Determining my uric acid level

[Al O’Purinol]

This discussion about diy uric acid blood tests is now closed. Please see my Uric Acid Test Kit page. If you still have questions about testing your own uric acid levels, please start a new discussion.

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Hi,

I have suffered from gout for about 4 years now, and have just discovered this forum.

I notice many people commenting are very aware of their U A level. I am not, and would like to know how, and if, I can measure it myself, and how frequently does it change, daily/weekly/monthly?

Also i have noticed a considerable reduction in my lower joint mobility combined with a lot of pain, during the last couple of years, I do tend to drink 2-4 pints of real ale daily with the odd glass or 2 of red wine through the week.

I have a physical job as an Electrician, eat a reasonable diet with no exceptions, am approx 5' 9″ and weigh 14  1/2 stone.

Can you offer me some guidance please?

Thanks

[KeithTaylor]

I firmly believe it is the doctors job to give you adequate uric acid testing.

If you really want to do it yourself, then see how to buy your own uric acid test kit. Please note that this is a scientific instrument, and you have to take a methodical approach. The hardest part is getting a consistent sample. It helps to practice getting the blood droplet before you test, but be prepared for inaccuracies for the first few tests.

The next bit is as hard for me as it is for you, but there is a strong association between gout and Body Mass Index (BMI). None of us likes to be told, but your BMI reading puts you just into the obese range (see calculator on my excess calories and gout page). The target for gout sufferers who want to remove the weight risk is the low end of the normal range – just over 9 stone in your case. Weight loss needs to be gradual, as the pounds you lose are a rich source of uric acid and rapid weight loss is a known gout cause.

Weight loss is probably the most significant non-medical intervention you can make. Avoid excess iron. Purine control might give the slight extra boost if you are still borderline after those two.

Other important lifestyle options are to gradually increase exercise capacity (a little more each day) and always stay hydrated with regular tea, coffee, skim milk and water. 500mg vitamin C per day reduces excess uric acid – I believe this is best from fruit and juice, but I haven't studied the logistics yet.

[zip2play]

stu-pod,

First thing to do is to get a baseline uric acid measurement at your doctor. Nothing is more important than that first step (try to get a fasting sample in the morning.)

[Keith Taylor (GoutPal Admin)]

This discussion about diy uric acid blood tests is now closed. Please see my Uric Acid Test Kit page. If you still have questions about testing your own uric acid levels, please start a new discussion.

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