Did you miss our #GoutItOut Twitter Chat for #GoutAwarenessDay? See the questions and answers from RNS President Linda Grinnell-Merrick, MS, NP-BC. Keep the conversation going, share your story below. #GoutItOut

Q1: Let’s dive right in! What is the difference between gout and uncontrolled gout? #GoutItOut #GoutAwarenessDay

A1: Linda Grinnell-Merrick, MS, NP-BC: Controlled gout means symptoms are well controlled through both medical management and lifestyle changes. Uncontrolled gout refers to having symptoms that are ongoing as well as high uric acid. #rns #goutitout #goutawarenessday

A1: Horizon: While 9.2 million Americans live with gout, some people continue to have signs and symptoms despite using oral therapies, and the disease may become uncontrolled for those people. #GoutItOut

Q2: Gout can be hard to diagnose and leave us questioning if our patients joint pain is gout or something else. What are the most common signs and symptoms of gout?  #GoutitOut #Goutawarenessday

A2: Linda Grinnell-Merrick, MS, NP-BC: The most common symptoms of gout include sudden onset of severe joint pain, often the big toe, but can also be other joints, swelling, redness and tenderness. #rns #goutitout #goutawarenessday

Q3: Now that we know the signs and symptoms of gout. What triggers a gout flare? #GoutAwarenessDay #GoutitOut

A3: Linda Grinnell-Merrick, MS, NP-BC: Triggers of gout include specific foods that are high in protein, alcohol, and especially beer. #rns #goutitout #goutawarenessday

Q4: Anyone who has gout knows that it can be extremely painful. What should the patient do when they are in a flare and how can they reduce the risk of developing additional episodes of gout? #GoutItOut #GoutAwarenessDay

A4: Linda Grinnell-Merrick, MS, NP-BC: It is important to take medications as prescribed even if you are feeling well. #rns #goutitout #goutawarenessday

Q5: Let’s chat about the treatment of gout. Why are some medicines given by infusion? #GoutitOut

A5: Linda Grinnell-Merrick, MS, NP-BC: Some patients may need IV medications if they have ongoing symptoms, flares and high uric acid levels despite treatment. #rns #goutitout #goutawarenessday #GoutAwarenessDay

Q6: Lets address the stigma of gout. Do your patients think its an embarrassing disease? How do you support and help your patients when they are given the diagnosis of gout? #Goutitout #Goutawarenessday

A6: Linda Grinnell-Merrick, MS, NP-BC: Some patients find it embarrassing. It is important for providers and healthcare professionals to discuss what gout is with their patients in an effort to help reduce the stigma. #rns #goutitout #goutawarenessday

A6: Horizon: Many patients have shared the frustration and feeling of embarrassment from living with gout – you can hear them talk about it at http://www.GoutRevealed.com   #GoutItOut

Q7: Why is important to still talk with your health care provider even if your gout flare is gone? #GoutAwarenessDay #Goutitout

A7: Linda Grinnell-Merrick, MS, NP-BC: We need to discuss the need for starting/changing therapies and changes in lifestyle that once made, may help prevent future flares. #rns #goutitout #goutawarenessday

A7: Horizon: The complex relationship between pain resolution and gout progression can mean damage to bone and joints is still occurring. Even after the flare is gone, it’s important to keep the conversation going.

Q8: Can gout be cured? #GoutItOut #GoutAwarenessDay

A8: Linda Grinnell-Merrick, MS, NP-BC: Gout is considered a chronic disease.  However, it can be controlled for the most part with diet and lifestyle changes. #rns #goutitout #goutawarenessday

Q9:  What other health issues are associated with gout? Does gout increase your risk for other health conditions? #GoutItOut #GoutAwarenessDay

A9: Linda Grinnell-Merrick, MS, NP-BC: Gout can cause joint damage, nodules called to tophi, and increase the risk of cardiac disease. #rns #goutitout #goutawarenessday

Q10: Last question! What are things you find helpful when educating and telling a patient about gout?  #GoutAwarenessDay #GoutItOut

A10: Linda Grinnell-Merrick, MS, NP-BC: Remind them it is a manageable disease and we will work together to get through this!  #rns #goutitout #goutawarenessday