Just joined the forum.

[Zed1967]

Hi everyone. I've just been diagnosed with gout four days ago.

I've been having a weeks holiday from work this week and on the Monday I woke up with the classic gout symptoms but didn't know what it was at the time, just thought I'd twisted or hurt my big toe on my right foot. I carried on as normal, ate, drank beer etc. then on the Tuesday it was worse so I thought I'll phone the doctors in the morning and tell them I'm in pain, could I make an appointment. Continued eating and drinking beer as normal that day as well.

Phoned the doctors in the morning expecting to be given an appointment for next week but they said come in this morning which was great.

I saw the nurse who said she suspected gout, got a second opinion from a doctor and given a prescription for Ibuprofen 400mg 3 times a day. I asked how long before it gets better and the doctor said 3 to 4 days and that was that. No information on diet or why it has happened, I've found all of that out myself on line which is a minefield of information and misinformation.

Why are we not given gout and diet advice or a leaflet, web link etc. with the information on???

I'm good at cooking so I'm hoping to come up with and post some gout friendly recipes in future. When I can find sources of reliable information!

Zed.

[PMRPete]

General Information re Gout:-

arthritisresearchuk.org/art...

Diet:-

arthritis.org/about-arthrit...

Treatment:-

nhs.uk/Conditions/Gout/Page...

I was given Colchicine which did the trick.

[Zed1967 in reply to PMRPete]

Thanks for the links Pete.

I've not had any animal protein since I was diagnosed as I'm scared of a flare up but after some research I'm going to start developing some recipes and meals based on the limited ingredients for gout suffers. It's a hell of a lot better now than 4 days ago.

I've cut out alcohol and I've been drinking cherry juice diluted 1:3 with sparkling mineral water which I keep both chilled and I keep fresh black cherries in the freezer and use them as ''ice cubes'', eating them when I've drunk the glass.

Zed.

[arthritis_action Partner]

Hello, welcome to the group and thank you for posting Zed1967 ! It is surprising that you have not had information about gout - as it is something that can definitely be improved with nutrition. As PMRPete below suggested, there is a lot of information out there from credible sources (thought it's a shame you have to go out and find it yourself!).

We offer consultations with our Registered Dietitian Martin Lau to our Members - so if you wanted to go down that route, we'd happily give you more information on our service - you are welcome to email us at [e-mail] or call us on 0203 781 7120.

Here is some more information on gout for you arthritisaction.org.uk/livi...

We wish you all the best,

Despina

Arthritis Action's Communications Officer

[Zed1967 in reply to arthritis_action]

Thanks very much for the link. Any information on managing my gout is most welcome.