Have / am having a similar issue . I have a 30year history of gout and about 17 days after sleeve surgery was hit with the worst attack ever . Usually medicate with NSAIDS but that is no longer an option . Called my PCP and she prescribed prednisone . called the bariatric surgeon and his nurse said there is a risk of ulcers but do what you think best , but take the prednisone with a PPI , i.e. nexium or protonix , but the decision /ulcer risk was back on me . Called a v good friend (MD) and he said ,with the PPI, the prednisone should be ok to treat the inflammation and over only 3 or 4 days minimal risk of ulcers . The pharmacist has said to crush the prednisone and take with full meal . With the pain running in the 5 and 6 range doing nothing is really not an option . So with 3 MD's and a pharmacist , the 'answer' is for short term , prednisone with a PPI and probably it will be ok , probably .