Gout Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Gouty Arthritis?

Reader Comments
Back to article

My 98 yr old mom has had gout in 2 of her toes for what seems like years. She is taking medication - I will check it each week and on the big toe I can see the white crystals that I can remove. On her small toe next to the baby toe, there is a green smelly substance coming from that toe. I feel that is an infection - my sisters took mom to the doctor yesterday and the doctor could not find any green coming out - isn't that always the way. I was out of town so I could not go along to the doctor with her even tho I very much wanted to go. The doctor told my sisters that everything was OK and that it was just gout and that the crystals will continue to come out. Now two days before that I put hydrogen perioxide on it. Could that have cleared the green up? I have a hard time believing that.
Has anyone out there ever have green, very smelly coming out of a toe or whatever with gout?

Kay Stangel of WI 11:34AM October 16, 2010

I have found that immediately after or during a gout attack, that going to a gluten free diet for 30 days has greatly reduced any reaccurances. My last occurance was February 2007!
It was originally recommended by an Acupuncturist friend of mine, who had seen various forms of wheat allergies in many of her patients. During the peak of a 2 week long attack, I decided to go "gluten free" for 30 days.
My friend was convinced that my profile just didn't fit a typical gout sufferor. I am 5'10", 180 lbs., eat a pretty health diet, work out 3-4 days a week and go on big bike ride (100+ miles) several weekends during the summer. I do like my wine with dinner and a couple beers during the week. I average 3-5 days/week and about 2 drinks/occasion.
The idea or thought process was that by eliminating all wheat from my diet would rid myself of wheat bodies. 30 days is ideal to allow your body to rid itself of all potential influencer(s) of the gout disease.
I only take medication (Indomethecin) when I get an attack, but I regularly drink a glass or two of JW Knudsen's "Just Black Cherry Juice", which I believe helps to prevent flare-ups!!!
Cheers,

Drew of CO 3:30PM March 23, 2010

Just retired 18 months ago and started getting gout attacks. First, in one foot, then the other. It seems to "float" from the toes to the ankles: to the top of the foot and back to the toes. I never know where it will start next. Am now on 80MG of Uloric each day (now about 2 months) Uric acid is normal, but I will still have bouts of gouty attacks (although, not quite as long) My family doctor said it may take up to a year or two of Uloric to get the gout under control.
I can not believe something that looks like a little red, swollen area can cause so MUCH PAIN!!

Tom Michel of IL 11:55PM October 18, 2009

Janey - I have gout to. Had it for almost 5 years now - One medicine that really helps get "rid" of the gout is Colchicine - Taking this medicine as follows should help ---- 1 tablet every hour for 5 hours. You will eventually have Nausea or a very upset stomach.
Also get a Celestone shot.
P.S. You can't take more than 8 Colchicine tablets in a 24hour period.

Shannon of MS 4:21PM July 31, 2009

finally got to the age i can afford to eat, and it causes gout.
gout sucks. been taking allopuronol, it's been working.....

goutman of DE 6:44AM May 16, 2009

I have tofi noduels on almost all my toes and 3 fingers and elbow. I have tried everything not able to take alopurinol allergis. Now taking uloric for almost a month attacks have increased. Do you think I should be patient and see if it will eventually work. My uric acid is now in the normal range. But I am still miserable. This is going on for about 3 years. Will i ever be pain free? Thanks, Janey

Janey frank of CA 3:53PM April 22, 2009

Good Morning: I began having severe changes in my joints 8 months ago. The doctor seems to be puzzeled about my condition. I am concerned, although, I have been feeling better and able to do more daily activities. Can your uric acid remain within normal limits?? What else could be wrong?? Thank you in advance for you time and cosideration. Marilyn Smith

Marilyn Smith of CT 6:36AM March 06, 2009