My husband has been in severe pain for 4 days now. We have no insurance and has refused to go to the ER until tonight. Myself and his mom have convinced him his health is more important than a medical bill. He's worried about the bill.
He has not officially ever been diagnosed with gout but he believes thats what it is.
He went to the minor emergency clinic about a year ago and thought he had broken his ankle, the physicians assistant, who didn't seem to know what he was doing just told him it looked like gout.
He has occassionally flareups and every one seems to get worse. He said this is definitely his worst attack ever.
His symtoms are:

His right foot on his instep, the side of his foot, the top of his foot and ankles are extremely swollen and red, yesterday it almost had a glossy, shiny look to his skin that can happen in a gout attack, so that I've read.
He said the pain is so intense that he can't put any pressure on his foot at all.
He said when he touches his foot it feels like someone is lighting his foot on fire, its a burning intense pain.
He is overweight and he's worried about diabetes. He's had two sores on his toes and one on the back of his heel for a long time that has never completely healed. Its just scabbed up but the sores won't go away. He was tested at the minor emergency center when he went last year for diabetes and it was negative then.
Myself and his entire family and worried sick about his health.
I think from what I've been reading up on the internet that this is definitely gout. He's tried drinking apple cider vinegar, taking vitamin c tablets, drinking 100% pure black cherry juice and lots of water but 4 days and no relief.
He has also been taking Aleve but it didn't seem to help either.
What should he expect in the ER if he goes to get tested and get a definite diagnosis of gout? What tests will they do? Will he have to stay in the hospital?
What are your experiences with gout attacks anyone? What has helped you?
He drinks way too many energy drinks like Full Throttles and those have tons of caffeine that I thought maybe aggrivated his foot and may have caused the gout attack.

Hi Hamilton,

My husband used to have Gout a lot. Most of the time in his ankle or big toe. Sometimes in his wrist.

If he goes to the dr., there is a medicine for gout. Also Aleve helps, but you need quite a bit of it. It hurts like glass is in there. Like a sharp really bad pain, if you move your body part that has it.

Here is what you should not eat: No beer, no alcohol, no cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts. No Greasy Foods. No hot dogs, lunch meats, sausages and such. Probably more that I cannot remember.

Here is what you should take/eat/drink: cherries in a can (tart only, no sugar in them, dark cherries), dried cherries (expensive, but they must also be the right kind - red tart cherries, not the black sweet cherries). Also, the pure cherry juice (not the kind with other juices added). You might also try health food stores for Gout remedies.

You must do, eat everyday. It will probably take 4 - 7 days to completely get rid of it.

His did not really go all the way away. He still eats dried cherries everyday. Just about 5, 5 times a day. But he does not drink beer or alcohol anymore and not too much cabbage.

I hope he gets better.

Wannabe

My hsuband also suffers from gout it is in his bir toe and his wrist. He had a blood test and if it is gout usually there is too much uric acid. Gout is very very painful usually he gets an injection of steroids and he has been taking allopurinol every day and his attacks have been under control. Good luck and get him to the doctors or er it is not worth suffering with that much pain. Take care and stay safe geifer

We are.........

In the same boat. My husband also have Gout. He hates doctors...and don't believe it them. He more into alternatives medicines.....but this gout attack is one that he never ignore. He have to go see his doctor.

The pills that the doctor prescribe him are vioxx and celebrex. Of course Vioxx taken off because of health concerns...he is now taking Celebrex.

I never like those cox-2 inhibitors...I believe the risk are probably the same. Well my husband is a big meat eater...he have to take those pills if he wants to have his favorite dishes.

Anyway.....we are both working on......a more natural approach to get ride of his gout. Have you tried gout cure. It's something you should look into. You can buy it on-line.

The only way to get rid of gout or to prevent a gout attack is to get rid of the uric acid in this system. He have to drink at least 64 ounces of purified water every single day to help expel the uric acid from his system.

In the mean time.......Make sure he limits the use of alcoholic beverages, Herring, Mussels, sardines, Bacon, Beef, veal, liver, vension, lamb, trout, salmon....and all fish that have a lot of fat for that matter, Turkey, all types of shell-fish.(crab, lobsters, osters, and etc...)

Occasional..he can still have: asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, peas, spinach, whole grain breads, whole grain cereals, chicken, duck, ham, pork, kidneys and lima beans.

foods that are safe: Green vegetables(cucumbers, lettece, etc..) tomatoes, all fruits(cherries, oranges), fruit juices, butter, milk, cheese, eggs, chocolate, cofee, and tea.

I know...if you look at my list it like....Your Husband will probably just starve to death, right? actually......mines did. As a results he actually lost about 15 pounds in one month.

But....it was short. He was always so tired, and no energy. He need meat. That's why he takes Celebrex. He sometimes limp...here and there. But...it's a relief at least to see him not in so much pain.

oh.......I've heard about a natural cox-2 ihibitor. Since your husband can't get celebrex......maybe he can take those.(I am thinking for letting my husband try it as well)