Your stories – Gout

"When gout flares up, it is the most excruciating pain, which can bring any grown man to tears."

Ashton developed Gout when he was 27 years old. At the time, he wondered “Why me?”

“I was physically fit and thought I was invincible. When gout came into my life, I thought I was doomed. There didn’t seem to be enough help out there. I had no one to turn to in the beginning, no role models.”

Ashton turned to an Arthritis Educator for advice and guidance.  Ashton now helps with seminars to promote lifestyle changes and give support to others.

“I’m working with Arthritis New Zealand to promote cooking Maori kai (food) in healthy ways that are still reka (yummy) to eat. I realised it was the food we’re eating that was affecting us. I want to change the path our ancestors went down, to improve our diet.”

“When I discovered Arthritis New Zealand, it gave me comfort to know there was an organisation out there to help people like me.”

“When my gout flares, it is the most excruciating pain that would bring any grown man to tears, no matter how tough you think you are. It is a lifetime of pain, but with the proper management we do have a chance.”