Low Protein Diet?!?!

USAFMickey

Hey all, my name is Mickey. I'm 34 and in the Air Force. About 4 years ago I had a few bouts of unexplained excruciating pain in my foot. After a few trips to the doc, they finally settled on gout. Uric acid levels were "elevated", but not to the point that they wanted to medicate me. Having dealt with other joint problems for years, I didn't want to add another to worry about. I stopped drinking altogether (although I never drank much to begin with) and adjusted my diet, cutting out a lot of red meat and other high-purine foods. For years I lived flare-up free.

A few months ago, my ankle swelled up so bad it looked like someone shoved a softball into it. Once again, gout appeared to be the culprit. I have racked my brain and can come up with nothing to point to as the trigger. I'd been maintaining the diet that had not failed me for years. But, as my doctor put it, "you're getting older and things are changing." Once again, my uric acid levels were "elevated", but not "high". They put me on a High Carb/Low Protein diet for 60 days, after which they will re-read my uric acid levels and decide whether or not to medicate me. I don't want to be medicated forever, so I've tried my best to stick to this diet, but man is it tough. I've just recently recovered from another very serious injury and have put on a little weight. I'm trying to bust my hump in the gym, but this low protein stuff leaves me dragging. I just don't have the energy to put into my workouts that I am used to. My weight loss has stalled out, and it's really ticking me off. I need help.

Has anyone else out there been through this? How do I keep a low protein diet and maintain a rigorous workout plan? Any advice would help. The way the doc is talking, if they decide not to medicate me, they may put me on this diet plan permanently. This may have to be a lifestyle change I have to live with for a long time to come.

waltcote

I don't have an answer but maybe try getting another docs opinion. Just a thought.

TeaBea

My brother has gout.....he has diet restrictions too. It's my understanding that certain foods are more likely to trigger episodes (seafood, brewer's yeast).....but I don't think he's eating low protein though.

Gout pain is just horrible so I'm told. I don't have a solution for you.....sorry.