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.
Kate had two incidents in her 20s and 30s when she had crystals in her knee, resulting in a lump. She feels that the attack she had more recently, which was diagnosed as gout, was similar to the earlier episodes.
When she had the recent attack, which was in her hand and knee, it was so painful that the doctor had to come to her house and she was sent to see a rheumatologist. A blood test confirmed that it was gout. The colchicine tablets she was given made her feel very ill so she does not take them anymore. She has tried celery tablets but they did not work.
When Kate has an attack of gout, she does not want to go out or do anything until the pain stops. She does not feel embarrassed about having gout and sees it as just another thing’.
Kate has other health conditions, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. She always checks whether any tablets are compatible with her existing medication.
Kate would like more information on the condition, particularly the causes of it.