Question: Hi there. I have some questions re my Mum. She is 73 years old. Her medical history includes, diabetes (since 1991) - insulin dependent since 2002 and is stable; removal of gall bladder in 1969, diverticulitis about 15 years ago, polyps in stomach (? when), hypothyroidism (2012), gout about 4 years ago, fatty/enlarged liver, dry cough about 2 years ago. She also has compromised kidney function. Her meds include, thyroxine, omeprazole, meformin, candesartan, furosemide, ferrograd, simvastatin and humulin 30/70. I appreciate some of these drugs will be known as something else in your country. Due to her recent- ish diagnosis of gout, she has had flare-ups, resulting in a course of steroid treatment, which hasn't upset her diabetes too much. Her GP is talking of commencing her on allopurinol, though she is aware of the impact this would have on her kidneys. She gets nauseated with paracetamol, so is forced to have codeine as her first line of treatment for pain. She takes NSAIDs only in extreme cases as I understand that they in conjuction with diuretics and anti-hypertensives are bad news on the kidneys. Mum thinks she has had about 6 courses of prednisone since diagnosis of the gout. So, for control of her gout, should she continue with having courses of prednisone and see how her diabetes goes, or should she commence the allopurinol, or is there another drug or answer that would be more beneficial? She has swelling in her feet and ankles at the end of most days. More noticeable when the weather is hotter or if she hasn't been as active (which is pretty rare). She has to stop and take an extra breath now and again if out walking, but has no major shortness of breath. Has a bloated feeling at the end of most days also. Regarding her dry cough, this has been a real nuisance for her. She will be talking away and then has to stop, while the cough passes, which happens a number of times throughout the day. She is plagued more at night, when lying down, hence her sleep is poor at times. She recently completed a course of prednisone for her gout and her cough improved and is still good at present. She couldn't conclusively say that there was a correlation there however. Is there any advice you may have that could help relieve Mum of this? Thank you for your time, Kind regards, XXXXXXX