Hi,

I'm 29 yrs old and live in the UK.

My Dad (66 yrs old) suffers from severe gout. He has complained about it for years and recently it has been really bad. He has been on all sorts of medication and finally it seems to be helping - that and serious dietry changes.

This summer while on holiday in France, my wife and I had several nights of lots of red wine and cheese. One morning I woke up and immediatly recognised the pain I felt in my big toe - it was only slight, but I knew it - it was exactly what my Dad has been describing for years.

So now I am really worried. I don't want to end up suffering as much as my Dad. I'm trying to modify my red wine intake, and I am drinking lots and lots of water, as I am convinced there must be a strong link between water intake and gout.

I know I need to read up on it, but I just wanted to see if anyone could advise me where to read up, if what I am doing is sensible, if there is anything I can do or take now to avoid serious pain in 10 years time.

Especially if there is any "if I knew then what I know now" stories ...

Thanks.