Living With Gout

How did I know I had gout? This will seem like a history of myself, but it bears a story by itself and I am telling that story now.

During my teenage years, I have always complained about having knee & ankle pains. Most of the time, the doctors from Geylang polyclinic will just issue me Ponstan to alleviate the pain. That was enough, for awhile.

One day, a new development occur. My right knee joint, started to swell badly. I walked slowly to the polyclinic, with the help of my Mum and they put me on a patients bed. Without any form of anaesthetics, the doctor proceeded to use a syringe with the longest needle I have ever seen, directly at the swollen knee area. He drew 3 test-tube worth of liquid. I had my first experience with the technique called aspiration.

I was then put on a compression bandage and was informed that my uric acid level has reached 11mg. I was told to avoid soya bean products as well as internal organs and red meat. I was also informed to work on losing my weight. I was 16 years old then. I was put on a long term medication, taken once a day every morning. This is my first exposure to long term drug use – Allopurinol.

I was young. I did not like to be tied down. When I felt better, I stopped taking allopurinol. And it came back many times thereafter. Each time I had a gouty attack, I swore to stay off red meat, soy products and consume my medicines. I failed each time.

Going through life, when people know I had gout, they will tell me, “Don’t eat this, eat that!” or “Buy this, its good for you” or many other iteratives. I smiled and nod each time. Yes, they have very good intentions and I deserved a mighty spank for ignoring their best advice, but tell me really, how can anyone not be sad to have to put up with such well-deserved comments, advice, encouragements, scoldings. It is for the best of my health of course. It is obvious to everyone. I thought I was rebelling against them. I realised I was in that stage of denial. I know what gout is, of course. I know what not to eat. I know how I could lower the likelihood of another attack.

Yet, as I grow older, the pain keeps coming back. It got worst such that I have to resort to calling the ambulance, as at times when the pain renders me completely immobile. Be it out on the streets or at home, the number 995 have been such a common number dialed on my mobile.

2008 was a year of achievement of sorts, for me at least. Towards the end of December, I thought I had my gout finally under control as I did not have any major episodes resulting in hospitalisations. Then it happened on the 5th of December. It seemed automatic that I went straight to Changi General Hospital for treatment and was subsequently warded. I was discharged on the 8th December and thought everything was fine. During this period, I was careful with what I ate and was really monitoring my movements. Then on the 28th December 2008, I had another attack at home. This time I had to call the ambulance. This was barely three weeks and it surprises me a lot.

As soon as I was discharged, I know that I have to work harder from 2009 onwards to rein in my lifestyle. This website was born and I know that I will use this as the base for recording any potential activities, improvements and decline of my health. From the age of 16 until now, 32 years of age, it has taken that long to realise a dream to have a normal life like everyone. I do not think it is too late although I have of course wished I had started this journey to recovery much earlier.

Now this is what I will be taking for the next 2 weeks.

200mg Allopurinol once a day for two weeks.