Okay,
Regarding gout. Gout is a crystalization of uric acids, usually around a joint. It is very painful because those crystals are like little needles poking into the surrounding tissue. While they say it is a form of arthritis, I think they're wrong, because it is at worst a temporary condition, as long as you can identify the food that is causing it.
Tylenol and other over-the-counter painkillers don't seem to help, but I have found something that does, and it is the same thing I used to relieve the constant soreness I had when I was a much younger man, and was doing weight training, which also results from the buildup of acids in the system.
There is something called "Safflowers" which is available from health food stores in gel-caps, and which helps me with both problems. This works for me, but of course now I just avoid vodka, and haven't had a problem in years. It may or may not work for your brother or neighbor.
And while I hate to disagree with people who are no doubt fine men such as your brother and neighbor, there certainly is something more painful than gout. Kidney stones. I've had both, and I would take gout any day.
Sheesh, I sound like a wreck, don't I? I'm actually pretty healthy. I haven't had even so much as a cold in years, the kidney stones were years ago, and as long as I avoid vodka, the gout is not an issue. If I can keep it this way, I'll probably live to a ripe old age, and even want to!
Kelly