Gout has attacked once again!  I was in so much pain that I had to get to the doctor’s.  The nurse here had a wheel chair, so she rolled me to the car so I could drive myself there.  At the same time, Frank had an appointment with his doctor.  Today was a bummer!

Did your Dad or grandfather have gout?  Then you may be in for a treat.  My father had gout and I think I inherited the tendencies to have flare ups.  They are horrific!  I have been in excruciating pain for three days! First, the pain was in my heel and I found it difficult to walk; then the swelling began around the ankle.  That is when the real pain set in.  It feels like a freight train ran over my foot and ankle.  I have had three breaks in one ankle at one time and it felt nothing as horrible as this!  

When I made it to the doctor’s, I was given a blood test and a pain shot.  Dr. says it is just arthritis or gouty arthritis…or a bad gout flare up….so I now have pills for a week and aleve twice a day for pain.  The worst part of it all is the inability to stand or walk.  It is really depressing not to be able to get around.

The flare up could have been caused by a small cup of black bean soup.  Beans have purine which builds up in blood and can cause gout.  The only other thing it could have been is a bag of peanuts.  Both may have started this!  Beware!  A lot of good, healthy foods can cause gout!  Asparagus, spinach, cauliflower, beans, peas, red meats, shell fish, oily fish (the good stuff)…etc.   Back on the diet.  Can’t take the pain!  My poor father was always in pain with gout.  I remember that he grunted when he walked and now I know why.  I’ll be back when I’m better and tell you more of the glamorous, gay life of those over seventy!  Ha!

God Bless