Any suggestions for treating gout?

[Enthusiast]

I have a history of gout. But I have been gout free for several years.

The last time I had a severe long lasting gout event I went on Allopurinol. I had been on Allopurinol but quit it after it started to irritate my throat. Last time I had gout for over a month. So I quit the allopurinol and got better.

So, no more allopurinol for me.

Because of a damaged gut due to a severe gluten sensitivity issue I can no longer take NSAIDs.

I have been taking colchicine. Today they recommend only three pills per day. I used to take enough that it had to be considered an overdose. Colchicine isn't getting it done either, but unlike the NSAIDs, I am not having internal bleeding issues.

For pain I'm taking as few vicodin as I can by with.

The worst problem is the gout is in my left hand. Anything and everything hurts my hand. Good thing I'm right handed. This typing hurts very bad. Washing my hand is very difficult. I went almost a week without a shower because I could not lather myself.

Anything? I would greatly appreciate anything.

[Warpy]

1. You didn't mention diet

Drugs are a poor substitute for a low purine diet, especially while you're in a flare.

Yes, it's a boring diet and you can't have any beer, at all.

[Enthusiast]

2. Thanks, Warpy.

I already follow a diet pretty low in purines because my history of gout is long and gruesome. And I already can't have beer due to the gluten problem. Oh, yes, I'm thoroughly miserable. Thank you much.

[Warpy]

4. Then I don't know what else to tell you

except some of the clinical trials are at http://www.healthguideinfo.com/arthritis-surgery-treatments/p65823/

You might try the allopurinol again for a week or so, just to see if it will cool this flare off a little before you start noticing the nasty side effects. There is a newer drug that lowers the body's production of uric acid. The drug is still on patent and probably expensive, but ask the doc, anyway. You might be able to tolerate it better than allopurinol, the patent name is Uloric.

The only other thing I can suggest is a short course of steroids, something to discuss with your doctor. They can be by pill or a shot and work well with colchicine.

I don't know if you have the G6PD deficiency. If you don't, maybe pegloticase would be an option. It's on patent and usually given by infusion every 2 weeks, so it would cost a fortune. The good thing is that it bypasses your GI system. It's used for gout that doesn't respond to the gold standard of allopurinol and colchicine.

My mother had gout but was lucky enough to control it by diet and NSAIDS.

[Enthusiast]

6. Thanks, Warpy.

My doctor gave me samples of Uloric last time. The results were inconclusive.

I looked up G6PD deficiency. I don't think I have that particular issue. Now I can look up pegloticase.

You are so knowledgeable, Warpy.

I think I better take a second vicodin.

[libodem]

3. I've heard it's horrible

Somebody told me the vibration of shutting the back door hurt her clear in the bedroom. And That The Sheets hurt. Warpy is right about the diet. No red meat or whiskey for you. Does heat or cold help?

What about topical compounds? Would they prescribe those lidocaine sheets for something like that? Just throwing out ideas. Best of luck.

( I soak in my tub with Epsom salts when the muscle relaxers aren't effective)

[Enthusiast]

5. Thanks, libodem.

I have some lidocaine sheets right here. I'll put one on just to try.

My wife has a fan on in the other room on low speed. The air from the fan hurts my hand even with a dose of pain medication.

[polichick]

7. No experience with it, but in researching iodine...

I came across stories of people who treated gout with natural sources of iodine (not table salt with iodine added).

[Enthusiast]

8. Thank you, polichick.

I will check into iodine.

I meant to post a follow up. The gout has mostly subsided. Probably due to the use of colchicine. Colchicine, derived from a crocus bulb, is a natural anti-inflamation agent. But it is poison in larger doses.

[polichick]

9. I'm so glad you're feeling better...

Never heard of colchicine - very interesting.

I was surprised to read that many people are lacking iodine, and that it's needed for so many functions in the body. It was good to find that iodine and a whole bunch of other trace minerals are present in the Himalayan salt I like. Who knew?!

[otohara]

10. Magnesium Chloride

in oil (magnesium chloride flakes and water) aka Transdermal Magnesium Therapy
http://www.ancient-minerals.com/transdermal-magnesium/how-topical/


Gout is calcium build up and magnesium will breakdown the calcium.

Squirt some in your water and drink throughout the day too, it does wonder for heartburn and will speed up your magnesium levels.

Do it everyday for the rest of your life.

I make my own with flakes/water - super concentrated.

[Enthusiast]

11. Thank you, otohara.

I'll check into the transdermal magnesium.

[ohheckyeah]

12. If you don't have high blood pressure or fluid retention problems,

I know someone who drinks 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 8 oz. of water. I'm told it gives quick relief. Maximum you should take is 4 teaspoons in divided doses.

[Enthusiast]

13. Thanks, ohheckyeah. Unfortunately I have a major problem with high BP.

I take three different meds per day dealing with the BP. No wonder I'm screwed up.

[ohheckyeah]

14. Sorry -

baking soda is full of sodium. I'm dealing with a number of issues, the newest being my blood pressure decided to go sky high.

[Enthusiast]

15. Maybe someday we will find a natural cure for high BP.

[Herself]

16. natural Cure for gout

Apple Cider Vinegar.

1 tbsp in glass of water. if not gone within an hour. repeat.

Veteran buddy of mine just tried it. I bet him 20 bucks, and yes he owes me 20 bucks.

I was given the remedy when i was traveling in Europe. I called home to get it from a friend that has all the "old country" remedies. When I eat too many lobsters in a week, I get gout.. Works every time.

[unapatriciated]

17. add cherry juice to apple cider vinegar and

you have a nice little cocktail for combating gout.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/803289