Little Darwin

A couple of weeks ago I went to the doctor because I had gout. Which happened to hit me right as I was getting over the flu.

For those who haven't had it, all I can say is hope you don't... It is a form of preventable arthritis that is caused by crystalization of uric acid in the joints, and typically hits middle aged males, in one of their big toes.

Mine was a relatively mild case, but I will be watching my diet (reducing proteins, increasing fluids and a few other precautions). Some of the main foods to avoid are my favorites, scallops and shrimp.

But there is good news. While I was there I got a mini-physical, and my blood pressure is good, 110/74 (it has typically been pretty good anyway, but this is even lower than usual) and everything else (other than weight) looks good.

I have a lady friend who always minimizes cycling as exercise, and today the Doctor said I should spend more time cycling... So, the great news is that I can now say that an increase in cycling is due to doctor's orders!

neilfein

Sorry to hear it, but good for you for turning this bad news into something positive!

EasyEd

Since your doc told you to cycle more, do you think you could talk your insurance company into buying you a new bike?

Neil_B

I'm glad the condition is controllable. And that your doctor is telling you to ride more. And, yes Darwin, you know what I'm going to suggest we get together for.....

Nighteyez

I agree with Easy Ed. Since your doctor recommends it, you have to get a new bike, and the insurance company will just have to fork over the money to pay for it! Seriously, I am glad you are in good health and the gout is a mild case.

JimF22003

When I was much heavier than I am now (by about 300 pounds or so) I went through a couple of weeks where I was having incredible pain in my toes. I guessed then that it was gout, but I wasn't into going to the doctor at that time. Doctors liked to tell me to "lose weight" -- thanks Doc!

It was some of the worst pain I ever experienced. Glad to hear the biking is an antidote!

deraltekluge

Amen, about the pain...I can't imagine anything hurting worse than what gout felt like to me. I don't know about biking being an antidote, though...for me, any exercise seemed to trigger a flare-up. In my case, it wasn't limited to big toes...all toes, feet, ankles, knees, fingers, hands, wrists, elbows would take turns. I put off seeing a doctor about it for quite a while...I had no insurance, and I thought that gout was untreatable, anyway. I was WRONG! There are very effective treatments...I haven't had worse than extremely minor flare-ups in the 8 years I've been taking medication for it, and none at all for the past 4 years or so.

cod.peace

you forgot one:

posit

I have gout and it can totally suck. I take allipurinol to control it. I still get minor flare ups but nothing I can't handle. It can get worse then your toe. Mine went from my toes, to my ankles, to my elbows to my knees. Be careful not to aggravate it.

Your Dr is absolutely correct about more cycling helping you. The more cardio you do the more acid your body burns. Good luck on keeping it under control.