Gout Pal Interactive

I tested my levels today evening at 5 pm ( Had my lunch at 12:30 pm). The test showed value of “Lo”. Tested again and UA was 3.6.

My values in last one week have been – 4.3, 4.4, 4.2, 4.0, 4.5(today morning before breakfast) and 3.6. Except for 4.5 today morning, all the tests have been in the afternoon or evening.

I think testing levels too much makes us paranoid, at-least that's what I feel. I do not think you need to worry about 5.5 value. At times, it may be due to crystals getting into the test levels as Allop clears them away, or may be some other reasons.

I am sure, for everyone UA levels will vary throughout the day and sometimes reach near 6 as well.

I am getting worried that my levels have dropped too much as 3.6 in 8 days. My doctor wanted to keep it above 4.0.

Hi cjeezy,

I did some search on the Uric Acid level variations during the day. Here is what webmd.com says -

Here is the link -

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-gu…..ood?page=3

I have noticed the same trend in my test results. The values are higher in the morning( I got 4.5 yesterday morning) and low in the evening( it was 3.6 yesterday evening).

That might explain why sometimes, the values are a bit high in the morning.

Also, I checked on another website and it says that there should ideally be 4 hrs fasting for UA test. The Personalabs, where I got tested many times, also say the same thing.

I guess, around 5 am, for most of the people, they have completed or nearing to complete a 6-8 hrs sleep cycle. That brings the body temperature low.

Besides, typically the water intake is almost negligible in the preceeding 6-8 hrs, which could also increase the UA concentration.

And there may be some other hormones or enzymes released by the body during the night time, which reach peak level near completion of sleep cycle.

All these things somehow come together and cause the UA level to go up. At the same time, body temperature is at its lowest.

Both a plus for Urate crystals to form / deposit.

Post edited 7:14 pm – October 6, 2009 by Tavery

cjeezy said:

…….The odd thing is that I tested at 3:30am last night when I got up to get a drink of water and I was at 4.6.  When I woke up this morning at 5:30am (after fasting for 10 hrs) I was at 5.8……

Three possibilities from my perspective…

Most likely – Allopurinol is almost completely metabolized to oxypurinol within two hours, whereas oxypurinol is slowly excreted by the kidneys over 18-30 hours. It could be that your body has processed out all the oxypurinol its going to for that day until your next dose. (causing acid levels to slowly rise) In theory the test you take right before you swallow your daily dose is most like the one you want to regard as your milestone number. Every week figure out your mean number and compare it to the previous week. Every few weeks you should put the numbers together to find your mode number and compare it to your mean.

or

Or its a fluke – meaning an imperfect test strip, accidental strip contamination (unclean hands, sneeze, bad packaging, etc) or blood drop size different than usual.

or

Getting up for a drink of water tells us your body was dehydrated to the point that it interfered with your sleep causing you to wake up and seek refreshment. The more dehydrated you are the more concentrated your blood is and a higher uric acid level is achieved as a result. You should not rely on readings taken when you are dehydrated – unless you are dehydrated every night…

-Tavery

I tested today morning just before my dose of Allopurinol( I take 200 mg am and 100 mg pm). The UA level was 4.2 mg/dl. This  was after 45 minutes of exercise, which could have dehydrated my body to some extent.

The  numbers yesterday at 7:30 am before eating anything or exercising were 4.5.

I will also keep on monitoring and see how the levels show up in the coming days.

Hi Zip,

I had been planning on staying with 300mg, however if I start exceeding 6 again what should I do? My levels started out great on 300mg for the first week and a half but have been higher lately.I’ve been checking them 2X day cause I’ve had some extra strips that were purchased for me. For example, when I got home from work I tested today and was at 5.5. Do you think I should just stick to 300mg and stop testing for a while? Also, do you think this increase is just temporary as crystals dissolve?

Sorry to sound anal about all this, I just want to make sure I’m at the correct dosage.

Silly question here.  How are you guys able to administer uric acid tests twice a day?  Is there a home test available?  And from the posts, it seems that allopurinol effects are instant.  I didn't know that.  I thought you had to take it for a prolonged period before you could see results

Post edited 3:57 pm – October 7, 2009 by Tavery

Utubelite said:

I guess, around 5 am, for most of the people, they have completed or nearing to complete a 6-8 hrs sleep cycle. That brings the body temperature low.

Besides, typically the water intake is almost negligible in the preceeding 6-8 hrs, which could also increase the UA concentration.

And there may be some other hormones or enzymes released by the body during the night time, which reach peak level near completion of sleep cycle.

All these things somehow come together and cause the UA level to go up. At the same time, body temperature is at its lowest.

Both a plus for Urate crystals to form / deposit.

All are correct. You are also missing one key factor. Blood has an easier time reaching extremities when you are laying down. Your feet get better bloodflow at night due to warmth and no pressure of being upright. The increased blood flow is key. (same reason why putting your feet up makes them feel better)

p.s. My own treatment is so-so. I am still on 100mg a day. I got busy and didnt make it to the doctor to get it bumped up to 300mg yet. However, you all inspire me and I will make the appt right now for early next week!

Hi Utube,

Thanks for the update.  Your levels are great.  I would stick with that dosage!

I checked the levels today evening again and the UA level is 3.1 mg/dl. I have got UA levels of 3.6, 3.6, 3.2 and 3.1 in last 4 days testing at home. And today is my 12th day of Allopurinol 300 mg.

Twice the monitor gave values of “Lo”( e.g. lower than 3, when I tested again I got 3.1 and 3.2 on separate days).

What should I do? Do I reduce the Allopurinol dose? Am I running risk of getting too low?

I am slightly confused as all my readings in last 4-5 days are below 5 including 3.6 in the morning 5:30 am.