regular gout attacks...I'm not sure 1 counts? Does it?
Edited by cbmotorsport on Tuesday 14th July 16:02
Thanks for the replies. I'm just concerned that I've had one attack and seem to have been given the treatment for persistent sufferers. I also don't like the idea of being on it for life.
Perhaps I'm kidding myself that I won't have another one, and should just take them to control my levels.
Perhaps I'm kidding myself that I won't have another one, and should just take them to control my levels.
fat80b said:
It depends - I started getting attacks over 10 years ago and it got to the point where I was having one every 3 months or so. At their peak, I'd be in pain for 4 or 5 days and unable to walk for maybe 2 days. I wanted to try and figure out what was triggering the attacks for me so I could do something about it. Going straight on AP means that you won't ever know.
I have painkillers / anti-inflammatory on prescription and can feel when it is coming and pop a few as a pre-emptive response which does allow me to manage it fairly well. Tends to come on at bedtime and if I take a pill it can be gone by the morning.
For me & over time, the number of attacks have reduced significantly and the impact of them has also reduced. It seems to be something I can now manage and I'm not entirely sure why. I haven't really changed diet although I've tried changing all sorts and often forget to drink enough water. I've never been convinced there is any link to what I've eaten and attacks coming on having kept food diaries and the like. I've also had massive weekends / stag do's etc and it seems random as to whether I get an attack afterwards or not.
In my case, I'm glad I didn't go down the AP route as it's now manageable (with water and pain killers) - I'd at least try and see if you can manage it without the need for a pill every day.
I think this is the route I'm going to take. I know that my biggest issue is not drinking enough water. I'm a chef and can do a 12 hr shift and pretty much forget to drink, unless it's handed to me....not good. I have painkillers / anti-inflammatory on prescription and can feel when it is coming and pop a few as a pre-emptive response which does allow me to manage it fairly well. Tends to come on at bedtime and if I take a pill it can be gone by the morning.
For me & over time, the number of attacks have reduced significantly and the impact of them has also reduced. It seems to be something I can now manage and I'm not entirely sure why. I haven't really changed diet although I've tried changing all sorts and often forget to drink enough water. I've never been convinced there is any link to what I've eaten and attacks coming on having kept food diaries and the like. I've also had massive weekends / stag do's etc and it seems random as to whether I get an attack afterwards or not.
In my case, I'm glad I didn't go down the AP route as it's now manageable (with water and pain killers) - I'd at least try and see if you can manage it without the need for a pill every day.
I'll cut down my booze intake and make a real effort to drink more water, if I then get flare ups while being a good boy, I'll maybe take the Allopurinol.
Thank you for all the replies, particularly the Doctors. Your comments about it being systemic and not necessarily manifesting as gout made me think, so I've opted to take the drugs and so far they're not disagreeing with me.
I'll see how I go, and hopefully my levels will drop.
Thanks!
I'll see how I go, and hopefully my levels will drop.
Thanks!
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