I've had gout for almost 40 years. It's not a big deal. But honestly, many doctors really don't know much about it....they just prescribe for it.

Gout is totally hereditary. It's not the "rich man's desease" that we were taught in our youth. I imagine if he checks with his family, he'll find grandparents, uncles and aunts, perhaps a parent who have it, or at least who have had the symptoms but never got diagnosed.

The BEST treatment.......take Allopurinol. It's a once daily tablet. All pain and swelling goes away in just a few days. It's a lifetime prescription, however. If I miss more than two or three days, I hurt like hell. If I miss a week or more, I can barely walk. But when I get back on it, no pain in a day or two. So I have learned to never travel or go anywhere without my meds. Allopurinol is the generic form of a MUCH more expensive drug called Xyloprim. Be sure to ask for Allipurinol. It'll only cost you about 1/4th of what the brand name costs you.

Incidentally, gout is caused by the kidneys producing too much uric acid, which collects in joints (not the kind you're thinking of), mostly joints that have been injured in activities like sports. The acid is in crystal form, and it feels like razor blades scraping away at the joint....which is, in essence, what is happening. The joints most often affected are big toes, knees, ankles, and hips. You can feel it in other areas, but those are most common.

Eating shell fish and drinking grain alcohol seem to trigger the worst flair ups. The enzyme that causes shell fish to grow the shell triggers the production of uric acid in the human body, when consumed.

If he has gout, it's for life. There is no cure. But it's really no big deal. Just tell him to take his Allopurinol each day, and he'll never have another thought about it.

Incidentally, MJ has a tremendously positive affect during the flair ups, and seem to greatly alleviate the pain. Until his Allopurinol gets into his blood stream in sufficient levels to make the problem go away completely, I recommend that he do no chores at all around the house, be waited on by his loving wife hand and foot, and that his bowl never be allowed to be empty. If he does get all of this, please tell me how so that I can arrange it for myself. But seriously, it does help to smoke. The pressure and pain seem to go away almost instantly, but it's short term.

I hope this helps. Good luck!
Onward!