Comments on: Gout and exercise http://www.goutdietblog.com/archives/157 Diet for gout Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:25:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Sabina Shamel http://www.goutdietblog.com/archives/157#comment-385 Sabina Shamel Wed, 02 May 2007 19:45:50 +0000 http://www.goutdietblog.com/archives/157#comment-385 I believe you are correct and than again what you suggest can be verydangerous too. Fortunately gout is absolutely self limiting. When you are having one of the "Please cut off my foot" attacks, youcan permanently damage your joint if you exercise on it. However,although I cannot imagine exercising when I am in that much pain,people have done it in an attempt to improve their pain situation andthe results can be permanent and irriversable damage to the bones ofthe foot and ankle. That having been said, I know from personal experience that when I amhaving minor pain, it absolutely helps to exercize. You have to keepyour fluid level topped off, so to speak, but if you exercise to thepoint that you perspire, perspiration is salty and monosodium uratecan be removed from your system as perspiration. I believe you are correct and than again what you suggest can be verydangerous too.

Fortunately gout is absolutely self limiting.

When you are having one of the “Please cut off my foot” attacks, youcan permanently damage your joint if you exercise on it. However,although I cannot imagine exercising when I am in that much pain,people have done it in an attempt to improve their pain situation andthe results can be permanent and irriversable damage to the bones ofthe foot and ankle.

That having been said, I know from personal experience that when I amhaving minor pain, it absolutely helps to exercize. You have to keepyour fluid level topped off, so to speak, but if you exercise to thepoint that you perspire, perspiration is salty and monosodium uratecan be removed from your system as perspiration.

]]> By: Columbus Luthe http://www.goutdietblog.com/archives/157#comment-386 Columbus Luthe Thu, 03 May 2007 23:01:34 +0000 http://www.goutdietblog.com/archives/157#comment-386 Regular, intensely sweat inducing exercise (naturally while trying to keep fully hydrated with fresh clean water) seems to reduce the incidence of gout attacks in my own experience.  An odd "indicator" for me is how do my fluids smell? (OK- yuckometer just pinned the needle- but stay with me here).  When I regularly (meaning daily pretty much) train and sweat, my fresh sweat has little or no aroma.  When I have not been training regularly, or have been dehydrated, my fresh sweat tends to have a much stronger aroma and leaves white crystalline deposits when it dries on clothing. It stands to reason that the more we sweat, urinate, and consume clean water the "cleaner" our bodily fluids will remain and thus reduce the opportunity for uric acid crystals (as well as other waste products) to develop.  My doctor supports me on this theory, and it does seem to be true- at least in my case. What is also true in my case is that the gout itself prevents the necessary exercise from taking place.  Most sweat-inducing exercises involve heavy joint usage, especially my exercise of preference- Karate.  In fact, gout has forced me to all but abondon my martial arts training (but I whined about that in another post). My wife and I bought one of those "Gazelle" exercise machines recently (for those who haven't seen one, it's like simulating cross-country skiing motion), and it really has little impact on the joints while providing a good cardiovascular/ sweaty exercise (and you can watch TV while doing it).  We got ours at Sears for about $200. I am hoping that the combination of the regular exercise on the Gazelle with the colchicine/ allopurinol and HEAVY hydration will get me back on the dojo mat in a few months. (I have suffered gout more or less for fifteen or so years- with the last two years being seriously and increasingly crippling). Hopefully in a few months I will be able to post here and say it worked. Regular, intensely sweat inducing exercise (naturally while trying to keep fully hydrated with fresh clean water) seems to reduce the incidence of gout attacks in my own experience.  An odd “indicator” for me is how do my fluids smell? (OK- yuckometer just pinned the needle- but stay with me here).  When I regularly (meaning daily pretty much) train and sweat, my fresh sweat has little or no aroma.  When I have not been training regularly, or have been dehydrated, my fresh sweat tends to have a much stronger aroma and leaves white crystalline deposits when it dries on clothing.

It stands to reason that the more we sweat, urinate, and consume clean water the “cleaner” our bodily fluids will remain and thus reduce the opportunity for uric acid crystals (as well as other waste products) to develop.  My doctor supports me on this theory, and it does seem to be true- at least in my case.

