If you or someone you care about has gout, you need this book.

Having gout is no joke. Joint pain during a flare-up can be excruciating, making it impossible to work or do everyday activities. One in five people with gout will get kidney stones, another opportunity for incapacitating pain. In the long term, permanent joint damage can result.

The diagnosis is not always straightforward and often incorrect. Many treatment choices are available, each with pros and cons. Ensuring that treatment is safe and effective requires regular monitoring. It's not surprising that most people with gout are not on optimal treatment.

Inadequate treatment increases the number of gout attacks a person suffers and leads to complications such as joint damage, kidney stones and tophi. Worse still, people on sub-optimal treatment have a 24% higher death rate. Your life is at stake.

Getting the best treatment requires a close working relationship between patient and doctor. Typically, people lack sufficient knowledge to take part in decisions about their treatment, and consultations often feel rushed, so there's little discussion. All this can leave you feeling helpless and with little control over your treatment.

The Gout & Pseudogout Handbook aims to change that. This rigorously researched handbook is written by experienced doctors and provides clear and straightforward information, with practical advice you can use every day. The Handbook leads you through all aspects of both gout and pseudogout and acts as a reference you can turn to with all your questions. Prescription and alternative treatments are discussed in detail. Case histories and quizzes reinforce your understanding.

The Handbook ends with a personal data section where you can record the details of the disease as it affects you. There are specially designed tables, charts and forms, and space to note the questions you'd like to discuss with your doctor at the next visit.

Armed with knowledge and facts, you will be confident to discuss the issues with your doctor and be fully involved in decisions about your care. You won't need to feel helpless and dependent on your doctor any longer.

People who understand their condition and its treatment get the best care. That's why we wrote this book and why you bought it.

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