Wow is the word that describes the difference in my lifestyle. I have confidence that I have not had since I started getting gout attacks many years ago.
I do get a slight tingle in my toes from time to time, usually in the mornings. I have been taking 400 mg of allopurinol, 0.6 mg of colchicine, & the other little blue pill daily (i.e. the investigational medication).
This cocktail of meds has provided me with zero flare-ups since we added the newest drug to the mix.
My uric acid levels have dropped and remained below 5 mg/dL which is what I’m told is a threshold we want to be under. My last blood test showed I was just over 3 for uric acid.
Since I entered into the study, I have paid much closer attention to my health and even more in the past six months as I have been feeling much better. I haven’t missed a day off work (because of gout) in months.
I have been skiing every weekend this year which converts to a high quality of life with and without my kids. We have a ski trip planned in the U.S. for March. I would not have booked this last year because I just didn’t know if I was going to be gout-free.
The staff at the clinic where I am doing this trial have been nothing else than professional. The clinical coordinator, the nurses, the clinical manager, and even the doctor have treated me with respect and as a valued addition to their team.
My first impression of a clinical trial has been shattered. I thought I would be a number and file folder. If you are hesitant about getting involved I would encourage you to do so.
It really has made a difference in my case. They do compensate me for my time, it’s not a lot. You’re not going to retire any sooner because of it. Having said that, I would do it for free knowing what I know now (don’t tell the management).
I have no illusion that this is a cure for gout, but with my lifestyle changes and a daily regimen of meds, it is very controlled.
Mike Boyle