What is also true in my case is that the gout itself prevents the necessary exercise from taking place.  Most sweat-inducing exercises involve heavy joint usage, especially my exercise of preference- Karate.  In fact, gout has forced me to all but abondon my martial arts training (but I whined about that in another post).

My wife and I bought one of those “Gazelle” exercise machines recently (for those who haven’t seen one, it’s like simulating cross-country skiing motion), and it really has little impact on the joints while providing a good cardiovascular/ sweaty exercise (and you can watch TV while doing it).  We got ours at Sears for about $200. I am hoping that the combination of the regular exercise on the Gazelle with the colchicine/ allopurinol and HEAVY hydration will get me back on the dojo mat in a few months. (I have suffered gout more or less for fifteen or so years- with the last two years being seriously and increasingly crippling). Hopefully in a few months I will be able to post here and say it worked.

]]> By: Jonas Laramore http://www.goutdietblog.com/archives/157#comment-387 Jonas Laramore Fri, 04 May 2007 08:06:47 +0000 http://www.goutdietblog.com/archives/157#comment-387 I'm glad to hear you started exercising! Hopefully you will soon feelthe ability to whoop ass as you once did. LOL I was really wonderingif you are taking allopurinol though? If so at what dosage? In yourpost regarding your lost love of martial arts I wrote that diet andexercise has carried me a long ways but in my heart I feel that theincrease daily dose of 300mg of allopurinol is the primary reason Idon't have attacks anymore. We have a gazelle at home as well and it's a great little machine, nottoo mention it's disposable price. I think it's great you arereclaiming your physical fitness back from gout and no doubt you feelpretty damn good about it...I know I do. Good luck! I’m glad to hear you started exercising! Hopefully you will soon feelthe ability to whoop ass as you once did. LOL I was really wonderingif you are taking allopurinol though? If so at what dosage? In yourpost regarding your lost love of martial arts I wrote that diet andexercise has carried me a long ways but in my heart I feel that theincrease daily dose of 300mg of allopurinol is the primary reason Idon’t have attacks anymore.

We have a gazelle at home as well and it’s a great little machine, nottoo mention it’s disposable price. I think it’s great you arereclaiming your physical fitness back from gout and no doubt you feelpretty damn good about it…I know I do. Good luck!

]]> By: Columbus Luthe http://www.goutdietblog.com/archives/157#comment-388 Columbus Luthe Fri, 04 May 2007 11:58:48 +0000 http://www.goutdietblog.com/archives/157#comment-388 Thanks for your comments and encouragement.  So far so good- though I have experienced some of the problems Arnold warned about in his post regarding this subject.  I've found the important thing for me is HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE!  I drink as much water as I can while exercising.  This probably has little or no effect on the actual uric acid levels in my blood other than preventing dehydration and keeping those fluids moving. I have yet to actually start taking allopurinol again- I tried it a couple of times and the gout attacks it triggered were just too intense for me to stick with it.  I'm going to start with tiny doses this time and "ramp up" slowly.  I take colchicine daily right now and it works pretty well, but the gastric side effects can be tiresome. Arnold's post on this subject was quite inspirational, as I have often questioned whether or not I would ever be able to return to my once active lifestyle or remain a "gimp".  It really hurts spriritually to go from being someone who is proud of their physical conditioning and one who places much emphasis on physical fitness as part of their self image and happiness to being unable to climb steps, walk without limping, or even shake someone's hand.  I am very encouraged to see that someone has climbed that hill before me, and grateful for the sharing of that experience. Gout made me a real ogre with a foul outlook on life for awhile.  I am so glad to have found this place where we can share our agonies, triumphs, and overall experiences with this nasty disease.  We can vent, whine, moan, complain, offer advice, and offer support because we all here understand what it's like to live with gout. Thanks for your comments and encouragement.  So far so good- though I have experienced some of the problems Arnold warned about in his post regarding this subject.  I’ve found the important thing for me is HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE!  I drink as much water as I can while exercising.  This probably has little or no effect on the actual uric acid levels in my blood other than preventing dehydration and keeping those fluids moving. I have yet to actually start taking allopurinol again- I tried it a couple of times and the gout attacks it triggered were just too intense for me to stick with it.  I’m going to start with tiny doses this time and “ramp up” slowly.  I take colchicine daily right now and it works pretty well, but the gastric side effects can be tiresome. Arnold’s post on this subject was quite inspirational, as I have often questioned whether or not I would ever be able to return to my once active lifestyle or remain a “gimp”.  It really hurts spriritually to go from being someone who is proud of their physical conditioning and one who places much emphasis on physical fitness as part of their self image and happiness to being unable to climb steps, walk without limping, or even shake someone’s hand.  I am very encouraged to see that someone has climbed that hill before me, and grateful for the sharing of that experience. Gout made me a real ogre with a foul outlook on life for awhile.  I am so glad to have found this place where we can share our agonies, triumphs, and overall experiences with this nasty disease.  We can vent, whine, moan, complain, offer advice, and offer support because we all here understand what it’s like to live with gout.

