Pain, frustration, and no insurance

[Erinome]

After several years with 1-2 minor episodes/yr of gout in my left big toe, I had a serious attack and sought treatment. I don't have health insurance so getting real help is difficult. My uric acid level tested at 7.9 mg/dL, and my doctor prescribed Colcrys 0.6 mg x 2/day. But it costs $6/pill ($356/month) and there's no way I can afford that. So she prescribed Allopurinol 100 mg x 1/day (increasing to 3/day over the next 3 weeks), but after just the first day my toe has a significant flare-up and I've stopped taking it. Ibuprofen or Alleve help the pain a little, but not much.

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I'm frustrated and fear that without health insurance I'm stuck with cheap medications, rare blood tests and a doctor appointment only every 3-6 months. I'm wondering if anyone else has been in this position and has any advice. I fear becoming partially disabled from this disease, and also fear that even if my current problem does subside it could arise again at any time as on a trip from home or at some other crucial point.

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Thank you.

[limpy]

I?think you can sign up for help with the company that make Colchicine now at a discount. My doctor perscribed me Naproxin to take the place of Colchicine. It's pretty cheap but?I couldn't take it on acount of some other issues. As far as the allop you can bite the bullet now or pay a bigger price by waiting. Good luck Limpy?

[Keith Taylor (GoutPal Admin)]

This format of the gout forum is closing.

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Please continue the debate about gout attacks during treatment for lowering uric acid in the Lowering Uric Acid Gout Forum,
where I hope you will learn to understand that, whilst not compulsory,
gout flares are a common sign that you are finally clearing out old
deposits.

Limpy is right – you must do something about the uric acid deposits. These can build up slowly without flares, but they are slowly
destroying bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Without this short
term pain, you risk permanent joint damage.

My article that the new forum is built around, How Does Lowering Uric Acid Cause More Gout Attacks?, gives some tips on coping with these temporary flares brought on my lowering uric acid.

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If that page does not help you, or if you still have related issues, then please use the new format gout forum.

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