Is Gout linked to decompensated liver

[Ewife]

We were led to believe that gout attacks were caused by the alcohol(obviously high uric acid levels too), but after 14months abstinence attacks are still occurring. Does anyone else suffer with this?

[Kristian]

Its an interesting thought. I have developed gout but for me it was after transplant and likely due to the medication. I'm not sure what effect the liver has on controlling urate and uric acid in the blood stream. But I'm sure its not completely implausible for there to be a link. Its certainly worth researching or asking your medical team next time you see them. Sorry I can't be much more help but it would be interesting to see what you manage to find out.

Good luck

[briccolone in reply to Kristian]

You can get gout without alcohol- have you tried eating cherries?

[Ewife in reply to briccolone]

Believe me, we tried everything over the years. I'm not talking about twinges in your big toe - I mean joints all over the body, even thumbs - swelling to 2x size and burning hot.The only dietary thing that seems to work a bit is drinking gallons of water daily.

[Ewife in reply to Kristian]

Its clearly a genetic thing with my husband, his dad suffers with it occasionally. He started getting it really young in life, and has lived on medication for it. However, he doesn't take this now as its very likely that the years of strong meds contributed to his Liver disease. But recently he enjoyed a spell with no flare ups, so I wondered if it was because his body was coping better with the liver function that he has - until this weekend when its back again large as life. I'm puzzled, and wonder if its one of those conditions where not much is understood about it. His hepatologist clearly said that once he stops drinking the gout would go.......I can't count the amount of times we have been fed myths about gout and lifestyle choices. Science has moved on a lot since Henry the 8th suffered from it!!Just wish we took it all more seriously years ago. He used to see a rheumatologist but it felt like a waste of time - just a 1yr check and a steroid injection occasionally. In the end, he stopped going, took to strong painkillers and got on with life

[briccolone in reply to Ewife]

Poor you.. I know that beer is particularly bad for it... In the old days it was port. It's bloody painful I know that

[Kristian in reply to Ewife]

Yes, when I got my first symptoms I looked up what food causes gout and realised I didn't eat much or any of those. I was though surprised to see oily fish in there, i always thought that was supposed to be good for you, lol. Something about it being high in purines apparently being the issue.

From a medication viewpoint I can understand not taking the painkillers, although not sure I could go through a flare without them though. I dont take them on a daily basis as a profilactic though but I know that can be a treatment. I do take the allopurinol daily in order to try and keep the uric acid in the blood under control.

If the gout is back causing a problem then it is worth speaking to your gp to see what alternatives there are. I think they are really keen to stop it getting a stage where the crystals come together to form big lumps. They can also form stones in the kidneys too I've recently found out. So if it is possible to get the levels lowered it may well be worth reconsidering medication despite the concerns he had previously.