I read with great interest the article on gout (Understanding gout, Rotary News, April 2026) by Dr Gita Mathai. It resonated deeply with me not as a medical observer, but as someone who has lived through the harsh reality of this condition.
For nearly 10 years, I was a gout patient. By 2016, the attacks were frequent, coming almost weekly. At times, even walking became a challenge. I consulted several specialists and tried different treatments (in Mauritius and South Africa), yet the relief was always temporary.
I was initially prescribed Allopurinol for long-term uric acid control. During acute attacks, I was treated with anti-inflammatory medication, including cortisones, as well as drugs such as colchicine. When the pain was severe and unbearable, doctors had to administer injections, typically a combination of a corticosteroid and a strong anti-inflammatory component that provided relief but did not prevent recurrence.
In 2018, determined to find a long-term solution, I travelled to India for comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment. I underwent several tests, including assessment of my kidneys, liver, and even my bones to check for any damage. That journey became a turning point in my life.
I still remember visiting the Golden Temple after my treatment. I am not particularly religious, but that day, as I immersed my feet in the cold water of the December winter, I experienced a sense of relief and peace that is difficult to describe. While I remained seated with my leg in the cold water, I could hear the recitation of hymns, most likely from the divine verses of the Guru Granth Sahib flowing from within the temple, where my wife and my sister had gone for the regular aarti. It was a moment that felt almost miraculous in its quiet intensity.
At that time, the medication Febuxostat was not available in Mauritius or in the Southern African region. I was prescribed it in India, and it became my most effective remedy. For nearly two years, I had to source it from Mumbai before it eventually became available locally.
Today, nearly eight years later, I can say with gratitude that I have not experienced a single gout attack. From weekly suffering to complete remission, the transformation has been profound. I made important changes to my diet and lifestyle, which I believe played a crucial role in my recovery. These changes resonate with the advice of Dr Mathai on lifestyle modification. I take medication only occasionally, a sign of how much my condition has improved.
After returning to Mauritius from my posting in Namibia I embraced a simpler way of living. I joined a Rotary club in 2000 which opened a new chapter of service and human connection. I eat modest meals, and prepare my own fresh juice (pineapple, golden apple, celery, cucumber, and ginger), while also enjoying music, literature and occasionally writing articles in the local press.
I share this experience to offer hope to others who may be struggling with gout, as I know too well the pain and suffering it can cause. With the right treatment, persistence, and lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to regain control and live pain-free.
The author is a member of RC Rose Belle, Mauritius, RID 9220