Question:
what is gout?

My surgeon yesterday said I might have gout because my blood work came back high on uric acid - which is not normal he said. When I asked what is to be done about it he said nothing as it will probably go away. However, what is it?!    — Emily H. (posted on December 4, 2003)

December 4, 2003
http://www.rheumatology.org.nz/nz08003.htm <BR><BR> Definitely worth reading the article at the above link.
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 4, 2003
I was diagnosed with gout in my big toes around 20 years ago. For years I took strong gut eating medicines. Finally I saw an article in one of the tabloid magazines. It looked like snake oil however I could'nt stand those powerful meds. This was cheap and there was nothing to lose by trying it. I think most everyone has a can of WD-40 around. So I sprayed it on my toes. In my case, I spray it at night before bed and let it soak into my toes. Then cover with socks and bedroom slippers. After a few nights of this, the painful gout disappears for usually several months before it comes back. So I repeat the WD-40. I've tried this on arthritus, and it does'nt work for me on that. However it has been a godsend for the gout. Why not try it. If it works, great. If not, then you lose nothing by trying.
   — Danmark

December 5, 2003
When you have gout the body is retaining uric acids/proteins in the blood instead of getting rid of them through the kidneys/bladder. They stay in your blood and as it makes it's way through your body for the return trip back to your heart, these deposits are left in the farthest part of your body from your heart---your big toe. That's why the symptons start in your toe and spread up your foot. If un-treated you can end up with permanent joint damage, basically arthritis in your toe. If you can't take the meds, which I couldn't, it can be controlled by diet. As with all things, foods that triggered it in me might be different than what triggers it in you. Check with a nutritionist for food choices. This is the "simple" way it was explained to me by my Dr at that time. Because I for once in my life paid attention to what I ate, I did control it with diet--And this was looong before WLS. Good Luck
   — bek4901