Comments for Beating Gout http://www.beatinggout.com Stop gout pain forever! From the author of the #1 book on gout. Sat, 21 May 2011 11:07:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 Comment on Gout and the Sleep Apnea Connection by Burton Abrams http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/gout-and-the-sleep-apnea-connection/comment-page-1/#comment-2041 Burton Abrams Sat, 21 May 2011 11:07:34 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=188#comment-2041 A study has now been completed showing that the hypoxia of sleep apnea reduces kidney function. Thus, not only does sleep apnea cause more uric acid to be generated and fed into the blood and reduce its solubility in the blood, it also decreases its rate of removal from the blood. Increased influx, decreased efflux, and reduced storage capacity -- a perfect storm for the precipitation of the urate crystals which cause gout. Nocturnal hypoxia and loss of kidney function. Ahmed SB, Ronksley PE, Hemmelgarn BR, Tsai WH, Manns BJ, Tonelli M, Klarenbach SW, Chin R, Clement FM, Hanly PJ. PLoS One. 2011 Apr 29;6(4):e19029. A study has now been completed showing that the hypoxia of sleep apnea reduces kidney function. Thus, not only does sleep apnea cause more uric acid to be generated and fed into the blood and reduce its solubility in the blood, it also decreases its rate of removal from the blood. Increased influx, decreased efflux, and reduced storage capacity — a perfect storm for the precipitation of the urate crystals which cause gout.

Nocturnal hypoxia and loss of kidney function.

Ahmed SB, Ronksley PE, Hemmelgarn BR, Tsai WH, Manns BJ, Tonelli M, Klarenbach SW, Chin R, Clement FM, Hanly PJ.

PLoS One. 2011 Apr 29;6(4):e19029.

]]> Comment on Links by Paul http://www.beatinggout.com/links/comment-page-1/#comment-2009 Paul Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:17:42 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?page_id=118#comment-2009 It would be great if this site had a resources section. I came to the site hoping to find a pdf of the 'food pyramid for gout' (p76-77) that I could print and put on my fridge. I couldn't find this resource here. It would be a great thing to add for the future. It would be great if this site had a resources section. I came to the site hoping to find a pdf of the ‘food pyramid for gout’ (p76-77) that I could print and put on my fridge. I couldn’t find this resource here. It would be a great thing to add for the future.

]]> Comment on Top 10 Gout Myths by John Maher http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/top-10-gout-myths/comment-page-1/#comment-2008 John Maher Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:10:25 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=95#comment-2008 High Uric Acid levels AND low pH cause Gout. Body's pH is even lower when sleeping. A glass of water with a teaspoon of Baking Soda increases pH. Before bed for prevention, after 'bad' foods and during flare ups. I just learned this and have been improving the last 36 hrs after suffering the last 2 weeks. 1/18/11 0410hrs High Uric Acid levels AND low pH cause Gout. Body’s pH is even lower when sleeping. A glass of water with a teaspoon of Baking Soda increases pH. Before bed for prevention, after ‘bad’ foods and during flare ups. I just learned this and have been improving the last 36 hrs after suffering the last 2 weeks. 1/18/11 0410hrs

]]> Comment on Secondary Gout by Simon http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/secondary-gout/comment-page-1/#comment-2007 Simon Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:14:24 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=156#comment-2007 Hi Victor In your opinion does hyperuricemia cause the symptoms of metabolic syndrome or does having metabolic syndrome cause hyperuricemia? Does it also follow that if the former is the case then alluprinol would in effect "cure" metabolic syndrome, and if the latter is the case then diet and exercise would "cure" hyperuricemia, thereby negating he requirement for alluprinol? What are your thoughts? Regards Simon Hi Victor

In your opinion does hyperuricemia cause the symptoms of metabolic syndrome or does having metabolic syndrome cause hyperuricemia? Does it also follow that if the former is the case then alluprinol would in effect “cure” metabolic syndrome, and if the latter is the case then diet and exercise would “cure” hyperuricemia, thereby negating he requirement for alluprinol?

What are your thoughts?

