The bloodwork results from my yearly physical back in November of last year indicated that I had high levels or uric acid (9.5 mg/dL, normal range is usually 3.4-7.0). My doctor asked me if I had any joint pains as high uric acid levels cause gout. At the time my joints were fine.
Benjamin and I do not eat red-meat heavy meals and his uric acid levels were in the normal range which tells me that it probably isn’t diet. After I got home I did a bit of research and noticed that the nican that I’m taking for my cholesterol can contribute to uric acid build-up. Lovely. I made a mental note of that but didn’t alter my routine of 2g of niacin daily.
Over the past week I’ve noticed that my ankles and knees have been bothering me, even when sitting down and not doing anything. I’m hoping it isn’t old age but that the gout has caught up with me. I’ve been taking 2g of niacin for roughly 2 years now, so if that is problem perhaps if I can flush out the uric acid that’s built up in my joints I can start taking the niacin again for another two years (lather, rinse, repeat). So as of today I’m off the niacin and intend to stay off of it until the end of April and see how things go. I’m looking forward to not having hot flashes every morning and every night!
Digital Ramblings 
Yikes! I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you fix it with your pill swap up.
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You sound like an old lady … talking about hot flashes and gout! Have you checked into the nursing home yet???? – Renee
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