May 24th lunchbox
BREAKFAST: Was in the gym at 6.44am this morning.... first time in a month. Returned to have a swell bowl of Cornflakes with semi-skimmed milk. THE WALK to WORK THE rain and wind tested by umbrella handing skills to the limit this morning. Down the Taff Trail and the home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, Sophia Gardens, was looking particularly sad this morning. A cyclist waved as she passed me on the trail, turned out to be work colleague Anna Morrell . She later explained how she dreads passing pedestrians on the trail sporting i-Pods... good to get a cyclist perspective for a change! THE lunchbox: 1 plum 1 organic banana. 4 chicken sandwiches on granary bread 1 Toffee flavoured Muller Light Yoghurt 1 slice of Chocolate Crunch made by Plugs of Trumpton PLEASE don't panic it's only a fire drill! Was feeling rather hungry this morning on the account of being all macho and going to the gym at such an early hour. Chocolate Crunch went first, followed by the banana and then t
Comments
Have you (a) tried Colchicine when the attack starts (tiny tablets derived from a crocus - and may give you the runs if you take too many - but very effective!) and (b) long term use of allopurinol - 300mg tablet per day (for life!) - reduces uric acid crystal build up
I'm your age, suffered dreadfully and now no attack for over a year.
If your condition is hereditary then this may not be 'enough' to clear all attacks, but it could well reduce their severity and regularity.
If I'm out of order, my apologies, delete!
Last attack was Christmas, but I've had tender knees, toes ankles, ever since.
I had specially made insoles from a podiatrist, but stopped wearing them a year back. Perhaps that might help with the aches and pains if I reintroduce?
Not tried colchicine, but have a bucket full of diclofenac, which were prescribed.
Don't want to go down the drug a day route at the moment
Just kinda of hoping it will go away, but have a feeling its here for the duration.
But perhaps I should see my doctor and have colchicine on standby for the next attack? Would a doctor do that?
Thanks again
Sion
Have you (a) tried Colchicine when the attack starts (tiny tablets derived from a crocus - and may give you the runs if you take too many - but very effective!) and (b) long term use of allopurinol - 300mg tablet per day (for life!) - reduces uric acid crystal build up
Doctors leaving comments on Blogs probably frowned on so I will stay anonymous - remember (sorry - patronising) check this out with your GP. I just like reading your crazy blog!
(i) Yes - colchicine can be prescribed for 'stand by' in cases of gout. The old advice used to be 'take 1 tablet every 1/2 hr until the on set of "tummy troubles" - that put people off (but did clear the gout in very many cases!) - so we now prescribe about 4 per day'. Discuss it with your GP - it might not work in your case, but worth a try. It is only used to clear the immediate attacks though.
(ii) You are wise to be reluctant to go down the drug a day route - BUT - allopurinol is an incredibly stable drug. There are numerous long term studies (both here and in the states) that show few if any side effects. It is not a steroid and nowhere near as potent as diclo (which is really only for pain and inflamation relief). The drug reduces uric acid build up and therefore the crystals that get into your joints and cause gout. If you are having 'swollen or painful' joints for more than a few days it suggests the gout is caused by this and uric acid needs to be reduced. Of course it is not a guarantee - you can stop it after a year or so and see where things have got to. Some people get a mild rash but that is rare. I would strongly recommend you discuss this with your GP. (Some times taking allopurinol can bring on a gout attack in the very early days, so it is best to start colchicine and allopurinol together and then gradually stop the former after about three days.
Hope this is helpful