In February, my mother (62 yrs. old) had an acute episode of mild GI bleeding, for which she was hospitalized. Her medical hx includes: HTN, hypothyroidism (following thyroidectomy), and bilat. knee replacements, arthritis to bilat. ankles secondary to flat feet & overpronation, especially on the left side. While in the hospital, her GI bleed cleared up in a matter of 2-3 days, but on the 2nd day of her hospital stay she developed intense pain to her foot and ankle on the left side, which started to occur on the right side, as well, although not as bad. She has had multiple physicians consulted who, at the time, felt that it was caused from whatever infection she had in her stomach, which caused the bleeding. Is this possible? This left-sided foot/ankle pain lasted approx. 2 months, during which she had much difficulty walking or even standing--she currently has an elevated uric acid level, but no history of any gout symptoms...one physician wants her to start Allopurinol. She currently takes Niacin & HCTZ, which can elevate uric acid levels. Is it appropriate to start Allopurinol without 1st stopping Niacin to see if that is what is contributing to her elevated levels? I am also looking for an opinion on whether this acute & severe pain could've been caused by some type of stomach infection settling into her foot/ankle joint vs. gout...it was very coincidental that this episode occurred at the same time as this GI bleed. Thank you in advance for your time.