Got Gout?

[WNC AV8R 31]

I've struggled with gout for the last 4 years or so, on an off, which was basically kept under control with dietary restrictions (avoiding beer, shellfish, etc.). Since the RNY my gout has been basically constant, like one long attack that never fully goes away. Most times the pain is in the 2-3 range out of 10, but in the last 2 weeks it has become unbearable. Pain, swelling, tingling, and redness in my ankle, foot, and toes. Tylenol is basically useless and the Colchicine is a no-no according to both my family physician and the surgeon's office. Started taking Allopurinol, but it takes months to have any noticeable effect and can actually worsen an attack in the near term. Also taking Tart Cherry and Turmeric, but those have limited benefits, and I'm drinking water...a lot of water! What I've gotten from the various medical folks is 'well it's part of the weight loss' and 'it's expected'. That's great and all, but there's no way I'm going to be able to return to work if this lasts much longer or becomes a permanent thing. It's pretty disabling at this point. Anyone have other tips? Just looking for some relief. Thanks.

[MMME 89]

Have you seen a rheumatologist for their opinion? They might have some suggestions that your GP and surgeon hasn't thought of. Clinical trials perhaps?

[FluffyChix 17,415]

Wow! Ouch! Are you still drinking the Protein Drinks? Or eating any Protein isolates? I found that doing that really made my legs and feet swell. And I did have an episode of what I think was gout. I never have it usually!

I think the more you are able to get small meals of protein and veg in and avoid your triggers, you should start seeing an improvement.

Give us an idea of what your day is like?

[Ed_NW 684]

I've had gout for the last 20 years and was put on Allopurinol after my first attack. My gastric bypass was 4 days after your's. When I first started my pre-op diet and was loosing weight I had a bad attack in my right foot. Once my hydration levels got back to normal I was fine. Uric acid is flushed out in your urine so I always drank a lot of Water and watched my urine color. As hard as it is post surgery, it is really important for us gout sufferers to tank up on clear water and get as close to a clear urine as possible. Ice and elevate until the attack goes away. The no ibuprofen rule sucks in times like these. One good thing about having WLS is the body's natural response to inflammation will finally kick in after the weight starts to come off. Good luck.

[Sweettoothless 100]

My husband had a gout attack that lasted months. None of the pills prescribed worked. Then a friend gave him one of his pills to try and it miraculously took the pain away right away. It was just an anti-inflammatory but like most meds different things work on different people. This pill is a miracle for my husband and now when he feels the slightest twinge he takes a one and no gout attack. Not saying this exact med will be magic for you but there might be something out there that works.

[Sweettoothless 100]

(Sorry, I should have cropped that pic)

[MMME 89]

Diclofenac is definitely not one to take after gastric bypass. The trade name for it is Voltaren, and it's an NSAID.

[WNC AV8R 31]

22 hours ago, MMME said:

Have you seen a rheumatologist for their opinion? They might have some suggestions that your GP and surgeon hasn't thought of. Clinical trials perhaps?

I will definitely ask to be referred. Certainly would be good to get another opinion.

[WNC AV8R 31]

19 hours ago, Ed_NW said:

I've had gout for the last 20 years and was put on Allopurinol after my first attack. My gastric bypass was 4 days after your's. When I first started my pre-op diet and was loosing weight I had a bad attack in my right foot. Once my hydration levels got back to normal I was fine. Uric acid is flushed out in your urine so I always drank a lot of Water and watched my urine color. As hard as it is post surgery, it is really important for us gout sufferers to tank up on clear Water and get as close to a clear urine as possible. Ice and elevate until the attack goes away. The no ibuprofen rule sucks in times like these. One good thing about having WLS is the body's natural response to inflammation will finally kick in after the weight starts to come off. Good luck.

Thanks for your feedback. Keeping up with all the water has been hard enough, but taking in even more than the minimum required for gout-flushing purposes has really been difficult. After a while that much water leaves me feeling nauseous and weak. I have a couple of more months before I can return to work, so hopefully I can get it stabilized before then.

[WNC AV8R 31]

22 hours ago, FluffyChix said:

Wow! Ouch! Are you still drinking the Protein Drinks? Or eating any Protein isolates? I found that doing that really made my legs and feet swell. And I did have an episode of what I think was gout. I never have it usually!

I think the more you are able to get small meals of Protein and veg in and avoid your triggers, you should start seeing an improvement.

Give us an idea of what your day is like?

I have a Protein Drink in the morning only; usually Premiere Protein or Core Power. For the rest of the day the 'meals' that I consume are always a protein/veg combination with no powdered protein isolate supplements of any kind. I'm still having A LOT of issues with soft foods, so the meals are very small (3-5 bites). I do have some protein Snacks to munch on if I get hungry, but I'll only have one every 3 or 4 days.

Thanks!

[Sweettoothless 100]

11 hours ago, MMME said:

Diclofenac is definitely not one to take after gastric bypass. The trade name for it is Voltaren, and it's an NSAID.

Oh bummer!