Regards
Simon

]]> Comment on FDA Rejects New Gout Drug and Approve an Old One by Sesh R http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/08/fda-rejects-new-gout-drug-and-approve-an-old-one/comment-page-1/#comment-2006 Sesh R Sun, 26 Dec 2010 15:22:39 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=308#comment-2006 Victor, just bought and read your book. Well researched and collated I must say. After 9 years of dealing with this condition purely with occasional use of indomethacin during attacks and stayed away from probenecid and allopurinal, now am gloomy to my Dr. About using Uloric. Have a few more tests and reviews before he puts me on a regimen. Also got off indomethain as of last week end and went on .6 mg of Colchicine 12 hrs apart for dealing with latest attack. Slower than indomethain, but it is working. Your book equipped me to speak intelligently to my Dr. And forced him to explore all options, and all verifications necessary before choosing regimen. I had recently heard about nettle tea and it's effect. I am not one who believes in unprovent herbal approaches ..but have you heard or read up this? My research comes up with annectedal and unverified info about it. Btw.. I got your book on my Amazon kindle.. Thanks for selling through normal channels. Best regards Sesh Victor, just bought and read your book. Well researched and collated I must say. After 9 years of dealing with this condition purely with occasional use of indomethacin during attacks and stayed away from probenecid and allopurinal, now am gloomy to my Dr. About using Uloric. Have a few more tests and reviews before he puts me on a regimen. Also got off indomethain as of last week end and went on .6 mg of Colchicine 12 hrs apart for dealing with latest attack. Slower than indomethain, but it is working. Your book equipped me to speak intelligently to my Dr. And forced him to explore all options, and all verifications necessary before choosing regimen.

I had recently heard about nettle tea and it’s effect. I am not one who believes in unprovent herbal approaches ..but have you heard or read up this? My research comes up with annectedal and unverified info about it.

Btw.. I got your book on my Amazon kindle.. Thanks for selling through normal channels.

Best regards
Sesh

]]> Comment on Is Gout Dangerous? by Rahul K http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/is-gout-dangerous/comment-page-1/#comment-2005 Rahul K Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:07:46 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=125#comment-2005 My age is 36 years. I have been suffering from gout since last 10 years (one to two attacks per year on approximate basis. I have recently been diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease (2 years ago) and had undergone angioplasty (2 times-3 stents). Life has become miserable, I feel depressed and had spent lot of money on my disease, I am taking ecospirin, plavix for heart and one allupurinol daily for gout. My advice for gout patients is to take care of your heart, manage gout properly, avoid taking NSAIDS for long term basis. I think, apple is the natural pain killer during gout attacks, go on pure apple diet for 2-4 days, drink cider apple vinegar, this helps for me. My problem which I feels contributes to gout is eating junk food, not drinking adequate water etc. Thanks My age is 36 years. I have been suffering from gout since last 10 years (one to two attacks per year on approximate basis. I have recently been diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease (2 years ago) and had undergone angioplasty (2 times-3 stents). Life has become miserable, I feel depressed and had spent lot of money on my disease, I am taking ecospirin, plavix for heart and one allupurinol daily for gout. My advice for gout patients is to take care of your heart, manage gout properly, avoid taking NSAIDS for long term basis. I think, apple is the natural pain killer during gout attacks, go on pure apple diet for 2-4 days, drink cider apple vinegar, this helps for me. My problem which I feels contributes to gout is eating junk food, not drinking adequate water etc.
Thanks

]]> Comment on Is Gout Dangerous? by Jack Clark http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/is-gout-dangerous/comment-page-1/#comment-2003 Jack Clark Sat, 04 Dec 2010 11:47:53 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=125#comment-2003 Im also 22 years of age and had my first attack in May 2010. Since then ive had 6 major attacks, but the worst thing is, it never goes away. ive always got it. The swelling goes away but the pain is still there. Ive been to see a couple of docters, im just on naproxen and paracetamol. Im just at a wits end. I cant cope with it any more! im 22 for goodness sake! its ridiculas! i dont want to take a pill for the rest of my life but im worried that something else is going on really. Im a fit guy, play rugby 3 times a week, so i am heavy,nearly 100kgs. im also quite short, 175cm. However, this shouldnt have any effect surley, like i said, i play sports and stay away from garlic, onions, red meat etc. Please can you help me? Jack Im also 22 years of age and had my first attack in May 2010. Since then ive had 6 major attacks, but the worst thing is, it never goes away. ive always got it. The swelling goes away but the pain is still there. Ive been to see a couple of docters, im just on naproxen and paracetamol. Im just at a wits end. I cant cope with it any more! im 22 for goodness sake! its ridiculas! i dont want to take a pill for the rest of my life but im worried that something else is going on really. Im a fit guy, play rugby 3 times a week, so i am heavy,nearly 100kgs. im also quite short, 175cm. However, this shouldnt have any effect surley, like i said, i play sports and stay away from garlic, onions, red meat etc.
Please can you help me?
Jack

