Gout Pal Interactive

Post edited 7:14 pm – December 5, 2009 by odo

Just a brief introduction to myself on this site, which I found while looking for another one I used to subscribe to.

Had my first serious attack in the distal big toe joint in 2003 and a couple more attacks later, went through the GP refferal to  rheumatologist rigmarole with inconclusive results i.e. “normal” SUA results, but hereditary aetiology given as the likliest cause of possible gout (way to sit on the fence doc!). Attacks continued sporadically, maybe one or two per year, usually triggered by exercise (walking long distances) and/or tight shoes, which  progressed first to the other big toe/ankle and then thetarsals on the original foot. Various NSAIDS were prescribed before I decided Naproxen suited me best, usually stopping a full blown attack if I hit them quick enough at first signs. Failing that, they didn’t seem to do much, although I still took ‘em.

Finally, following a series of bad attacks in 2008, I decided to stop ignoring the problem and after a bit of research decided to give up meat and alcohol, which worked like a dream. Went completely veggie for about 9 months and then reintroduced chicken and the occasional glass of cider. Sorted, or so I thought, until last week when a new pair of walking shoes triggered the tell-tale signs. Not a full blown attack and 2 days of Naproxen seems to have it on the mend. But past experience has taught me to avoid walking anywhere for a while, which is not a problem in most cases with my trusty push bike.

I am still committed to managing my gout without Allopurinol for the time being because I’m in the final year of training as an acupuncturist and I favour a drug free regime if possible. I will eventually do the postgraduate course in Chinese herbs as well and I know there are a number of formulas for both the acute and chronic stages of gout that I shall investigate now that I suspect a diet only approach is possibly not enough.

I realise taking herbs (and the occasional Naproxen) cannot technically be considered drug free, but I think you know what I mean and I hope to be able to post my findings on here in future. I am already using various topical herbal formulas for other conditions such as rheumatism in my practice of Tuina massage, which show some promise, so I won’t be limiting myself to a systemic approach. In fact, I should point out that my avatar is not entirely frivolous and illustrates a protocol for reducing local inflamation for gout, known as “gold plating”, which I recently came across. 24 kt gold leaf is well known for its excellent results with skin regeneration in ulceration, so maybe there could be a use for it with tophi? I have had it on both toes for 2 days now and feel a definite improvement, but how much is the gold and how much the Naproxen is anybody’s guess.

I’ve also ordered the UA testing kit, which will mean a more scientific measure of my progress and I’ve just brewed up my first batch of BBB with ginger and Chinese angelica (a blood tonifier), so it will be hard to pinpoint exactly what’s responsible for any improvement, but who cares as long as it all works eh?

All the best…

UA level 8.7 this morning. Proper drop of blood this time, so can probably diregard yesterday's first attempt. Will do another tonight though to see what difference food makes. Off to the Dr. tomorrow to get more Naproxen and arrange an official test, which I will use to compare the meter against.