]]> By: Terrance Molock http://www.goutdietblog.com/archives/157#comment-389 Terrance Molock Fri, 04 May 2007 13:14:24 +0000 http://www.goutdietblog.com/archives/157#comment-389 I have experienced some of the problems Arnold warned about in hispost regarding this subject. I've found the important thing for meis HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE! I drink as much water as I can whileexercising. This probably has little or no effect on the actual uricacid levels in my blood other than preventing dehydration and keepingthose fluids moving.couple of times and the gout attacks it triggered were just toointense for me to stick with it. I'm going to start with tiny dosesthis time and "ramp up" slowly. I take colchicine daily right nowand it works pretty well, but the gastric side effects can betiresome.often questioned whether or not I would ever be able to return to myonce active lifestyle or remain a "gimp". It really hurtsspriritually to go from being someone who is proud of their physicalconditioning and one who places much emphasis on physical fitness aspart of their self image and happiness to being unable to climbsteps, walk without limping, or even shake someone's hand. I am veryencouraged to see that someone has climbed that hill before me, andgrateful for the sharing of that experience.am so glad to have found this place where we can share our agonies,triumphs, and overall experiences with this nasty disease. We canvent, whine, moan, complain, offer advice, and offer support becausewe all here understand what it's like to live with gout. I'm GLAD! that you appreciate the comments/inspiration from thegroup..that is what it is for!!GOOD LUCK!!! to ya bro! It is common for allopurinol and another drug..often colchicine tobe used at the same time for a while..I did 300 mg allopurinol,3X .6mg colchicine,3 X I think..25mg indomethicine..for the first 6months..cutting back to 2 colchicine and 2 indomethicine for the nextyear and then 1 colchicine for the next LAST 6 months OF MYAPPRENTICESHIP..BEFORE getting a friggin' billboard..AND one of thosesigns towed behind an airplane declaring me gout free..during THOSElast 6 months I did suffer pretty bad for 4 of them..even though Iwas still on allopurinol..I had a bit of irritation..STIFF PAINFULneck that I attributed to gout last summer..I did a few colchicineand a few indomethicine..FIXED! that..other than that NO painkillersfor 1 1 /2 years.. Buddy..MANY that knew me..KNEW..KNEW!! that I wouldNEVER,EVER!!!!! walk properly again..I can still VIVIDLY rememberbeing at my g/p's..BUSY guy..he came out into a large BUSY waitingroom..called my name..turned away and started walking..I got up andfollowed him..he STOPPED dead in his tracks..turned as if he had seena ghost..he smiled and SUDDENNLLY realized that I COULD WALK AGAIN! To be honest I can't remember if I ever questioned it..I wassimply ENGROSSED/my life revolved around gout/pain/trying tostand..let alone walk..walk/work..crippled again..ON AND OFF for 2FULL years.I had a friend that was always phoning me inquring as tomy "vertical time"..and I'ld say I had 2 hrs..or 6 whatever..I had atough time after being on allopurinol for 1 1/2 years and then fromJune 2002 to Sept 2002..while on allopurinol..I started being laid upagain..Sept 2002..23 hrs a day in bed..hey I got better! Hang inthere bud! Guess I have somewhat of a different perspective than most..I'mtough..and gout just rang my bell..in March 2001..AND I DID NOT/COULDNOT! get back up i/e stand/walk....there was simply NO CHOICE but togo on allopurinol.I literally just came in the door from skiing..Imade it home..back to being athletic!..I have been TRULYHUMBLED!..broken is the word..BUT I am proud..respectfully..therearen't many skiers that can ski as well as I can..and very few thatcould humiliate me..and fewer still that I would not lock hornswith..I came within a hair of my bearded chinny chin chin..of losingit by fooling around with gout.. I can't say that it made me an ogre with a foul outlook..I havealways been pretty philosophical..one day I'll lose it..maybe thatday had come..BUT being crippled/unable to stand..and this with theUTMOST!! respect to those that are crippled/cannot stand..I foughtit..almost consumed me..I'm lucky and grateful that I won thisbattle.. I have experienced some of the problems Arnold warned about in hispost regarding this subject. I’ve found the important thing for meis HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE! I drink as much water as I can whileexercising. This probably has little or no effect on the actual uricacid levels in my blood other than preventing dehydration and keepingthose fluids moving.couple of times and the gout attacks it triggered were just toointense for me to stick with it. I’m going to start with tiny dosesthis time and “ramp up” slowly. I take colchicine daily right nowand it works pretty well, but the gastric side effects can betiresome.often questioned whether or not I would ever be able to return to myonce active lifestyle or remain a “gimp”. It really hurtsspriritually to go from being someone who is proud of their physicalconditioning and one who places much emphasis on physical fitness aspart of their self image and happiness to being unable to climbsteps, walk without limping, or even shake someone’s hand. I am veryencouraged to see that someone has climbed that hill before me, andgrateful for the sharing of that experience.am so glad to have found this place where we can share our agonies,triumphs, and overall experiences with this nasty disease. We canvent, whine, moan, complain, offer advice, and offer support becausewe all here understand what it’s like to live with gout.