]]> Comment on Gout and the Sleep Apnea Connection by maggie banks http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/gout-and-the-sleep-apnea-connection/comment-page-1/#comment-2002 maggie banks Sat, 27 Nov 2010 06:54:05 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=188#comment-2002 Your theory that sleep apnea causes gout MUST be true! I have had tophi (urate crystal bone spurs) in my heels and great toe joints since I was a teenager! Why? I hiked and jogged---in great pain. I was not a drinker, nor a great meat eater, never overweight--but I had large tonsils and an misaligned jaw, which I later learned caused me to have an obstructed airway that made it difficult to get adequate oxygen while sleeping---until I would wake up, gasping for air. A recent sleep study said I had "mild apnea"---but my feet are so arthritic I can now barely walk, and I currently suffer from a stress fracture in one foot that never improved after surgery. It needs a joint replacement now. We need to be better informed before it is too late. No wonder I have had heightened blood pressure and other problems. I want to read more in your book. I am athletic but miserable because no doctor has properly diagnosed the relationship and treated me appropriately. I am grateful you published your findings. Your theory that sleep apnea causes gout MUST be true! I have had tophi (urate crystal bone spurs) in my heels and great toe joints since I was a teenager! Why? I hiked and jogged—in great pain. I was not a drinker, nor a great meat eater, never overweight–but I had large tonsils and an misaligned jaw, which I later learned caused me to have an obstructed airway that made it difficult to get adequate oxygen while sleeping—until I would wake up, gasping for air. A recent sleep study said I had “mild apnea”—but my feet are so arthritic I can now barely walk, and I currently suffer from a stress fracture in one foot that never improved after surgery. It needs a joint replacement now. We need to be better informed before it is too late. No wonder I have had heightened blood pressure and other problems. I want to read more in your book. I am athletic but miserable because no doctor has properly diagnosed the relationship and treated me appropriately. I am grateful you published your findings.

]]> Comment on Gout and the Sleep Apnea Connection by bradly @ natural gout treatment http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/gout-and-the-sleep-apnea-connection/comment-page-1/#comment-2001 bradly @ natural gout treatment Wed, 24 Nov 2010 04:30:32 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=188#comment-2001 Thanks for the great post about gout and sleep apnea. Your post brought up a lot of interesting points that I haven't thought about. I'm looking forward to reading a lot more of your site in the future. Thanks for the great post about gout and sleep apnea. Your post brought up a lot of interesting points that I haven’t thought about. I’m looking forward to reading a lot more of your site in the future.

]]> Comment on Alternative Medicine for Gout by linkon http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/alternative-medicine-for-gout/comment-page-1/#comment-1998 linkon Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:58:17 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=203#comment-1998 Your explanation makes logical and chemical sense.However taking 1200 mg of motrin 2-3 times per day literally guarantees that you will perforate your stomach. That amount of salt will increase your blood volume (dilute uric acid of course), increase your blood pressure, increase the work load on your heart, challenge the concentration ability of someone with marginal kidney function, lead to congestive heart failure and eventual death. Youll keep the gout attack away but you;ll be dead. Your explanation makes logical and chemical sense.However taking 1200 mg of motrin 2-3 times per day literally guarantees that you will perforate your stomach. That amount of salt will increase your blood volume (dilute uric acid of course), increase your blood pressure, increase the work load on your heart, challenge the concentration ability of someone with marginal kidney function, lead to congestive heart failure and eventual death. Youll keep the gout attack away but you;ll be dead.

