severe Tophi

[Keith Taylor (GoutPal Admin)]

Hello, I'm writing on behalf of my 85 year old mom who suffers from mild dementia and has been haphazard with her gout treatments. She currently suffers with terrible tophi because once her initial suffering with gout faded with the allipurinol she quit and went right back to what she wanted to eat and drink, {she suffers from diabetes 2 as well and I know that doesnt help matters. }She's a relentless walker and refuses to rest her feet or ever use a wheelchair, now her doc says shes done serious damage to her foot bones.She is always  exhausted and in constant pain….. Is this reversible at her age??? I'm assuming surgery isnt an option.Is stating off your feet and not putting excess weight on them important??

[Keith Taylor (GoutPal Admin)]

I believe the walking will help her gout, but only a doctor who has examined her joints properly can assess whether the benefits of walking outweigh the risks of aggravating damaged joints.

My mom is approaching the same age, and I would certainly advise her to go back on allopurinol if she were in this situation. It might be too late to save her from foot pain, but should prevent it getting worse, and should prevent spreading to other joints and kidneys. Get the doctors advice ASAP – I cannot see any downside of getting back on the allopurinol, but there should be some benefits.

[zip2play]

Is this reversible at her age?

I doubt it very much but as Gp said, there is little to be lost with a drug remiment that keeps her uric acid low; at least her pain should be diminished if no more urate is being added. Destroyed joints remain destroyed.

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