Greetings--i am glad to see there is a forum for gout sufferers.

I am 36 male, started getting attacks about three years ago. Typical case; had an attack in big toe, lasted a day. Had another one nine months later (worse) lasted a day, had another 6 months later (very bad) lasted almost a week. Finally went to the doctor was diagnosed. Was given ibuprofen (500 mg) which did nothing.

I got to the point where I was having an attack every four months. Mainly in my instep, where the pain is viscous!!!

My (former) pcp did not believe in prescribing pain medication (e.G. Vicodin) to relieve gout attacks--he obviously never had an attack. He would typically give me presnodolyne (sp) or some sort of nsaid. These would take effect in a day or two---but still kept me on my crutches and crawling around the floor with drool coming out of my mouth due to the pain.

I had an attack last week on my index finger (first non-foot related attack). It was something fierce. I finally agreed to start allopurin (sp?).

What I wasn't told was that it can prolong an attack if you take it during one. Of course, once the pain left my hand it went right to my foot again.

I'm now looking for a new pcp. One that will give me true pain medication along with nsaids when I have an attack.

Do your doctors ever give you pain pills for your gout attacks? I think some of them don't truly understand the pain. I broke my hand once, and the last gout attack in my hand hurt worse. If they prescribe pain killers for torn tendons, broken bones, etc, why not for something that hurts worse. I feel kind of creepy asking the doctor for pain killers, but I can not function at all when I am having an attack (can't sleep, can't eat, can't even think properly). It's living in true hell.

Sorry to be so long winded. Excuse my french here, but gout sucks!

Look forward to your comments.

Thanks!