]]> Comment on How to Stop a Gout Attack by linkon http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/how-to-stop-a-gout-attack/comment-page-1/#comment-1997 linkon Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:38:32 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=152#comment-1997 Although my uric acid level is 4.5 because i tale allopurinol 300mg/day.I'm shocked that I have a gout attack. Could it be the fried fish that I had for lunch? Although my uric acid level is 4.5 because i tale allopurinol 300mg/day.I’m shocked that I have a gout attack. Could it be the fried fish that I had for lunch?

]]> Comment on Questions Being Raised About the Importance of Diet on Gout by Gout Foods http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/08/questions-being-raised-about-the-importance-of-diet-on-gout/comment-page-1/#comment-1996 Gout Foods Mon, 13 Sep 2010 03:22:34 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=320#comment-1996 I have found that not all foods containing certain purine levels (high or low) affect all people in the same way. I read in an article recently that one person was fine drinking beer and eating red meats but suffered gout attacks shortly after drinking tea, so keeping a record of what is consumed and how it affects you personally is quite a sensible thing to do. I have found that not all foods containing certain purine levels (high or low) affect all people in the same way. I read in an article recently that one person was fine drinking beer and eating red meats but suffered gout attacks shortly after drinking tea, so keeping a record of what is consumed and how it affects you personally is quite a sensible thing to do.

]]> Comment on Uric Acid Levels and Gout by Linda O'Connor http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/05/uric-acid-levels-and-gout/comment-page-1/#comment-1995 Linda O'Connor Sun, 12 Sep 2010 17:21:36 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=252#comment-1995 do you know about the uric acid/glucose meters available in the UK? Would this be a good way to keep your acid levels monitored? Also, do you know any associations between gout and peripheral neuropathy? I have recently started with both and the allopurinol and colchicine make the neuropathy pain worse. Help! do you know about the uric acid/glucose meters available in the UK? Would this be a good way to keep your acid levels monitored? Also, do you know any associations between gout and peripheral neuropathy? I have recently started with both and the allopurinol and colchicine make the neuropathy pain worse. Help!

]]> Comment on Is Gout Dangerous? by shane http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/is-gout-dangerous/comment-page-1/#comment-1994 shane Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:36:46 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=125#comment-1994 Hi, I was diagnosed with gout about a year ago. I am a forty year old man. I have had probably 7 extremely painful attacks in the last year and the last one has caused both my arm muscles to ache along with the extremely painful big toe my knuckle joints are also hurting. Should I be concerned with the arm pain it seems to be extremely deep in the bones almost the big toe is the place I usually get it in. I have never taken any medication and have trying the black cherry and blueberry approach. My grandfather had gout also and he just did as I am doing lived with the pain. Any advise would be great. Thanks SHane Hi, I was diagnosed with gout about a year ago. I am a forty year old man. I have had probably 7 extremely painful attacks in the last year and the last one has caused both my arm muscles to ache along with the extremely painful big toe my knuckle joints are also hurting. Should I be concerned with the arm pain it seems to be extremely deep in the bones almost the big toe is the place I usually get it in. I have never taken any medication and have trying the black cherry and blueberry approach. My grandfather had gout also and he just did as I am doing lived with the pain. Any advise would be great. Thanks SHane

]]> Comment on The Truth About Homeopathy by debra http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/the-truth-about-homeopathy/comment-page-1/#comment-1993 debra Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:14:04 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=193#comment-1993 I too have tried homeopathy and thought it a waste because I never saw any improvement but my wallet is being drained. But my dog contracted Lyme's disease, tried antibiotics which she did not tolerate, and then tried the Ledum regimen. The first dose, wow, results. Any flare-up, we started the Ledum again and improvement. We were then sold. I used Apis once when I had no epipen and had gotten stung by a nest of yellow jackets in some ground ivy we were removing. I am allergic to yellow jackets and freaked out, called the hospital, took the apis, and took more apis, and more apis and I was fine. Still don't want to take any chances tho. So don't rule out homeopathy. Yes, the classical homeopaths you will spend a lot of money trying to find the one and only elusive remedy made for you and meanwhile you get worse and worse. I too have tried homeopathy and thought it a waste because I never saw any improvement but my wallet is being drained. But my dog contracted Lyme’s disease, tried antibiotics which she did not tolerate, and then tried the Ledum regimen. The first dose, wow, results. Any flare-up, we started the Ledum again and improvement. We were then sold. I used Apis once when I had no epipen and had gotten stung by a nest of yellow jackets in some ground ivy we were removing. I am allergic to yellow jackets and freaked out, called the hospital, took the apis, and took more apis, and more apis and I was fine. Still don’t want to take any chances tho. So don’t rule out homeopathy. Yes, the classical homeopaths you will spend a lot of money trying to find the one and only elusive remedy made for you and meanwhile you get worse and worse.

