I was diagnosed with the gout 3 days ago. I'm not feeling secure in that diagnosis for several reasons and I hope maybe you can help me sort this out.

I've had swollen fingers on my right hand for well over a year. My physiatrist that I consult for my back condition told me a while back that I don't have gout (an er doctor thought I did because of pain and swelling in my knee). I have a nodule on the middle knuckle of my left index finger with absolutely no pain or stiffness. It just showed up one day and I happened to notice it!!

I went to a rheumatologist because my right fingers seem to be sore a lot more and they are always stiff. He took blook and xrays. He siad my ur was "high enough" but, not real high. The radiologist who he consulted with on my xrays said he thought the disfigurement in the knuckles was due to osteoarthritis. My r doctor said no he thinks it's gout with secondary osteo.

I've never had "typical" gout symptoms. I don't consume any of the "bad" things that usually accompany a gout "attack." if I have the gout fine, but I don't want to be taking medication that won't help me. The doctor has also ordered a 24 hour urine test and I need to do that in the next couple of days.

Can you help shed some light? Do people have the gout, bu not the typical redness, swelling, excruciating pain. In everything i've read i've never heard about anyone having my (what could be considered mild symptoms) and being diagnosed with the gout. Should I have fluid taken from my knuckle to be analyzed to get an accurate diagnosis? I'm going to consult back with my physiatrist and see what his thoughts are. I'm not above consulting as many doctors as it will take to get to the bottom of this. Thanks so much for your input.