I’m GLAD! that you appreciate the comments/inspiration from thegroup..that is what it is for!!GOOD LUCK!!! to ya bro!

It is common for allopurinol and another drug..often colchicine tobe used at the same time for a while..I did 300 mg allopurinol,3X .6mg colchicine,3 X I think..25mg indomethicine..for the first 6months..cutting back to 2 colchicine and 2 indomethicine for the nextyear and then 1 colchicine for the next LAST 6 months OF MYAPPRENTICESHIP..BEFORE getting a friggin’ billboard..AND one of thosesigns towed behind an airplane declaring me gout free..during THOSElast 6 months I did suffer pretty bad for 4 of them..even though Iwas still on allopurinol..I had a bit of irritation..STIFF PAINFULneck that I attributed to gout last summer..I did a few colchicineand a few indomethicine..FIXED! that..other than that NO painkillersfor 1 1 /2 years.. Buddy..MANY that knew me..KNEW..KNEW!! that I wouldNEVER,EVER!!!!! walk properly again..I can still VIVIDLY rememberbeing at my g/p’s..BUSY guy..he came out into a large BUSY waitingroom..called my name..turned away and started walking..I got up andfollowed him..he STOPPED dead in his tracks..turned as if he had seena ghost..he smiled and SUDDENNLLY realized that I COULD WALK AGAIN!

To be honest I can’t remember if I ever questioned it..I wassimply ENGROSSED/my life revolved around gout/pain/trying tostand..let alone walk..walk/work..crippled again..ON AND OFF for 2FULL years.I had a friend that was always phoning me inquring as tomy “vertical time”..and I’ld say I had 2 hrs..or 6 whatever..I had atough time after being on allopurinol for 1 1/2 years and then fromJune 2002 to Sept 2002..while on allopurinol..I started being laid upagain..Sept 2002..23 hrs a day in bed..hey I got better! Hang inthere bud!

Guess I have somewhat of a different perspective than most..I’mtough..and gout just rang my bell..in March 2001..AND I DID NOT/COULDNOT! get back up i/e stand/walk….there was simply NO CHOICE but togo on allopurinol.I literally just came in the door from skiing..Imade it home..back to being athletic!..I have been TRULYHUMBLED!..broken is the word..BUT I am proud..respectfully..therearen’t many skiers that can ski as well as I can..and very few thatcould humiliate me..and fewer still that I would not lock hornswith..I came within a hair of my bearded chinny chin chin..of losingit by fooling around with gout..

I can’t say that it made me an ogre with a foul outlook..I havealways been pretty philosophical..one day I’ll lose it..maybe thatday had come..BUT being crippled/unable to stand..and this with theUTMOST!! respect to those that are crippled/cannot stand..I foughtit..almost consumed me..I’m lucky and grateful that I won thisbattle..

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