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Oct 24, 2009
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Hi,

First post on the forum... I've recently been diagnosed as having gout. A little history: I'm 45 years old, fit (still cycle 250+ miles /week), used to be a reasonable amateur, I'm not overweight, don't drink alcohol much and my diet is good.

I have had problems with tendons under the arch of my feet for a number of years. I recently had severe pain under the arch of my foot and was sent for a MRI scan that showed no soft tissue problems. An x-ray showed no structural problems. This led to blood tests and the gout diagnosis.

Now I have been put straight onto a drug called Allopurinol after seeing a specialist rheumatologist but I'm feeling rubbish on these drugs - I'm also concerned about some of the side effects.

Are there any cyclist gout sufferers on here that could advise me what course of action you have taken to stop gout flare-ups? Do you take any natural supplements?

Thanks,

Monty
 
Jul 28, 2009
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I have no experience to offer simply to say the Pharma industry is staggeringly huge, doctors have it hammered into them during their indoctrinati...err I mean education, that drugs are the only way, anything they might know outside of that sphere is purely from their own experience or research (tacitly discouraged). There is also an academic network providing research support for Pharmaceutical claims. Peas in a pod.

If there is no medical history in your family it's possibly simply a case of discovering for yourself what aspect of your environment is causing the problem. Of course you're not supposed to do that you're supposed to just take your pills and stfu, but it's your body so it's up to you.

Typically the answer lies hidden in an assumption, for example "it can't be my diet I have a 'good' diet" etc on that note, these are the foods that contain Purine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purine#Food_sources

Nothing I have said requires a reply, I am not interested whether you agree or not it's simply for you to think about or dismiss.
 
Oct 24, 2009
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Although you said your post does not need a reply - I'd like to say thanks for taking the time to reply.

I don't want to take drugs - an absolute last resort! No family history of gout and a low purine diet.

Thanks,

M
 
Oct 25, 2009
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I suffer from gout attacks and I experience constant pain in my left foot which I have gradually become used to. Just recently I had a pretty severe attack (severe enough to remain incapacitated for 24 hours). During these times I have to rely on drugs to reduce the symptoms however I try to get by without them. Colchicine is a very effective drug and I find that I can take it for about 24 hours before any adverse reaction to the drug. Indomethacin is great for reducing the inflammation however this is also a very dangerous drug.

I have discovered that my gout attacks are usually brought on by a state of dehydration. The weather has just recently started to warm up here and obviously that means more sweating while riding and requires extra hydration. Unfortunately the last week I have neglected the h2o and paid the price.

There is some evidence to suggest that cherry juice and celery seed extract reduces uric acid levels for some people, having said that, my father has high levels of uric acid but has only had one gout attack in his life. I think the medical profession is still a little unsure about what exactly causes gout.

So for natural prevention, I suggest keeping hydrated, staying clear of foods high in purines and trying natural products like cherry juice. You won't know what works for you until you try a few things.
 
Oct 25, 2009
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MontyW --I developed the odd gout attack at about your age.

No matter what I tried food/diet wise they seemed to recur, albeit infrequently, when least expected and wanted e.g. on cycling trips (try one footed pedalling for any distance!). Whilst there is a hereditary connection, dehydration is the only factor which I have been able to point to. I resisted Allupurinol for ages but since I have succumbed (I still hate the idea of it) I have not had a problem - fortunately or otherwise it is not a PED nor have I noticed side effects.

Good luck whichever way.
 
Oct 24, 2009
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Quagmire - thanks for the reply and advice on cherry and celery supplements.

Nearly - thanks for the comments on Allupurinol.

As I type this, I have some knee pain and I suspect it is gout and I have not hydrated sufficiently in the last two days. I guess I really need to sort out my hydration!

Monty
 
Jun 9, 2009
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The chance of your knee pain being related to gout is pretty small. The uric acid crystals that infiltrate the joints in a person suffering from gout do so primarily in the distal joints of the extremities. Uric acid crystals are heavy, so they tend to be concentrated in the large toe or thumbs.

As for management of gout, it will require a change in lifestyle. NO red meat. NO red wine. These foods are high in purines which lead to a higher uric acid concentration.

Movement and heat are good. Improved blood circulation to the extremities will help flush uric acid out the system.
 
Aug 6, 2009
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I thought it was no alcohol rather than just picking on red wine.

Other than the pain, the other issue with gout is that recurrent attacks can lean to joint damage, destruction and deformity (commonly manifested as gouty tophi), that may requiresurgery. This may seriously effect your cycling. So as with all things you have to have a discussion with your doctor regarding the risk/benefits of treatment in terms of long term outcomes.

Why not return to your doctor with your concerns and ask about other things you can do and that you are not happy to take medications. Who knows he may not be as indoctrinate as some people seem to think.
 
Aug 4, 2009
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I have not had it for a while but I dont drink red wine or any wine for that matter No asprin or asprin based meds either .
Alpurinol or Zyloprim is deadly look it up on Google.

Drink enough fluid while riding and stay with Beer or whisky check any other drugs that Dr gave you also make sure they dont have dieuretic effects.
 
Oct 24, 2009
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Hi Brian,

I seem to have my "gout" under control, but I am not 100% certain I have gout even though I presented with high uric acid levels. I say this, as on a few occasions recently I have been for meals that should have caused my gout to flare up! Such as venison in a red wine and port sauce - washed down with a nice bottle of red...

For what ever reason I have been pain free for some time.

I researched Alpurinol and will avoid like the plague!

All the best,

Monty