There have been a few issues with consistent performance on this website recently.

As far as I can tell, the discussion and support services on GoutPal Interactive have not been affected, but there has been occasional loss of service on this main gout information website.

It is interesting to see my site getting busier, but I’m sorry that the high demand for free gout information has caused one or two problems.

I think I have fixed this by upgrading the website servers again, and I will continue to monitor this.

If you would like to help with server costs, please see my help for gout page, or click the button on the right.

Regular readers will know I am at the early stages of a campaign to improve uric acid testing procedures. I will explain the flaws in current procedures in more detail when I launch that campaign. They include:

• Failure to identify at-risk gout patients and apply an annual test schedule
• Failure to recognize the importance of testing frequently during urate lowering treatment
• Most importantly, failure to understand that the labs statistical assessment using a mathematical model of normal distribution does not mean that “normal” uric acid levels are necessarily healthy [1]

For my campaign to be most effective, I need facts. Now is the time for all gout sufferers to pull together and let the medical profession know clearly where they have to improve procedures. With your help, I can compile the information we need to ensure the campaign spells out the extent of the problem, and the simplicity of the solution.

In short, I need your latest blood test result.

Now, I do not want you to share confidential medical information. I am collecting the information anonymously. Having said that, I have put the poll and surveys in the members area of GoutPal Interactive to protect them from Internet spammers. I’m still looking at ways of making access available to everyone without registering, but I suspect that the registration process is our best chance of keeping the information as clean as it can be.

Please help the cause by:

1. Reading the discussion guidelines, especially the gout debating guidelines and the gout poll guidelines.
2. Read my introduction to the debate on Uric Acid Blood Testing, adding your comments and opinions where applicable.
3. Complete the polls and surveys referred to in that debate.

Please complete the poll even if you have not had a uric acid test, if you are a gout sufferer or suspect you may have gout. I am very interested in learning about difficulties people have in getting this simple test, so please join the debate to explain your situation.

Uric Acid Blood Test References

1. A normal distribution is:
   

   The usual “bell shaped” distribution which may or may not be due to Carl Friedrich Gauss 1777-1855. Called “normal” because it is similar to many real-world distributions. Note that real-world distributions can be similar to normal, and still differ from it in serious systematic ways. …

   ciphersbyritter.com/NOISE/NOISGLOS.HTM

Almost a year ago, I committed myself to a long-haul plan to help you on your way to Gout Freedom.

Here is a heads up for any gout sufferer planning a uric acid blood test. It is also highly relevant to anyone who has had a test because of sore joints, but cannot get treatment because they are labeled “Normal.”

I am about to introduce a new campaign for better uric acid testing, and I will be looking for volunteers to help me organize and promote that campaign.

Before I start that, I need your help getting some clear facts to support the campaign and highlight the problems associated with getting accurate, timely uric acid test results. If you have ever had, or think you are entitled to, a uric acid blood test, I need your input.

I also need your input if you are on any kind of uric acid lowering gout medications, including allopurinol, febuxostat (Uloric® or Adenuric®), or probenecid.

Finally, if you have ever used a uric acid tester at home, please prepare to give me a few simple facts next week.

Continue reading First Step To Gout Freedom – A Uric Acid Blood Test

Who Are You?

You might be a student, or a professional health care provider. But the chances are that you are a gout sufferer like me, or you care for a husband, wife or other gouty friend. If you want sensible gout advice that avoids outdated myths about gout, you have come to the right place.

I have a lot of information to help you fix your gout, so let me explain whether you need to start in the Gout Symptoms Section, the Gout Treatment Section, or the Gout Diet Section. Those sections are filled with practical advice that shows you how to avoid common pitfalls, and manage your gout. If you want to understand more technical gout information, then the Uric Acid & Gouty Arthritis Information Section has all the facts you will ever need.

How Does Gout Affect You?

Forget the confusing advice you received elsewhere, then let me help you avoid all the gout myths, and learn some facts that will lead you to Gout Freedom.

The steps are simple.
Continue reading the Gout Blog 2011 Review & Introduction

In a recently published report into applying ultrasound to help diagnose gout, Howard and colleagues [1] have analyzed an improved systematic approach. They prove that non-invasive techniques can help gout patients – even where there are no symptoms!

In this study, rheumatologists trained in musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) assessed 50 male patients for signs of uric acid crystal deposits. Their conclusion is clear:
Continue reading Can You Hear Your Symptoms Of Gout?

Where does uric acid come from?

You can’t buy it. Your body produces it by breaking down proteins. If you have too much, you’ve got hyperuricemia. I’ve covered 4 main reasons for excess uric acid below.

How much is too much?

No fixed level is right or wrong. 3-7 mg/dl is average. Some people have higher levels and no gout. If you have gout, you need to keep the level below 6 mg/dl.

How can I control it?

Managing uric acid levels is never easy, but there are several treatments that help. Understanding why you have a problem is the first step to solving it. Follow the guidance here and throughout my website to find ways to control uric acid that suit you.

Continue reading Hyperuricemia – Excess Uric Acid

Signs and symptoms of gout
are more than a sore toe

Any joints can show signs and symptoms of gout, including:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Discoloration
• Numbness or tingling (Pins and needles)

Many people, including some doctors, believe that gout is an inflammation of the toe. This can lead to the diagnosis of gout being missed.

Here, I look at the signs and symptoms of gout leading to diagnosis and treatment. Elsewhere, I deal with causes and remedies, including diet.

Continue reading Signs And Symptoms Of Gout