Is it gout? (5/31/22)
Turns out my body has been fighting gout for the last 2 months (since late-March). Long overdue bloodwork determined I was in the midst of a flare up, not the sprained ankle or tendonitis I thought it was. My body tricked me because I had a few days of relief 5 weeks ago and then a few days last week. On the correct meds again.
Truly was going to a dark place the last 8 weeks mentally and spiritually. I felt like a bird grounded. Like my wings had been clipped. Physical activity and movement has always been such an important part of my life. Watching my muscle mass and stamina whither away while being unable to break a sweat and get any cardio in the last 2+ months has been horrible. I’m not exaggerating when I say I would have been eligible for a handicap placard or disability (if I was employed).
“In some states, if you’re unable to walk more than 50 feet without taking a rest, you’ll qualify. In other states, it can be as much as 200 feet. Either way, if you can demonstrate to your physician that you’re unable to comfortably walk long distances.”
I’ve literally been limping like an old man. Stairs were my enemy. Cobblestone roads were a death sentence. Every time I had to go up a staircase, I would be winded, out of breath and in need of a rest before taking the next flight. I was putting all the effort onto 1 leg. Going down stairs took 10x longer than my normal pace, one step at a time.
Thank god I’m in Mexico and taxis are $2-5. Even driving in Florida was becoming difficult for me as I couldn’t find a comfortable position for more than a few seconds.
Restless nights, unable to find the right angle to sleep, my left leg kept me in a constant stage of struggle. I envied those I saw walking normally on the street as I sat in traffic. Half kilometer walks sounded like miles.
Sometimes your body can’t process or metabolize things like it’s supposed to so extra care and balance in nutrition and medication is tantamount. I’m actually looking forward to beating this disease and rebuilding my body.