Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Shirley x

Shirley has had gout for around fifteen years. She take allopurinol as a preventative medication, which keeps it under control. Gout is not a priority for Shirley as she has other health conditions.

  • Background

    Shirley is married and lives with her husband. She has three children. She is retired, and previously worked as a teacher and social worker. Ethnic background/nationality: White English.

  • Age at interview 77
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Kate

    Kate had recent attacks of gout in her hand and knee, although she had similar episodes when younger. The tablets to treat it made her feel ill. She always checks whether tablets are compatible with existing medication.

  • Background

    Kate is married and lives with her husband. She has one son. She is retired, and previously worked as a lollipop (school crossing) warden. Ethnic background/nationality: White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 65
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Pat

    Pat was diagnosed with gout after some years of pain. She takes allopurinol and uses anti-inflammatories and painkillers to manage any attacks. She prefers to self-manage her condition but sees the GP for regular blood tests.

  • Background

    Pat is a nurse. She lives with her husband and son, and has three other children. She enjoys walking. Ethnic background/nationality: White English.

  • Age at interview 61
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Shirley Y

    Shirley was diagnosed with gout in her late 60s, after having other forms of arthritis since she was 27. She managed the attacks with ice packs and painkillers. Since having an operation to remove a lump from her toe joint she has had less pain.

  • Background

    Shirley is married and lives with her husband. She has two children. She is retired, and previously worked as a Legal Secretary. Ethnic background/nationality: White English.

  • Age at interview 78
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Val

    Val has had three attacks of gout in her big toe joint. She is unable to wear the shoes she used to wear before she had gout. Val takes 300mg of allopurinol every day, but does not feel confident that her gout is completely under control.

  • Background

    Val is married and lives with her husband and three of their six children. She is retired, and previously worked as a school Library Assistant. Ethnic background/nationality: White English.

  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Jean

    Jean had two attacks of gout in her right big toe joint last year. Both of her big toe joints were replaced with artificial joints in 1998 because of arthritis. Jean takes allopurinol every day and has not experienced another attack.

  • Background

    Jean is widowed and lives with her daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. She is retired, and previously worked as an Accounts Manageress for a furniture company. Ethnic background/nationality: White English.

  • Age at interview 78
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Janette

    Janette was diagnosed with gout about seven years ago at the age of 75. She did not want to take medication so she made changes to her diet like eating shellfish less often. She has not had an attack for two years.

  • Background

    Janette is single and lives alone. She is retired, and previously worked as a Counsellor and Trainer. Ethnic background/nationality: White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 82
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Carole

    Carole chose to manage her gout for about 10 years by monitoring her diet, and took naproxen when she had an attack. In 2012, she decided to try preventative medication, and now takes 300mg allopurinol every day.

  • Background

    Carole is divorced and lives alone. She is now retired, and previously worked as a Civil Servant. Ethnic background/nationality: White English.

  • Age at interview 64
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Sue

    Sue and her husband, Alan, have both had gout. Sue initially took colchicine, but now manages her gout by taking allopurinol. She has not had an attack since she began taking allopurinol.

  • Background

    Sue lives with her husband and has two children. She is now retired, and previously worked as a Social Worker. Ethnic background/nationality: White English.

  • Age at interview 68
  • Sex/Gender Female