Deb Brown, certified pyrotechnician
Good Lord, this aging thing isn’t for the weak. First of all, I firmly believe that taking care of my health – exercising, using Melaleuca products and adapting my diet – is saving my life. I had the good fortune to inherit the gout gene from both sides of my family. If you’re not familiar with gout, it’s the universe’s idea of a really bad joke. (Ok, that’s my attempting to be funny while suffering.) The National Institute of Arthritis defines it as:
Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. It occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the body.
Imagine sharp burning pain in all your joints in your feet that spread throughout your foot. It hurts to put a dang sock on your foot. I’m lucky because only my feet are affected. Some people get it all over their body. Dear Lord, I can’t imagine.
How do I adjust?
Exercise is essential and must be low impact. My trainer, Leah Feltz of Leah Feltz Fitness, is working on that with me. Upper body, core strengthening, weight training, mat work – and she lets me cry. This girl takes no prisoners. It’s exactly what I need.
Diet. NO sugar. NO soda, diet or regular. Lots of water – at least 8-16 glasses a day. It’s important to flush out the uric acid and the kidneys need all the help you can give them. It’s recommended little grain, little red meat, no seafood (purines are not your friend). This is seriously hard for me – I’m working through the process and figuring out what I can and will eat. I’m switching to my Melaleuca shakes twice a day (I love them, they give me the nutrition I need and the calories) and cherries are good too so will be eating more of those too. Lots of fruits and vegetables – I do like fruits so no problem there. Veggies are another thing, and I think I’ll just figure out how to get them into my meal (green beans, spinach in a salad, cooked carrots I can handle) or add into the food processor in a shake mix. I can have coffee! It is associated with a reduced risk of gout attacks. It is also suggested to consume complex grains, however with my IBS this is not something I’m willing to tackle right now.
Medicine. I am not a fan. However, during flare ups it’s essential. Otherwise I can’t walk. Seriously, no walking. If I’m having a flare up (like I am right now) no amount of diet and exercise will stop it. Only medicine will. Meds make me tired all the time, and just zap me of my energy. I haven’t blogged in over a week, not because I don’t want to, but because there hasn’t been enough energy for it. The goal is to not have flare ups. I am using peppermint oil and frankincense oil mixed with coconut oil (Melaleuca) and that helps a lot to relieve pain as well. Ice packs are wonderful.
Weight Loss. It’s essential. Obesity makes it worse. I’ve been on this path for awhile now. There’s a thought that keeps jumping out – If you don’t get the message, God sends bigger messages. So here’s a note back to God: I hear you!
Sounds like you are doing all the right things! Some nice warm spring weather would be good for all of us. It’s coming, spring is coming.
Hope you feel better soon!
I’ve had gout only once in my life, right in my big toe joint. Maybe the only thing that could hurt worse is hitting it with a hammer—intentionally. I hear your pain for sure.
Ouch! That doesn’t sound like a very thing to deal with. Hope you get some relief with all of the things you are trying!
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar. watered down is fine. it really works.
Thanks everyone – and Robb, I’m on it!