]]> Comment on New Study: Women with Gout at Much Higher Risk of Heart Attack by Home Gout Remedies http://www.beatinggout.com/2010/02/new-study-women-with-gout-at-much-higher-risk-of-heart-attack/comment-page-1/#comment-1992 Home Gout Remedies Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:42:01 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=331#comment-1992 Nice information on gout here. Hope to see more from you Nice information on gout here. Hope to see more from you

]]> Comment on How to Stop a Gout Attack by Dave http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/04/how-to-stop-a-gout-attack/comment-page-1/#comment-1991 Dave Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:26:50 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=152#comment-1991 Ah, well, I was prescribed colchicine last night in 0.6mg tablets for a then diagnosed case of gout and according to directions have been taking them every 2 hours for the last 18 hours, which would be 9 tablets and one shy of the 6mg limit per attack. There has been absolutely no benefit in terms of pain relief, and I am supposed to keep taking the other 51 tablets every two hours until there is either pain relief or diarrhea and then switch to 2 per day for two weeks. That would be a total of 60 tablets or 36mg of colchicine. I am now torn between stopping the medicine or continuing on with the prescription as outlined. I have no idea why I wasn't given a different med, as I am not currently diagnosed with any other disorder and have no known allergies to medication. Ah, well, I was prescribed colchicine last night in 0.6mg tablets for a then diagnosed case of gout and according to directions have been taking them every 2 hours for the last 18 hours, which would be 9 tablets and one shy of the 6mg limit per attack.

There has been absolutely no benefit in terms of pain relief, and I am supposed to keep taking the other 51 tablets every two hours until there is either pain relief or diarrhea and then switch to 2 per day for two weeks. That would be a total of 60 tablets or 36mg of colchicine.

I am now torn between stopping the medicine or continuing on with the prescription as outlined. I have no idea why I wasn’t given a different med, as I am not currently diagnosed with any other disorder and have no known allergies to medication.

]]> Comment on Uric Acid Levels and Gout by Rob Ladd http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/05/uric-acid-levels-and-gout/comment-page-1/#comment-1990 Rob Ladd Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:42:45 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=252#comment-1990 I have suffered from gout for 10 years. When the first sign of a gout flare was felt, I would immediately start Indomethicin to reduce the potential pain. I would then take that med as perscribed every 8 hours including at least 8 hours after the swelling had disappeared. After all this time I finally approached my physician with the concept of lowering Uric acid levels. I was perscribed Uloric one month ago. 3 or 4 days after commencing this regimen, I had a gout attack in the left elbow. This lasted 10 days. I expected gout flares from the information include with the Uloric. Immediately following the firs gout attack, my left ankle was attacked with migration of attacks then moving to my toes and side opposite of the initial attack on my ankle. Before this combined attack was complete, my right elbow suddenly developed a huge (baseball sized) fluid filled growth. This started two days ago with continual growth until aspirated yesterday. The aspirated fluid was full of Tophi crystals. All of this took place over thirty days use of Uloric. I was then advised by my physician to immediatly stop using Uloric and was perscribed Colchicine to be used alongside Indomethicin to help control the inflamation. I am nearly at my wits end while suffering still from multiple gout flares. I stopped drinking alcohol last November and have stopped consuming shell fish and lowered consumption of purine rich meats. I don't miss alcohol but sure do miss beef which is now down to once a week. The Uloric regimen was frightening as I had never before suffered from multiple simultaneous attacks. I try to convince myself to embrace the pain in a meditative sense. That doesn't always work. Thought I'd pass all this on. Regards, Rob Ladd I have suffered from gout for 10 years. When the first sign of a gout flare was felt, I would immediately start Indomethicin to reduce the potential pain. I would then take that med as perscribed every 8 hours including at least 8 hours after the swelling had disappeared. After all this time I finally approached my physician with the concept of lowering Uric acid levels. I was perscribed Uloric one month ago. 3 or 4 days after commencing this regimen, I had a gout attack in the left elbow. This lasted 10 days. I expected gout flares from the information include with the Uloric. Immediately following the firs gout attack, my left ankle was attacked with migration of attacks then moving to my toes and side opposite of the initial attack on my ankle. Before this combined attack was complete, my right elbow suddenly developed a huge (baseball sized) fluid filled growth. This started two days ago with continual growth until aspirated yesterday. The aspirated fluid was full of Tophi crystals. All of this took place over thirty days use of Uloric. I was then advised by my physician to immediatly stop using Uloric and was perscribed Colchicine to be used alongside Indomethicin to help control the inflamation. I am nearly at my wits end while suffering still from multiple gout flares. I stopped drinking alcohol last November and have stopped consuming shell fish and lowered consumption of purine rich meats. I don’t miss alcohol but sure do miss beef which is now down to once a week. The Uloric regimen was frightening as I had never before suffered from multiple simultaneous attacks. I try to convince myself to embrace the pain in a meditative sense. That doesn’t always work.

