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After having seen several doctors over the years in the US and not getting any good advice as to what my problem has been, I decided to research this online. I have been reading Gout Pal as a guest for about three weeks and have learned much. I have done other research as well. I live in Costa Rica and just received my serum acid level results today. I was elated that it was 3.0. I have been taking 300 mg, Allopurinol for about 10 days. I will see a doctor in March after I become part the state medical system here, but in the meantime I decided to be proactive and help myself.
Both of my ankles have been paining me since 1991 and I didn't really think there was much I could do other than what an osteopath told me I could get an ankle fusion, take medication, or use an ankle brace. He really didn't tell me what was wrong with my ankles other than after showing me my xrays, he said, “Those ankles just don't look very good.” It never occurred to me that my condition might be gout. During the period from 2002 when I saw this doctor and until just about 3 months ago, I have been suffering with this with the help of ibuprofen. I am heartened that there is a cure for me.
After doing research and viewing pictures online of other people's ankles, my ankles look exactly like the gout ankles. My feeling of walking on needles and glass also matches my research. I stumbled on Gout Pal by accident and I do appreciate all of the information and useful advice. I really think that my pain is getting better after starting the Allopurinol. Also about three months ago I discontinued my use of alcohol and red meat. I eat very little meat of any kind anymore, and eat lots of fruits, veggies, beans and rice and maybe a few too many sweets. I really enjoy the delicious Costa Rican coffee and was glad to hear coffee is good for gout.
I think I'm correct with my diagnosis. Does Gout Pal have any insight this?
Unfortunately, I did not test the uric acid level before starting the Allopurinol. I checked with the lab here and the scale is mg/dl. In March when I get on the medical plan here I will ask the doctor to take a sample from my ankles to see about the crystal deposits.
3.0 mg/dl is what everyone is probably looking for. Will I still experience pain for a long time while the crystals are dissolving? I have had this condition since 1992, but it has gotten progressively worse since 2002. I appreciate your concern.
Yes, they are all looking for 3.0mg/dL – that, or love (sorry, I'm increasingly, festively giddy
).Pain is not a necessity for you now. It might happen, but the chances are much less than they would be if uric acid level had remained higher. Let us hope by March that your doctor cannot find any crystals.
Relief,
A 3.0 uric acid (very low) even after 10 days of allopurinol tends to point AWAY from gout. Check back in your records or call your old doctors. One of them MUST have run a uric acid it you were complaining about ankle pain. This number will make or break your gout diagnosis.
You do NOT want to take allopurinol for the rest of your life is there is any doubt about the diagnosis.
(An alternative is to get some colchicine and run a trial to see if it dramatically cuts your foot pain. It is rather ineffective for anything except gout so it tends to aid in a gout diagnosis.)
Thank you Zip for your reply,
It would not be possible to check with the doctors in the past, but I do have twenty, .5mg Colchicine tablets on hand. Do you suggest to stop the Ibuprofen and do a trial run? I'm still taking about 800mg of Ibuprofen a day.
How would you suggest going about this test? I might as well use up the Colchicine tablets because I can't return them. Before I started the Allopurinol, I took 4 Colchicine tablets a day for a 3 day period, didn't seem to help the pain. I would be willing to use up the other tablets according to your advice on how to go about it.
Thank you, and have a very merry holday!
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