Ouch!

Gout is such an ugly word. I suggest that it be called "inflamed hammered toe". That would be a more accurate way to label the type of ailment I have - again. This is only the second time I have experienced the excruciating pain that comes from having gout - which feels sort of like my toe joint has been hit by a hammer and has swollen up until it is stiff and painful to touch. The sheets on the bed hurt, let alone shoes. At least this time around I knew what it was and went to the doctor before it got that bad.

The doctor told me I should cut down on eating large amounts of red meat and drinking alcohol - the two most common causes of gout. Then he grinned, knowing that I never drink alcohol and I told him I don't afford red meat other than hamburger and then not in large quantities. So evidently my body doesn't flush the uric acid it produces. Why? Who knows.

At least it is fairly easy to treat with medication. But now I find that once I've had a bout, I will likely have another within 2 years (yep, right on schedule), and then more and more frequently. Nice, huh? Oh well. Thank heaven for medication!