On 2013-10-31, Metspitzer > wrote:
> I have been prescribed Allopurinol for gout. Since I have had a liver
>
> The doctor warned that the Colcry makes you go to the bathroom, but
> what I am wondering is that is the going to the bathroom a side effect
> of the meds or is that going to the bathroom what stops the gout pain.

I first thought you were a troll, the last question being so bizarre.
I can see, now, you are not.

I've been taking allupurinol for over 10 yrs. This for one very
severe attack of gout. The entire episode lasted 8 mos. I took
colchicine and one other drug. I endured crutches and a cane for 6
mos, an anal itch I was ready to take a claw hammer to, multiple
migraines, and finally, a spinal tap. In short, it was a nightmare
brought on by my own personal allergies, whatever they may be,
incompetent doctors, and a short lived but intense craving for salt
dried anchovies. Allupurinol was a godsend.

My first advice is, find a good doctor, preferrably a rheumatologists.
Quit eating any small fish, like anchovies or sardines or smelt.
Drink plenty of water. The going to the bathroom thing is the result
of drinking mucho water. Take yer allupurinol religiously.

Here's a few facts. Gout is a build up of uric acid in the blood
stream. When there is too much, it crystalizes and the crystals
settle in the soft tissue of bone joints. It's like broken glass
shards in yer flesh and it hurts! Uric acid build up is caused by one
of two things. Yer body is creating too much of it or yer body is not
eliminating it quick enough. Uric acid is caused by converting the
purines in yer food. All foods have 'em, some waaay more than others,
so diet is important. It's genetic. Allupurinol helps yer body git
rid of uric acid. Lastly, and most importantly, IMO, it takes weeks
and months, not days, to get yer uric acid level down, so don't expect
any short term solutions. Also, repeated attacks will break down and
irreparably destroy joint tissue, so you want to knock gout down and
keep it down.

Colcry is a brand name for colchicine, which is good for knocking down
a full blown attack of gout, but it's not a long term solution and the
side effects can be brutal. I can't handle the drug for more than
about 5 days. It's a temporary solution to a long term affliction,
but it has its advantages. I still keep some in the house. There can
be side effects to allupurinol, specially from over dosing. I
suffered sore and achy muscles, for months. This no doubt due to
taking initial doses of up to 1000mgs per day. When I got down to
300mgs, the side effects disappeared. The doctor claimed he'd never
heard of such side effects. Well, I had it, but perhaps that's jes
me.

The allupurinol will do the job you need and is relatively benign. At
least I no longer fear it. I can now eat/drink anything I want,
including anchovies, but I keep that to about once per year. Gout is
no picnic, but it can be controlled and lived with. Basically, you
jes gotta be smarter than the gout. Good luck.

nb