About 7 years ago I was diagonsed with Gout (Early 30's). I've had attacks off and on (Last year about 3 times) and have about 3 this year already. It has seemed to get worse since most recently Indomethicin has been pretty uneffective. I haven't been able to shake the latest attack and haven't noticied anything odd in my diet. Does allopurinol help? What are the side effects? I really hate being tied to a pill everyday. Could this be a sign of kidney failure?

They thought my Husband had Gout after he didn't heal wel from Morton's Neuroma surgery in his foot, but they just changed the diagnosis to RSD-Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. I'm still confused why his Uric Acid levels are through the roof, but they seem sure....he hated the Indomethecin and refused to take it because he was violently sick on it.

I guess my point is just to talk to you Dr., and be aggressive in your own Health Management....demand better pain Medication...Gout is FAMOUS for being THE MOST PAINFUL of all the Arthritis'....you should demand better pain management...they won't just offer it unless you demand it! Also, if there's any question, ask for more tests too...it could be morphing into something else, and the Healthcare System is pretty awful at just shuffling people along who just go with the flow without complaining!

The Squeaky Wheel gets the Grease!!

Good Luck!

Thanks for the info... Your right, it is very painful. I'm fortunate in that I haven't had adverse reactions from Indomethicin (aside from exteme gas pains occaisionally). I've heard the Alopurinol is a "wonder drug" but I wonder what the long term side effects are on a daily dose drug.