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GP You must get fed up with people who have to self diagnose!
What a bout a protocol for all , like-
Get what MAY be gout.
See Doc. GET Blood test. Script for Colch.
If Colch works, It's probably gout. Modify to better diet ,if not wanting to take meds in future.
See the attack through and get AlloP- in reserve ,or start taking it @ 100mg then & increase to 300 in steps, if OK with it.
If not started AP by next attack- than expect go on struggling-UNLESS your SUA is now down[retest] and making progress on diet, SLOW weight loss, lifestyle etc. Start AlloP as previously.
If no attack presents -get a SUA re-test in a few months anyway, to check progress.
It will add focus and give encouragement , hopefully!
Just a few thoughts ….
[PS Please relocate post if needed.]
No, I do not get fed up with people who have to self diagnose. As long as respect is shown, and people are asking gouty questions, then that is what this entire forum is all about. And if it's not gout related, there is the general section.
I have long thought of a protocol along the lines that you suggest. Trouble is, people arrive here from many, many different avenues, and it would get too complicated methinks. There might be some mileage in a few different “protocols” – e.g. one for new to gout over 40, one for had gout for over 10 years, but never done anything about it.
Trouble is, there ends up being too many things, so I've settled for a simple “What is your uric acid level? OK let's do something to lower it approach”
I do, however think a doctor-patient protocol would be a good idea. Covering the key points of diagnosis, initial care and ongoing support, it might help make it clear that gout management is a lifelong commitment by both the gout patient and his/her medical team.
Back to the starter question of making me fed up.
Posting in the wrong forum is a bit annoying, but easy to move if I catch it early. If I do not, and people have started replying to the post, then there is not much I can do about it. But if people are happy to discuss something in the “wrong” topic, then who am I to argue. I often think the forum divisions are a bit meaningless – maybe we should just have one big forum where anyone can say what they want. Anyway, this “please help my gout” place is a good place for the undecided. Not sure where to post? Just stick it in here.
Next up on the annoying list is overuse of abbreviations and acronyms. It must be a nightmare sometimes for people who are new to the forum. Whatever happened to the rules that were drilled into me at school. Only use abbreviations where they are commonplace, and introduce them properly at the first use (so if there is only one instance, they remain pointless distractions). I deal with this by trying to use everyday language when replying to posts in the hope that it will clarify the original to other readers. I am not a General Practitioner.
Next is wandering off topic. Not too bad if all outstanding points have been well and truly covered, but if someone is still waiting for an answer then it must be annoying for them. It's annoying for me, but I deal with it by shrugging my shoulders.
Final thing that gets me fed up (unless I think of another whilst typing) is people who write entire posts in CAPITALS. I thought I'd got over this by having a sleep, but no.
Oh, I thought there'd be another. The thing that really truly is beginning to get the better of me (and may account for some temperamental outbursts) is this slooooow computer of mine. I simply cannot work out what is wrong with it. The good news is that Mrs GoutPal is dropping serious hints that Santa Claus may soon be coming to my rescue. Ho Ho Ho
Happy at last.Interesting to read your comments GP.
I don't like your selected title much- but agree gout is a personal path, in many ways.
'Suggested Gout Protocol – Ideas pending' would have done me!
I post a quick response just to clarify a point that may have been misread.
My point about you getting fed up wasn't about the post,as such, but the fact that it's so hard to get a decent medical diagnosis so many times, as illustrated. Thus forcing self diagnosis !
This reflects seriously into how the illness develops, responds and how the sufferer handles it.
Hence my follow up with an idea that people could check against a protocol and then come forward with a diagnosis and blood test figures, ALSO- pushing the responsibility back where it belongs, the personal Doctor !
Excellent topic title – you know where the Add new topic is (and I'm more than happy to close or delete this one, if asked).
I think your doctor has responsibility to act as professionally as possible. The very fact that some fall short means that we also have responsibility to learn about our own health.
For sure, when you are lying crippled, you can blame the doctors. Far better to take some responsibility back, and check some of the basics yourself (I got flamed for saying something like this earlier, but can't remember the details. This is my general opinion, not aimed at anyone in particular)
The adage “Doctors bury their mistakes” is old enough to suggest that at least the responsibility for selecting a good doctor must always remain with the patient.
Such is your grasp Keith ! -that I thought you could rename this one, or I can restart it -if that is easier.
I know you have a lot to keep up with on here.
On the issue of health awareness -A little knowledge is said to be dangerous- but only if mis-applied.
I can see that an in depth system to cover all cases would get too convoluted , on this basis, as you mention.
'Protocol' is the wrong word- 'General Approach to Gout' may be better. Some Doctors would welcome self responsibilty, some may feel threatened by it!
Individuals are responsible for their own well being but often pass this on to third parties- maybe they're even encouraged in this, by social custom and habit.
Equally, when seeking advice from fellow sufferers, it is the readers responsibility to gauge comments and ideas to suit themselves.
BTW- If you've tried to change Drs. in the UK – you'll know it's not at all straightforward.
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