Not many details were known about his condition then as he received medical attention.
Weeks after his transfer, the legislator gave an update on his condition to kenyagist.com.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula with Kabuchai MP James Lusweti Mukwe at his hospital bed in May 11, 2020.
“Three weeks ago I had a severe case of gout with the swelling starting from my big toe and all the way up to my knee. I was in so much pain,” he told this writer over the phone.
Seemingly in better spirits, the MP stated that having seen a specialist from the Nairobi Hospital, the infection was clearing up as he was responding well to the medication.
He added that he had received visitors with Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula making a trip to his hospital room on Monday, May 11.
Lusweti further revealed that he hadn’t been keeping tabs with the happenings in Parliament since he was admitted in the hospital.
He was however excited and optimistic to get discharged soon as his conditioned improved.
File image of James Lusweti, Kabuchai MP, Bungoma County
File
Gout is a common form of arthritis that is exhibited by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the big toe.
Dr Jeremiah Thiong’o explained to this writer that, “The pain is severe at night because that’s when someone is resting as compared to during the day when the brain is interacting with more subfaces.”
He said that in addition to intense joint pain, one could experience a limited range of motions due to the swelling as well.
The doctor further explained that gout is caused by high levels of uric acid. Pain and inflammation occurs when too much uric acid crystallises and deposits in the joints.
He added that people have an increased risk of gout due to diet that is rich in meat, beverages sweetened with fruit sugar, have high alcohol consumption, are obese and medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney diseases.
Dr Edwin Mutisya, a general practitioner observed that Kenya’s prevalent nyama coma and alcohol culture provides a perfect breeding ground for this disease to flourish and is now one of the fastest-growing problems.
“The age group of patients suffering from this condition has come down from people in their 40s to as young as those in their 20s,” he stated.
He further explained that gout mainly affects men as women are protected by estrogen until they reach menopause then they become equally vulnerable. The disease is further complicated by hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.
“The most effective way to treat gout is by the correct use of prescribed medication and dietary modification,” Dr Mutisya advised.
