Anyone else with Gout? Just been diagnosed

PollySid

Is there anyone else out there with Gout. I asked for a blood test before my holiday as hands and feet were swelling and I wondered if there was any sort of inflammatory arthritis going on as well as the OA.
I rang up whilst on holiday for results and they told me I was possibly a new diabetic and had to have another blood test when I got home
Not what I was expecting :shock:
However when I got back I did a craft fair on the Sunday and throughout the morning my shoulder got more and more painful until I couldn't move my arm. 1pm I rang hubby to fetch me home as I couldn't stand it any more. He took me to A&E as it was my left arm and we were a bit concerned about heart problems (my Mum had a few heart attacks and died from heart failure).
They said they thought it was my OA, but made an appointment for an Xray next Monday at the fracture clinic. I go on holiday with my daughter and grandsons next Monday, so my daughter suggested I go to my own doctor Monday morning, explain how my shoulder was and see if he could get me an xray any earlier.
I did as I was told and, after telling the doctor about it he said
"I know what's wrong with you - you've got Gout" I laughed and asked how he knew that. "Your blood tests show a high level of Uric acid - you've got Gout, and how you described the speed and severity of the problem, it is in your shoulder atm"
So, there you are, I have Gout and will have to take a tablet a day for it for the rest of my life to keep the nasty Uric acid crystals out of my joints.
I thought the 'moving around to different joints pain' was the OA, but probably not, and hopefully some of it may go away when the tablets control the crystal formation. Although I have read that it can take months for them to clear completely, and then the medication is still required to prevent them returning.
As for the Diabetes - I had my fasting blood test Tuesday, and this morning they say they want another as the A1C test was high.
I rang the surgery a little while ago and they are going to get the Diabetes Nurse to ring me as I need to know how likely it is that I am Diabetic. I don't want to be not knowing and worrying all next week on holiday and then the following week until my new blood tests come back.
Sorry it's a long post, but it's good to get it all off my chest. I talk to my husband about these things but he never seems very comfortable with these sort of discussions.

19smp59

Good you've got things off your chest, it helps doesn't it? especially when family don't understand. At least now you know what you are dealing with regarding the Gout. I always think it is better to know what you are dealing with.

Good luck

Suzanne x

DebbieT

Hi,

As much as the gout dx was a shock I bet after you learned a bit more about it you had a eureka moment ... It probably explained a few things that had been niggling at you?!

My Dad has had gout ever since I can remember. There are often foods & drinks that can trigger an attack. Hopefully you'll get those pinned down quite quickly. The meds work really quite well

I hope the chat with the diabetic nurse can help calm any worries enough to allow you to relax & enjoy ure holiday!! Remember even if you do have it that it can be treated, often with a change of diet!

Take care.x

dreamdaisy

My husband has a blast of gout from time to time, it affects his big toes and a few days of diclofenac sorts him out. I've not come across someone taking a daily medication for gout - what have you been prescribed? I make sure that he has a diet low in purines - they are found in meats such as turkey and pork so we don't eat too much of them.

As for the diabetes, well, if it's type 2 then I think that is the one that is brought under control by diet - please let us know when you know what it is. And husbands? They don't do this kind of talking very easily, that's why we're here. DD

PollySid

Well, the diabetic nurse didn't ring back
I'll try again tomorrow to find out.
DD the dr gave me a 3 day course of Colchicine 4 times a day. Apparently I need to take that before taking the regular medication - Allopurinol - as if I start taking the latter whilst having an attack it can make it worse. I just have to take the Allopurinol once a day starting from tomorrow. He gave me Naproxen too as a painkiller, plus stomach protectors, but as my Co-co's and Gabapentin were helping with the pain, I haven't taken them as well. I was zonked out on the 30/500 Co-co's as it was.
It wasn't my regular dr so I am going to see him when I come back from holiday just to double check the diagnosis and medication.

dreamdaisy

Ah, I've heard of both but never taken them. I hope the allopurinal will help, I didn't get on too well with naproxen but it can work wonders for others so I hope you are included in that number: I am pleased you have the tummy protectors too. If the nap does its stuff you may not need that strength of cocos - as always it's a case of trial and error. I wish you good luck with it all and I hope you soon find out about the diabetes. DD

dreamdaisy

Hello again, do you have any news yet about the diabetes? DD

PollySid

I had to ring up twice today before I got a call back from the diabetic nurse. Apparently my 'score' was above normal, but not really bad. She thinks I could be diabetic, but says they always take more than one test just to make sure. The appointment I have booked for the 14th, she says is too early as they like at least 3 weeks between these A1C tests and that would only be 2 weeks. She said to just eat sensibly, but I can have a couple of ice creams when I am on holiday next week
Just a waiting game now, like any other diagnosis I suppose.