My gout has flared up again.

[MrsSeanBean]

Last time it was my toe. Now it's my whole foot, painful and swollen. I couldn't get my shoe on this evening.

Maybe I really do need to cut down on my red wine. Does anyone else suffer from this?

No, sorry, I really feel for you though

I am actually quite worried as I googled it (which is all our local GP ever does, so I save myself a trip ) and found that it can lead to kidney damage. I am on sparkling water for the rest of the evening.

It's the crystals, your kidneys can't excrete them.
Have you seen a rheumatologist?

No. I never see anyone unless at death's door. Google is my oracle.

I need water, weight reduction and fewer carbs. As luck would have it I was planning to start the Atkins diet again in earnest today anyway, so this is my body's way of confirming my decision.

And there's no better motivation than kidney health.

I'd ask to see a rheumatologist. It sounds like a really painful thing to have and they may be able to do something else to help.

Thanks for your concern fluffybunny. I'll see how it goes.

You should go, they can check your kidney function and the blood flow to your toes. Best to get them checked.