At just 26, Chris experienced the excruciating pain of gout. Much younger than the average patient, he initially dismissed it as lingering pain from a knee injury earlier that year. But soon, even a single step became unbearably painful.
After doing his own research, Chris suspected he had gout, but his doctor dismissed the idea, saying he was “too young.”
Gout is a chronic, inflammatory disease caused by too much uric acid in the blood. Although more than 12 million Americans are affected by gout, it is often a severely misunderstood and stigmatized condition. But there’s more to gout than meets the eye.
Understanding the Stigma and Impact Beneath the Surface
Frustrated at the lack of answers, Chris requested a blood test from his doctor to check his uric acid levels and was finally able to confirm the diagnosis he suspected – gout. “Once I had a diagnosis, I could start managing my gout properly,” he says.
Through his experience, Chris quickly realized that many people – including healthcare providers – do not understand gout, often viewing it as a result of lifestyle choices rather than a serious medical condition requiring proactive management, and believing it rarely affects young people.
After discovering the hidden impact of gout and the importance of proper disease management, Chris regained control of his life. He’s back to doing what he loves and completed his nursing degree, hoping to help others facing similar challenges.
“Gout can happen to anyone, and it isn’t your fault,” he says. “Once I learned that, it was easier for me to advocate for myself and find answers.”
Art and Advocacy
Continuing to advocate for the gout community by sharing his story, Chris is featured in a powerful series of murals by Amgen that seemingly appeared overnight in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and Phoenix. These striking works of art aim to shed light on the often-overlooked realities of gout. Using special retro-reflective paint, the murals dramatically reveal the hidden, systemic impact of the disease – effects that are typically invisible to the eye. By bringing these murals to communities across the US, Amgen and Chris hope to challenge misconceptions, inspire greater understanding, and encourage proactive management of gout.
Visit GoutRevealed.com today to learn more about the mural campaign and uncontrolled gout.
To read more about Chris and his journey, click here.
