Gout
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) say that gout is a form of arthritis found most commonly in men, beginning between 40 and 50 years old. It is a (very freaking) painful condition that occurs when uric acid is deposited as needle-like crystals in the joints and/or soft tissues. In the joints, these uric acid crystals cause inflammatory arthritis, which in turn leads to swelling, redness, heat, pain, and stiffness in the joints.
In many people, gout initially affects the joints of the big toe (a condition called podagra). But many other joints and areas around the joints can be affected in addition to or instead of the big toe. These include the insteps (me), ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. Uric acid crystals can also collect in the kidneys and cause kidney stones.
Uric acid is a substance that results from the breakdown of purines. A normal part of all human tissue, purines are found in many foods. Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the blood and passed through the kidneys into the urine, where it is eliminated.
If there is an increase in the production of uric acid or if the kidneys do not eliminate enough uric acid from the body, levels of it build up in the blood ((a condition called hyperuricemia) Welcome to my world). Hyperuricemia also may result when a person eats too many high-purine foods, such as liver, dried beans and peas, anchovies, and gravies. Hyperuricemia is not a disease, and by itself it is not dangerous. However, if excess uric acid crystals form as a result of hyperuricemia, gout can develop. The crystals form and accumulate in the joint, causing inflammation and a hell of a lot of PAIN!
I have what they call acute gout, or acute gouty arthritis – In this stage, hyperuricemia has caused the deposit of uric acid crystals in joint spaces. This leads to a sudden onset of intense pain and swelling in the joints, which also may be warm and very tender. An acute attack commonly occurs at night and can be triggered by stressful events, alcohol or drugs, or the presence of another illness. Attacks usually subside within 3 to 10 days, even without treatment, and the next attack may not occur for months or even years. Over time, however, attacks can last longer and occur more frequently. Oh, yippy, freakin’, skippy!
I woke up last night at 0300 in intense pain. I had gone to sleep an hour before. When this happened the first time a few years ago I went to see my doctor and she told me to stop drinking soda and beer, eating rich food and shellfish. Well, I pointed out to her that I am severely allergic to shellfish. I also told her that whatever it takes to make this never happen again was something I would do. So I have not had a single soda in about five years and I no longer go to Italian restaurants. The other things I’m not suppose to eat anymore are anchovies, asparagus, beef kidneys, brains, dried beans and peas, game meats, gravy, herring, liver, mackerel, mushrooms, sardines, scallops and sweetbreads.
So to whoever may be reading this, my hope for you is that you never have to experience this.
Most of the information contained herein was stolen directly from the NIAMS website.
You have my sympathy. As someone who broke my coccyx, I know what intense pain can be like.
However, you clearly have a condition that’s a lot worse than a broken tailbone. Unfortunately, I can’t say anything or give any advice – if I could I would – but is there no way to bring down the inflammation?
Or you could hep yourself up on morphine?
You’re not gonna like this but alcohol is a BIG factor. My Dad used to get it. He used to take Celebrex for relief.
Avoid alcohol or drink alcohol in moderation
Drink plenty of water and other fluids
Maintain an ideal body weight
Eat cereals and cereal based products, butter, cheese, fruit and fruit juices, broccoli, cabbage, beans, potatoes, corn and cornbread, eggs, nuts, noodles, white bread, white rice. And you can eat italian – olive oil is good for you, just avoid the ‘heavy’ stuff.
Poor possum. I feel for you . . . hope it’s a bit better today. You were actually asleep at 3.00? Well done!
Intense Pain! Boy do I know that feeling. Every time it rains, the titanium screws and plates that hold my right foot together begin to scream. Get well soon buddy, and stay off the booze!
Hey baino,
Your are right beer is most likely the factor that brought this on. Over the past two weeks I have more than my fair share of Yuengling Premiums. I say this because I can’t figure out what I may have eaten to bring this on. Stress is the other BIG factor also. The foods you listed were mostly correct. Beans I can not have also nuts and cornbread. I got a chuckle when I read white bread. I hate white bread!!! Wheat, Rye or Pumpernickle is what I eat .
I’ve been taking Ibuprofen all day.
JD,
Thanks man. No beer and I’m being careful what I eat for now.
Try it with Vegemite!
Oh Brian…big hug!
Opulent living eh? I hope you feel better soon, mate, you sound like you’re in a totally unfair amount of pain. I remember a boss of mine had bad gout, his hands looked like boxing gloves. He found it tough to stay off the sauce!
UUGGHH! I hate forced dietary restrictions. My gall bladder is kind of iffy. So i’m (pisco-ovo) vegetarian and avoid lipids. This ended with me becoming lactose intolerant, but at the same time not needing any surgery and not having any sypmtoms since i manged to get serious about this. Vomiting up hunks of cheese are you go in and out of conciousness and extreme pain is a mighty good deterrant