Day 6 - Gout Attack! - ThinnerTimes

OsoDelDesierto · 02-19-2008, 12:47 PM

Gout sucks! Yes, as of late yesterday, I have fallen victim to another gout attack and am now reduced to hobbling short distances on crutches!

Yesterday's walks around the neighborhood have turned into today's hobbles to the living room and back to bed, but I'm still sipping, resting, walking as much as I can bear, and repeating...

My surgeon was hoping that starting me back on my fairly new regimen of Allopurinol post-op would forestall any new gout attacks, at least until I can go back on my NSAIDs at about a month out, but we lost that little game of Russian Roulette. One of the main reasons I went with the Sleeve instead of the RNY is that Sleeve patients can take NSAIDs post-op (because we still produce digestive juices that reduce the risk of ulceration, unlike the RNY). Unfortunately, I am still supposed to stay off NSAIDS for the first month after surgery while the Sleeve is healing and while there is a greater risk of internal bleeding, especially with my now-daily dose of Warfarin to avoid blood clots.

Well, that restriction has gone out the window and my surgeon has called in a prescription for liquid Indocin (Indocin is the NSAID that works best for gout) that I will take for a few days starting tomorrow. Until then, I will take Celebrex and keep off my feet as much as possible. Obviously, we're between a rock and a hard place here - risk of bleeding with the Indocin; excruciating pain and severely restricted mobility without it, and with all the bad things that can happen to the bed-bound. I'm comfortable with this course of treatment, but I really hope the Allopurinol keeps me from having another flare-up until it's safe to start a regular NSAID...

On a happier note, this morning I was able to get 32 oz. of water, a vial of Profect, and all of my meds down in a shockingly small amount of time (less than two hours) - I'm definitely doing better with the liquids!

I will confess, though, that I didn't crush my pills as I should have (I broke up the bigger ones, however) - I just took them one at a time with lots of sips of water and Profect in between. I'll go back to crushing everything tomorrow to go easy on my Sleeve, but I was relieved not to have to deal with trying to suspend them in Liquid Tylenol for just once...

2Bhealthy · 02-19-2008, 12:51 PM

OOOOOH, I'm so sorry. I hope it gets better quickly. Other wise sounds like you are doing great!

Toony · 02-19-2008, 12:52 PM

ARGH Eric!!! sorry that the BEAST named GOUT reared his ugly head on you... I know this has been a biggie with you in the past...

I'm glad your surgeon is willing to compromise on the medication --- at least to keep your comfortable for now...

Congrats on your total compliance with the post-op diet/liquids.. I have not faired as well... but am working on it!

katie

MiladyB · 02-19-2008, 01:37 PM

Hi Eric, so sorry you are going through this. I know how painful gout can be. Just curious, if your surgeon is starting you on some Indocin is he putting you on some type of protectant? For myself I think I would want to be on something like Carafate or Cytotec. Just some added protection.

Glad to hear though that in other areas things are improving. Take it easy, my friend. Keep us informed and I'm hoping you will be able to get over this hump soon.

thedonnybrasco · 02-19-2008, 01:49 PM

I HAVE NEVER POSTED ABOUT THIS BUT I HAVE BATTLED GOUT SINCE THE FIRST WEEK OF MY SURGERY. THE WORST GOUT EPISODES EVER! WHERE I COULD NOT EVEN SLEEP. THIS VIDEO WILL EXPLAIN ALOT IT HELPED ME UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY BODY.
IF YOU CAN GET PASSED THE STUPID MUSIC
I GOT STEROIDS FROM MY DR AND THE PAIN WAS GONE IN HOURS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIv36W2-kUg

Claire-in-Texas · 02-19-2008, 01:51 PM

Eric, my precious friend!!!

Talk about the good news and the bad news! Aaaackkkk!!!!

I am so glad you are doiing SO well post op in terms of the VSG - and so sorry yu are in so much pain and discomfort from the Gout Beast.

I continue to be the angel on your shoulder.....

xoxoxo

VanessaSFL · 02-19-2008, 03:10 PM

Eric, that bums me out.Sounds like you & Dr have a plan.

Take care sexy!

LyndasRoom · 02-19-2008, 03:23 PM

OWWWIE, Erik,
I'm so sorry you're suffering with this. It's great that your doc is totally on-board with helping in any way you need.
xoxo

Squishy · 02-19-2008, 05:20 PM

Sorry to hear about the gout!! I've never had it, but it sounds pretty painful! I hope the medicine kicks in quickly for you.

-Mike-

P.S. Vanessa.... I hesitate to mention it... but you are looking a little like Ronald Reagan these days. I can't put my finger on it...new hairstyle???

coptergirl · 02-19-2008, 05:23 PM

Oh Eric - so sorry about the gout!! It was post op when I was taking Allopurinol that I discovered I was allergic to it...now excuse me - I have the itchie scratchies starting in weird places....