Thought I’d pass all this on. Regards, Rob Ladd

]]> Comment on Vitamin C and Gout by pjones http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/03/vitamin-c-and-gout/comment-page-1/#comment-1989 pjones Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:50:32 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/blog/?p=10#comment-1989 Hi Is there any concern with taking .6mg of Colchicine twice a day and taking 500mg of vitamin c each day? Thanks-PAT Hi
Is there any concern with taking .6mg of Colchicine twice a day and taking 500mg of vitamin c each day?

Thanks-PAT

]]> Comment on Uric Acid Levels and Gout by Brad http://www.beatinggout.com/2009/05/uric-acid-levels-and-gout/comment-page-1/#comment-1988 Brad Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:09:31 +0000 http://www.beatinggout.com/?p=252#comment-1988 I have personally had gout for 20+ years. I was diagnosed in my 30's with two different kidney diseases. The worst gout flares I've experienced in my life, I had to go to the ER for the pain. (Doctors don't really try to address the pain, only the underlying uric acid levels.) Anyway, both times my blood uric acid levels were normal or lower than 6mg/dl. Both times I was released and told to make an appt. with an orthopedic surgeon, because I must have injured myself and not been aware of it. I remind you, these were acute attacks where I was crying like a baby and my knee was as large as a cantaloupe. Waited the required week to get into an appt. without any pain medication. The ortho did needle aspirations because he actually believed me when I said I had not injured myself. Low and behold, Lab test concluded my fluid aspirations were indeed gout, very bad gout. Aspirated 2 times in 3 days and it looked like buttermilk. I'm told normal fluid should look like very light straw colored urine. The ortho stated he hates blood uric acid level because they are so inaccurate at showing a true attack of gout. You are doing a disservice by carrying on about the importance of blood uric acid levels! I have personally had gout for 20+ years. I was diagnosed in my 30′s with two different kidney diseases. The worst gout flares I’ve experienced in my life, I had to go to the ER for the pain. (Doctors don’t really try to address the pain, only the underlying uric acid levels.) Anyway, both times my blood uric acid levels were normal or lower than 6mg/dl. Both times I was released and told to make an appt. with an orthopedic surgeon, because I must have injured myself and not been aware of it. I remind you, these were acute attacks where I was crying like a baby and my knee was as large as a cantaloupe. Waited the required week to get into an appt. without any pain medication. The ortho did needle aspirations because he actually believed me when I said I had not injured myself. Low and behold, Lab test concluded my fluid aspirations were indeed gout, very bad gout. Aspirated 2 times in 3 days and it looked like buttermilk. I’m told normal fluid should look like very light straw colored urine. The ortho stated he hates blood uric acid level because they are so inaccurate at showing a true attack of gout. You are doing a disservice by carrying on about the importance of blood uric acid levels!

]]>