Gout Attacks

[Mike Prince]

As preface, I was diagnosed with gout about 5 years ago, I manage it 99% through diet (which I slip up on frequently as you will read in a second), but have only had a few minor attacks which are little more than a nuisance and go away after 3-4 days usually.

 

Well, I screwed up big time last week (just about all of the stuff below are triggers for an attack):

 

Sat:  Umpired a tournament, stayed after last game and TD cooked us steaks, then I went for FCAB's with my partner

Sun:  Ate another steak after the final game of the tournament

Tue:  Left for vacation at the beach, met my wife and daughter (who were already there) for dinner - you guessed it, steak and a couple of beers.

Wed:  Ate a whole flounder for dinner, my left big toe started hurting on the way to the beach house from dinner.  Had a glass of wine with my wife back at the beach house (hey, I was on vacation)

Thu:  Woke up in agony.  Had zero range of motion in the big toe and pain beyond anything I have ever had

Fri:  Worse than previous days, but last day at the beach, my kids wanted seafood for dinner so that's what we had

 

 

So since Wednesday I have hardly slept and by Saturday when we drove home I had to go barefoot on the left foot as the ball of my foot was swollen to the point where I couldn't even put on a beach flip-flop let alone a real shoe.  I have had attacks but nothing like this, the pain has been excruciating.  I thought we were going to have to cut the sandal off of my foot Friday night.

 

Had to give up 2 games tonight as I can hardly walk.  Things a bit better today as I was able to get a sneaker on, but it is a tight and uncomfortable fit for sure but I am hoping the tight shoe will give support and help some.  Since I got home I am taking my real medicine (indomethecin) and have had my foot elevated as much as possible which is beginning to help.  Today SWMBO got me concentrated black cherry juice from the health food store which I have read can be a miracle for some people, can't hurt to try.

 

I have a Cal Ripken state tournament starting Friday, this has to get better!  When I was first diagnosed, my doctor told me to give up meat and beer, I am to the point now of seriously considering that.

 

 

All my fault with bad food choices I know, just posting in case anyone else has this ailment (as a warning not to be a hammerhead like me)

[carolinablue]

Haven't had it, but I've seen it. Hurt me just to look. Hope you get better in time for the tournament.

 

BTW, what beach were you at?  I just got back from the beach, wonder if it was the same one. We could have got together for a steak and a beer.   ( just kidding, couldn't help it.)  I was at Kure.

[mstaylor]

Just moderate your meat and liquor. Yes, certain meats, liquor and seafood can set it off but it can be controlled usually by moderating intake. At the first sign of an attack, quit everything. 

[Mike Prince]

Haven't had it, but Iv'e seen it. Hurt me just to look. Hope you get better in time for the tournament.

 

BTW, what beach were you at?  I just got back from the beach, wonder if it was the same one. We could have got together for a steak and a beer.   ( just kidding, couldn't help it.)  I was at Kure.

 

Cherry Grove in North Myrtle Beach

[MB_Ump]

With me too much soda sets it off. Gets into my hands and wrists first, fingers feel like they have glass in the joints. Has really taken the fun out of my Mountain Dew addiction. Moderation is the key!

[shane1]

@Mike, I feel for you. I've never had it but my dad does. He said he can't even stand a bedsheet to touch his foot at night when it flares up. He found some cherry tablets in a health food store and takes them every day with his BP meds. He also swears by the cherry juice theory. If you need the info just shoot me a PM and I'll call him in the AM and get the details on where and what brand of cherry tabs he gets. Hope you recover quickly!