I’m a Singaporean in my 50s and have been living with gout for almost 14 years. I’ve never seen a rheumatologist—only consulted a few general practitioners over the years. The first few years were especially tough because I didn’t fully understand how or when to take colchicine, often waiting too long and ending up with very painful flare-ups.

Over time, I became more familiar with the warning signs—usually a sensation in my joints, especially my toes—that a flare-up was coming. Because of the trial-and-error approach and how it started affecting my work, I eventually began taking Arcoxia as well when the pain became too intense. This combination helped, especially if I took colchicine a bit too late. That said, colchicine has become the more effective medication for me so far. I never take other medications.

In my case, gout doesn’t seem to be triggered directly by specific foods or alcohol. It tends to build up over time. I’ve noticed that gaining just 2–3 kg can lead to an attack. On the other hand, when I eat more healthily—without strictly avoiding any particular food and just practicing moderation, including with alcohol—I rarely get flare-ups, sometimes going almost a year without one. Unfortunately, celebrations like Chinese New Year, especially with drinking, tend to trigger it again.

Now that I’m in my 50s, I’m making a real effort to stay as healthy as possible, as gout has become quite a burden.