Gout... I've heard of it, but never really knew much about it. Never thought about it. Until recently.
( In case you ever have this happen to you)
Recently, for no apparent reason, my big toe joint ( left foot) became swollen, red, and increasingly painful, to the point where it's was almost impossible to walk. Felt very warm as if infected... But clearly inflamed. Urgent care said it was gout. I never had this before. Not blood test, no xrays. Prescribed prednisone (2 pills x 5 days). Instruction: cold packs and elevate.
( In case you ever have this happen to you)
Recently, for no apparent reason, my big toe joint ( left foot) became swollen, red, and increasingly painful, to the point where it's was almost impossible to walk. Felt very warm as if infected... But clearly inflamed. Urgent care said it was gout. I never had this before. Not blood test, no xrays. Prescribed prednisone (2 pills x 5 days). Instruction: cold packs and elevate.
Condition did not improve. Three days later, middle toe appeared to get infected, went to hospital. Was prescribed 6 day step down prednisone and antibiotic. No blood test, no xrays. There was a marked improvement after 3 days. Not right, but better. On day 4 of new meds, finally got an appointment with new primary care doctor. Questionally , conditionally agreed with possible gout diagnosis. Questioned why there were no blood tests and no stays. Coutinue with meds and monitor... If condition doesn't improve, call him. Completed meds and there was 90% improvement... Just thought that complete recovery would just take some time. No pain, no tenderness, no swelling, no redness... Just a slight stiffness feeling.
Three days after completing meds... The same symptoms started in my right toe joint. I couldn't believe this was happening again. Had already done lots of reading about gout on the internet. What to eat, what not to eat, what to do and not do.
Health care is necessary, but do yourself a favor, help yourself, gather information that will make treatment more successful. Information that is not given from health care providers that could and will make all the difference in recovery. Whatever the reason... Over worked and overwhelmed, indifference to go the extra mile, or medicine has just become too much of a business... Get them in, get them out shirt cuts. Just not as thorough is they could be.
So... The same day as the right toe started Saturday morning... Medical office closed on the weekend... Dr. GOOGLE to the rescue. Avoided the bad food for gout, and started taking apple cider vinegar. Bottle vinegar in water (1 tbs/8oz) and ACV capsules. Drank lots of water and water with lemon. Gout issues turned around within hours. After 12 hours pain gone, tenderness gone. After 24 hours walking no issue... Just a little stiffness. Clearly the gout prognosis was correct.
It's all about reducing uric acid in the blood.
So do yourself a favor... In addition to the doctor, read up on gout, causes, prevention, and remedies to eliminate additional suffering. The biggest key for me... Apple cider vinegar which reduces uric acid. The problem may not be completely solved, only proper diet can control that, but prevention and pain relief ... ACV worked really well. Don't know why the two doctors and the hospital didn't say something about ACV... Or at least to read up on it.
So... Maybe this might help you, just in case gout comes your way.
Three days after completing meds... The same symptoms started in my right toe joint. I couldn't believe this was happening again. Had already done lots of reading about gout on the internet. What to eat, what not to eat, what to do and not do.
Health care is necessary, but do yourself a favor, help yourself, gather information that will make treatment more successful. Information that is not given from health care providers that could and will make all the difference in recovery. Whatever the reason... Over worked and overwhelmed, indifference to go the extra mile, or medicine has just become too much of a business... Get them in, get them out shirt cuts. Just not as thorough is they could be.
So... The same day as the right toe started Saturday morning... Medical office closed on the weekend... Dr. GOOGLE to the rescue. Avoided the bad food for gout, and started taking apple cider vinegar. Bottle vinegar in water (1 tbs/8oz) and ACV capsules. Drank lots of water and water with lemon. Gout issues turned around within hours. After 12 hours pain gone, tenderness gone. After 24 hours walking no issue... Just a little stiffness. Clearly the gout prognosis was correct.
It's all about reducing uric acid in the blood.
So do yourself a favor... In addition to the doctor, read up on gout, causes, prevention, and remedies to eliminate additional suffering. The biggest key for me... Apple cider vinegar which reduces uric acid. The problem may not be completely solved, only proper diet can control that, but prevention and pain relief ... ACV worked really well. Don't know why the two doctors and the hospital didn't say something about ACV... Or at least to read up on it.
So... Maybe this might help you, just in case gout comes your way.
