The doctors in my practice were split with regards to whether I had gout or the onset of athritis in my ankle, this was about 3 years ago. A blood sample showed increased uric acid levels which possibly indicated gout. I had been on bendroflurazide for HBP, the data card with my prescription said that this drug could cause or aggravate gout, my doctor when I pointed this out to him changed me to another drug. I also for years had taken Omega 3 capsules, I stopped taking them as there was a chemical in them that was bad for gout. Thankfully I am not bothered with gout now but just before Xmas last year, I slipped a disc and I am plagued with sciatica. Life is full of surprises!