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I’ve read the different posts about people using the test meters. I have good insurance and get a uric acid test about monthly with my rheumatologist. So it’s not a question about money. I just wonder if I should be doing more frequent testing. To see if I can understand if different activities are changing my UA levels.
I’ve had 2 major flare-ups the last 6 weeks even though my lab tests have showed UA of 4.5 and 4.9. So, I don’t know if that’s just flare-ups. Because I’m still cleaning up old crystal deposits (have only been on UA lowering meds for 2 months– and was running 9-10 UA levels for at least a year before that). Or if the flare-ups are due to some temporary increase in UA in between lab tests.
I don’t want to bother buying the uric acid tester if it would still show low levels even during a flare-up. Because that wouldn’t really tell me anything.
For answers to uric acid home tester questions, join the Uric Acid Meter Discussions.david,
I don't have one and I would base my recommendation on whether or not you are medicating your gout. If taking allopurinol or Uloric I would say don't waste your money.
But if you are trying to control your gout with diet than I think a tester is a good idea.
David- I have a uric acid meter and find it useful finding what my body is doing relative to diet etc.
I don't use it much now things have settled down well. As I don't get attacks or any real pain I am now sensitive to twinges occurring. These can appear in injury sites recently taken [on both feet ]and never a position of gout, which is interesting.
As the UA levels do zoom about somewhat -an average level is more meaningful, and that is exactly what I feel my body is telling me.
With higher levels of UA, or getting pain, this would be more critical- and the meter earning its keep far more, but one never knows with gout when a meter may be needed to clear up a pending problem with diet, dosage of meds & fluid balance etc.
Fluid intake is the first 'upper' to try, then drop off any alcohol -then 'BBB' if niggles persist.This has worked for some months, but knowing where levels are moving is helpful.
If cost is no problem then practice using the meter makes it easier when you need to do it in earnest.
There are better uses for your money. I always say that home test meters are not necessary where you have a responsible gout care provider, and yours seems better than most.
The flares are almost certainly the result of old uric acid crystals dissolving. When this happens, there is a possibility (not certainty) that partially dissolved crystals can cause a gout flare.
Gout pain is not caused by “sharp” or “needle-like” crystals stimulating nerve responses. It is caused by an immune reaction. Just like a virus, your white blood cells (WBC) attack microscopic uric acid crystals. As they are trying to kill the crystals, they send out messages for more reinforcements. The combination of message signals and fighting WBCs is what gives gout its exquisite pain. At least with flu, there is some respite as the virus cells are killed, but gout continues until sufficient WBCs have isolated all the uric acid crystals.
This leaves clusters of protein-wrapped uric acid crystals of varying sizes. Most times, the lower uric acid concentration encourages crystals to dissolve unnoticed. However, a larger cluster might not get chance to dissolve between the protein coating falling off, and the immune system recognizing its old enemy.
I firmly believe that all a uric acid meter will tell you is that you are experiencing a flare during low uric acid concentration. Had you seen test results in the 5 to 6 range, I might think differently, but even then, a dose increase would produce a much better result than over-testing.
GoutPal said:
Gout pain is not caused by “sharp” or “needle-like” crystals stimulating nerve responses. It is caused by an immune reaction. Just like a virus, your white blood cells (WBC) attack microscopic uric acid crystals. As they are trying to kill the crystals, they send out messages for more reinforcements. The combination of message signals and fighting WBCs is what gives gout its exquisite pain. At least with flu, there is some respite as the virus cells are killed, but gout continues until sufficient WBCs have isolated all the uric acid crystals.
This leaves clusters of protein-wrapped uric acid crystals of varying sizes. Most times, the lower uric acid concentration encourages crystals to dissolve unnoticed. However, a larger cluster might not get chance to dissolve between the protein coating falling off, and the immune system recognizing its old enemy.
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GP nice description. Almost like a great battle scene
I am in conflict to what most people say. In my opinion, the best investment I made in my gout treatment is the SUA meter. I have been using it for many months and now I can almost feel the sensations in my toe and guess the SUA levels. Whenever I feel unusual hot feelings in the toe area e.g. sharp pain swings, my SUA levels are on higher side of my range( 4.5 to 5.0)….after the things settle down, the SUA levels fall back to 3.5 to 4.0.
Now with almost knowing the levels based on the sensations in the foot, it gives me so much peace of mind that I do not care about these pain or burning sensations any longer. Cost wise, 200 Dollars is hardly any cost to the benefits and peace of mind it gives. I personally would not mind or think twice spending for such a device.
Everyone has got right to differ on the views but I firmly believe if you can afford, go for it. Unless you use it, you can't even imagine the benefits of it. It is like trying to tell how the meat tastes to a vegetarian person…unless you eat, you can't.
Yeah, I agree it's a good investment. Without my uric acid tester at home, I wouldn't have been able to educate myself about the huge difference water intake has on UA levels and how quickly they can rise & fall. The more information you have about your own disease pattern the better, in my view.
Almost 6 years on, and opinions about the uric acid test kit are still divided.
Everyone is agreed that uric acid tests are vital to control gout. The opinions divide when we discuss if test should be done at home, by your doctor, or at a walk-in lab.
I think it has to be a personal decision based on your own circumstances. I can help you make that decision. If you decide to get your own uric acid meter, I can help you get the most from it.
The best place for personal discussions about any aspect of gout, is in my new gout forum. Please discuss uric acid home test today.
The latest discussions about uric acid test kits are at Uric Acid Meter Discussions.
The main guideline about uric acid test kit, is under review. Please tell me how I can help you get better information about testing your uric acid at home. Add your comments to Review Uric Acid Test Kit.
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