I do not know if this question is in the correct forum. If it should be here or in the Pattaya section. Anyhow, I have beeen diagnosed to suffer from gout recently and it is a very uncomfortable condition. What I have heard, from my doctor, and elsewhere, this according to the western medical knowledge, an uncurable condition that can only releived with anti inflamatory medicaines and diet, never realy cured for good.

I have also read on the Internet that the Traditional Chinese Medicine and accupuncture has been used with good result. Is there anybody out there who have any experience with this kind of treatment and if so to what result?

I would also like to know if anybody of you out there knows of any practioners of CTM and accupuncture in the Pattaya area.....?

hbert - First, I'm sorry I don't have an answer to your question concerning an accupuncturist or TCM.

However, I'm curious as to how your doctor determined you had Gout? Did he do a blood test, or better yet, extract fluid from an effected joint and examine said fluid, under a microscope, for uric cid crystals,? Do you suffer from any kidney disease(s)?

As you probably know, gout is usually caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood (a condition called Hyperuricaemia), and the pain associated with the disease is the result of uric acid crystals being deposited in joints, resulting in inflammation.

One can also suffer Pseudo-Gout symptoms while taking some common diuretic medications, such as one of the Thiazide's (e.g.: Hydroclorathiazide) commonly used by patients with high blood pressure conditions.

While many over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may reduce inflammation, they do not attack the root cause, by reducing the level of uric acid in the blood. It may be necessary or desirable to use a medication, such as Probenecid or Allopurinol, to actually lower the uric acid level, thereby preventing recurrent attacks.

For the long haul, one must also carefully examine and possibly change ones lifestyle and eating habits to permanently reduce uric acid blood levels. Excess weight, Alcohol (beer & wine especially), foods high in "Purines" (e.g.: red meats, kidneys, liver, shellfish, etc.) all contribute to increasing uric acid blood levels.

Having personally suffered from a "Pseudo-Gout" condition (caused by BP medications) I know the pain and discomfort your suffering. Not to discourage you, but keep in mind, as with all medical problems, there are a lot of promises of quick "cures" and "miraculous relief" out there. Don't fall into that trap. Get the best medical advice you can afford and don't be afraid to seek a second or third opinion.

good luck