Why doesn't the GP give my father Vicodin for pseudo-gout?

Question

The attacks are infrequent, but are very painful for him. Mega-doses of NSAIDS don't help much of anything. They are helpful for day to day arthritis pains he has - but the pseudo-gout is super painful. I have before wanted to get pain pills for him (I know a friend ....) BUT he (my dad) would really give me hell for breaking the law. ...

Answer 1

Indicin is usually prescribed for gout and if this is not effective enough water pills will help. Your dad may want to see another doctor. Good luck.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I would think if your dad has called this to the doctor's attention that he would prescribe it if he thought it would be beneficial. He may feel the pain will be short term and not need it, or he may have private medical information about your dad that is the deciding factor on whether Vicodin should be prescribed. His diet can help control the gout as well.

Answer 4

Pseudogout is a form of arthritis, which generally strikes at the elderly and immobile. In medical terms, this condition is usually referred to as Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Crystal Deposition. Pseudogout attacks usually consists of stiffness, pain and swelling that are caused by deposits of calcium psyrophosphate crystals within the joints. The most commonly affected joints are the wrists, ankles, elbows, knees, fingers and toes, but the shoulder and hips are sometimes involved. These joint inflammations may last for days to weeks before they can be resolved.

One of effective ways to treat pseudogout attack is through the use of medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen, which are also used to treat gout. Other common drugs used for the treatment of pseudogout attack include corticosteriods and colchine. In order to prevent pseudogout attack in the long run, it is advisable to use colchine daily in small doses. Another way to combat a pseudogout attack is by regular exercise but refrain from strenuous regimen as it may worsen the joint inflammation.

Read more about the treatment of pseudo-gout at here:
http://gout.mygeneralknowledge.com/

Answer 5

I see nothing wrong with taking Vicodin for his problem. He should tell his doctor that he needs something stronger than NSAIDS and maybe suggest Vicodin.