Life goes on

The last week has been a trial for me as I was dealing with a second gout attack that occurred exactly a year after the first one. I always thought it was a rich person's disease, but I guess not. After checking once again I don't fit into that category.

I already knew gout is caused by the kidneys inability to eliminate uric acid efficiently. It builds up and forms crystals on joints making movement very painful. The next question is what is the slow down?

After once again checking this out there seems to be only one possibility in my case. A water pill taken for high blood pressure. It has been known to cause the problem. The other causes include, rich foods, red meat, being overweight, diabetes, too much alcohol. That isn't me.

It's been a week since this attack began and after taking medication my foot still is not completely back to where I would like it to be. I made an appointment to have my PA check it out this morning and to discuss making a trial change in my blood pressure medication. I am very grateful that he actually listens to me and is willing to form a partnership instead of just saying he is the doctor and I will do what he says.

In an effort to stop another attack, (even once a year is more than I am willing to deal with) we have mutually agreed to temporarily eliminate the water pill and see what happens. If it doesn't make my blood pressure go up we probably found the cause of the uric acid problem and life will go on with a lot less pain.

As a note to anyone listening in on my story, the water pill is not the only thing I am taking to control my blood pressure. I have learned lately to speak up and voice my opinion when my intuition is trying to help. I may be wrong but at least I am not just sitting here allowing someone else to make important decisions for me.

Having a great PA like Ben Fleming Jr. from Presbyterian Medical helps a lot! I do want to add from him- drink plenty of water!