As Jim's kidneys deteriorate, he seems to be getting gout more often. He's been really good about not eating red meat, but his kidneys just don't seem to be able to process as well causing severe gout flare ups. It happened not only once, but twice this week. We have started a routine which includes:
Step 1.... getting the cane or the walker out. The pain in either his foot, toe or knee is so excruciating he can barely walk.
Step 2...try to find bing cherries as quickly as possible. That's not always easy this time of year....FYI you can find at Schnucks for $7.99 a lb...ugh. If we can't find bing cherries, marichino cherries will do.
Step 3...water, water, water....drink lots of water.
Step 4...stop taking allopurinal and start taking colchicine every couple hours (along with pain meds of course!!)
Usually within 24 hours he seems to get better and the pain starts to subside. Jim's comment yesterday was..."if I'm going to keep getting gout, I might as well eat steak again".
If anyone has any other gout cures or remedies....we are always willing to try anything.
My thoughts....I'm thinking Jim's going to have to get a transplant or else start dialysis sooner than we had expected. I continue to work on my blood pressure in hopes of being a donor. We both go back to the doctor in January, so in the meantime, I'm hoping that we can make it through December with no more gout attacks and enjoy the holidays. 2012 should be very interesting.
