Gout was once call the “rich man’s disease” or “the disease of kings” as it was attributed to the consumption of rare delicacies and rich foods. Well… it may still be… for, after all, I am a queen and am very, very rich. And, I do eat meals fit for a queen when Kathryn cooks dinner for me! So, gout. What?!?! Isn’t that an old person’s disease?
Another chapter is beginning to be written in my book: “walking through the autumn leaves” today. Kathryn wondered who would drive me to the doctor? (I’d planned on driving) and who would help me? (I’d planned on just getting there) and wait for me? (I never considered) when I went to the doctor. So she did help me. And as I came out of the office, she got up to walk with me. When she took my purse and then took my arm as we walked toward the elevator, I saw the first words being written on the page of the “walking through autumn leaves” book. When she asked, “What did the doctor say?” I realized that we were well into the third paragraph of that chapter.
My doctor had asked what unusual event or food consumption precipitated the inflammation. Well… let’s see… we did go out for dinner last week and had a very rich, saucy, “to die from for” meal. And I did have spinach salad for three meals in a row a couple of days ago… hmmm… other than that? Nothing out of the ordinary. So, I need to go back in the morning for a blood-draw to determine the level of uric-acid in my blood and I’m told I need to adjust my diet a bit in order to prevent future “attacks.” I also need to drink more water. Surprisingly, some of the things I need to reduce or eat in moderation are things I’ve attempted to add to or increase in our diet. She told me *no* low-carbing… no drastic measures to lose weight. No abrupt changes. And don’t drink any beer. Okay— *no* problem there!!! Ah-me… such is life in the autumn leaves. I’m counting on my personal herbalist to advise me here… in the meantime, I’ve taken a look at this cool interactive website my doctor recommended for more information.
Whew! Thanks! 🙂
Okay, Cheryl… we can call it late summer. So when I say the September years, you’ll know what I mean. ~wink~
So sorry to hear about the gout!!! It sounds mighty painful. Glad to hear, though, that you have things well in hand. I love your reflections on walking in this autumn time of life. Can\’t we please, just for a bit longer, call it late summer????? 😉
Thank you for that advice and concern… I will keep it in mind as I attempt to cleanse and reduce acidity.
I did receive a most welcome call from my personal herbalist and… with nary a word of condemnation for not doing all I know to do, she encouraged me! When I was teaching Bible study I used to say a phrase: “Application, application, application! That’s the whole of the Christian walk!” It’s the sort of knowing what you’re told and obeying it. So… as I told her… Yes, LORD, you have my attention… I am listening. I did briefly complain to her that my foot was really aching… and I didn’t hear a bit of correction… just an admonition to do what I know I need to do. Tell ya, later what that includes.
thanks and blessings! pamela
Pamela,
I’m sure you don’t need more advise, but…….wanted to warn you….rinse and brush your teeth after your lemon water. My dear friend and her 2 children got terrible cavities after adding lemon water to their diet. May I mention also that her 2 teen aged kids did NOT have any fillings before this!! Same with the 2 tbsp. of vinegar in water…..Just a friendly tidbit. We don’t want you to suffer any more than you have to!! 🙂
Please rest (ha ha) and get well soon!