Another Allopurinol Success

[Andrew]

I've been trying to manage my gout by diet and supplements for almost five years with varying success. Sometimes I could get my UA level down to 6.5 but it often ranged up to 7.5. My doctor was reluctant to start me on Allopurinol (in all fairness because he knows I really dislike pharmaceuticals and prefer naturopathic approaches).

But Last December during my annual physical my UA level had reached a record 8.9 mg/dL, and in January I suffered a pretty bad attack. I used up my remaining supply of natural colchicine to get it under control and found out that another 30 tablet supply would be refilled with ColCrys at an out-of-pocket cost of $150 USD for 30 tabs (previously covered by insurance for a $5 copay, the claim was denied because ColCrys is not generic).

Also, during that attack I developed alopecia barbae (bald spots in my beard), which I found out is associated with colchicine toxicity. This really put a crimp on my George Clooney look, haha.

And, it became undeniably evident I had developed a tophi on the big joint of my big toe which was not receding as the attack subsided?

SO: I finally conceded the battle for natural control of my gout. I got an Allopurinol Rx from the doctor and started 300 mg per day on February 3. Twelve days later I had my worst gout attack ever. (My doctor warned me it would happen). It was in both toe joints simultaneously, and in all areas of both joints. I took Indomethacin for the pain and swelling and frankly it does not work as well as colchicine, but it is generic and it does not cause alopecia. That attack caused me to lose most of the skin on top of my big toe, however! And I had some small skin eruptions on top of the the toe that the doctor said are the result of actual physical expulsion of the uric acid crystals.

The very good news is, as of yesterday, March 8, my UA level had dropped to 4.9 mg/dL! My doctor is pleased and said come back for a re-test in 6 months. So, I can have confidence that any further acute attacks are actually “un-gouting” attacks ? and within a few months I should be not experiencing any further attacks.

And, my beard is starting ? very slowly ? to grow back!?

The only glitch is, after discussing the link between sleep apnea and gout (and hypertension, which I also have), my doctor has referred me to a sleep center for evaluation. Oh well if that is as the bottom of everything then it's better to find out.

[hansinnm]

Andrew said:

… under control and found out that another 30 tablet supply would be refilled with ColCrys at an out-of-pocket cost of $150 USD for 30 tabs (previously covered by insurance for a $5 copay, the claim was denied because ColCrys is not generic)….

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Have you considered buying Colchicine in Canada?

[Andrew]

hansinnm said:

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Have you considered buying Colchicine in Canada?
?

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Yes, my doctor even suggested that as a possibility, and wrote an Rx that I could use for the purpose.

However, I do not want to risk any more alopecia, it is one thing to have a few bald spots on one's beard (just shave and it's hard to notice), but it's quite another if the hair loss is on the head! Since the allopurinal is working and I will not have many more gout attacks to endure, I would rather get by with the Indomethacin.

[Author]

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