Just an update, went to a Orthopedic Surgeon on a follow up and they re-drained my left knee to get "better" samples for the "GOUT" test. So I'm awaiting results so we can MAKE SURE, it's gout and I can figure out how to get the "gout meds", without having a "primary car doctor". Yes, I'm one of those wretched scum that can't afford health insurance!
Walking a bit better but still can't get my left knee to let me make a "full revolution" so I can "pedal", arrrrrugh! If it's 100% sure it's gout, then hopefully the gout meds, to reduce the uric acid levels will get me back to normal, it's been "5 WEEKS" since I last rode my bike and it's killing me! The only thing that has helped is that it's been VERY cold here in Colorado Springs, CO. for several day's (- temps, without wind chill!!) So the saga continues all I want is it to come to an end so I can ride!
Happy Holidays to all!
B.J.
TEAM Screaming Turtles The "Bicycle Lifestyle" of B.J. and Jo Ondo
1 comments:
If it is gout, you'll need a plan to manage it. First-off, deal with uric acid. It's a long haul, but allopurinol is cheap and effective. Simply keep uric acid levels in the blood down to 5mg/dL for life. 6 months or more at 2 to 3 mg/dL will help get rid of old crystals faster.
The pain should be easy to manage, but the FDA have made it harder by licensing colchicine as Colcrys making it very expensive, though they do have an assistance program.
Colchicine is available mail order from Canada, and you can also get it through USA compounding pharmacies if you can persuade your doc to give you a scrip for 0.5mg, which gets round the licensing problem as Colcrys is only in 0.6mg tabs.
Colchicine stops inflammation progressing, but it does not reduce inflammation or pain, so you'll need anti-inflammatories and/or analgesics to beat the pain.
Try to keep the joints warm, because cold makes crystals form more readily. In my experience, pushing through the pain really helps. This is walking not pedaling, but the principle is the same. Strong anti-inflammatories with mobility will make it possible to ride, but take it easy at first, and wrap your joints warmly as soon as you finish. As a disclaimer, you should clear this with your doctor first - movement helps gouty joints, but if something else is suspected, this may not be the right way to go.
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