[Brian Barbour]

So, I’ve had gout for about two-three years. I’m 28 years old. In the past the attacks used to be weeks and months apart. So much that I would even forget to take the medicine prescribed for it. Lately, I have improved drastically in that regard. I do have prescriptions for 100mg of Allpurinol and 50mg of Indomethcin. I have been taking the Allpurinol daily and the Indomethicin during flare ups, as directed.

But, lately (the past three months) it has just gotten out of hand.

In August I decided that I had enough of being overweight. I was 336 pounds and feeling like crap most days. So, I started dieting and exercising with conviction. I started off with the Atkins diet. I was eating a lot of protein and fat. I cut sugar out completely. No soda. I drank two liters of water each day.

By October my gout was hitting me hard. It faded in and out, some days worst than others. On days where I wasn’t feeling the flare ups I would walk 2-3 miles for exercise. I still try to do this. I enjoy the exercise greatly.

About mid-October I had already suffered two gout attacks. I went to the urgent care. They told me that the low carb diet was causing it, because of high protein intake. They gave me some presnidone and sent me home.

I switched to a low-calorie diet instead. I eat roughly 1,600 calories a day, eating whole grains, chicken, fruit and vegetables. I still do not drink soda. I don’t drink alcohol either. I am trying to be healthy as possible.

After about five days I was back to normal. I started exercising again, amping myself up to 3-4 miles a day. As of today, the gout is back again in force.

The medicine prescribed to me isn’t working. I’ve lost 45 pounds since the end of August. So a lighter body, exercise, and healthy diets don’t seem to be helping. I’ve tried ingesting cherry juice, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda in the past. Those “natural” remedies did nothing.

I plan on visiting my doctor this week. But, honestly… she basically gives me the same packet of things not to eat and sends me home every time. It’s frustrating. This time I plan to be more assertive in trying to get help.

I just don’t know if I’m doing anything wrong. I’m trying my best here to be a healthy person and improve myself.

Any tips or suggestions?

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