Gout....maybe

I went to the Dr on Wed because my foot pain flared up again. This happened two months ago, just couldn't put weight on my left foot when I got out of bed. The Dr thought it might be Metatarsalgia and gave me a course of Prednisone and Vicodan. I don't really fit the profile as it usually happens to athletic people, like runners. That's definately not me.
He didn't think it was gout as it didn't quite fit the criteria. He did order a blood test to check my uric acid levels. I got a letter from him today that the level was "quite high" at 9.9. So now I have to do a 24 hr urine test. Ugh! But I would like to know for sure if that is what it is. Then I can take meds to prevent it. It is soooooooo very painful and I would be happy to never have this pain again. I've had to miss three days of work and he raised his eyebrow when I said I would probably go back on Sat. But I've got bills to pay and the Pred. has made it feel better already. Sick leave doesn't pay as well.
Does any one else here suffer from gout? How do you deal with it?

I don't have it but lots of people eat cherries and drink cherry juice to help lower the uric acid levels. Can't hurt to try it... unless you're allergic to cherries.

I get it on occassion. Prednisone usually knocks it out really quick.

Originally Posted by strange_wings

I don't have it but lots of people eat cherries and drink cherry juice to help lower the uric acid levels. Can't hurt to try it... unless you're allergic to cherries.

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Oooo! I love cherries! Thanks for the tip. I guess I better not do that until after my test. I want a true reading. But after that....mmmmm cherries!

I can picture it now... pred munchies and you eyeing up a cherry pie.

You may want to ask family members if they have any history of gout or know another family member who may.

Actually my Aunt has it, she's only 4 years older than me, but she got it at a younger age.
My DH was diagnosed with it about 3 years ago. He takes Alipurinal (sp) when he remembers ! I can assure you that I will be more diligent about taking any meds prescribed. I don't like dealing with this pain....at all!

Um, do Hostess cherry pies count? lol!