Beach Elvis, I feel your pain, literally! I had my 1st attack a few years ago, I put off going to the doc because I felt like a dork, I mean, my big toe hurts, cowboy up! I finally went, she took one look at my big toe, and said it's gout. That sent me on a research bender, I finally had to be put on 300 MG of Allopurinol a day and it seems to keep my flare ups in check. THis was after numerous episodes, I mean, when you can't put your socks on because it hurts, you've gotta do something. I get the twinges, and occasionionally the water from the shower hitting my feet causes pain, and I know I'm on the verge of an attack.

Watch your diet, and you may have to go on a maintenance drug, it's the only thing that keeps me from having more frequent flareups.

Take care bro, I know how much it hurts.