When one thinks of gout, you don't picture it being a disease that waylays modern folks in this century. Sort of like scurvy, dropsy, or even consumption. While these conditions still exist, in the Western World we just don't worry about them as they did in say, the 19th Century.

But when Frinklin began feeling stabbing pains in his right toe so painful that he was almost in tears, I suggested that we head to the doctor. He had felt something similar every 6 - 8 months that lasted for a few days, but never anywhere near this level of pain.

The doctor was busy and so we headed to Ugent Care. With a few careful prods to Frinklin's toe the doctor proclaimed, "Gout!" and sent us out the door. Frinklin was provided with a couple of prescriptions for anti-inflammation and reduction of uric acid as well as instructions on changes in diet.

I left with a smirk on my face. Why? Because one of the major causes of gout is eating too much red meat. It causes a build-up of purines in the system, which leads to too much uric acid, which causes gout; a swelling of the joints as a response to a deposit of uric acid crystals. And I've been telling my husband to eat less red meat for a very long time.

I'm not the type to lord it over someone when I'm right. But honey? I'm so right on this one.

Posted by: Ensie at 10:52 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 Dude, Frinklin, lay off the venison. My grandpa had gout and he was a butcher for many many years. I'm with Ensie--before he got it I thought it was something like scurvy. Get better!

Posted by: Erik Hanberg at March 06, 2008 12:02 PM (9T8gB)

2 I'm not the type to lord it over someone when I'm right. Wha huh? You aren't? Have you met you?

Posted by: frinklin at March 06, 2008 04:32 PM (yNgp+)

3 OK, maybe I'm one to lord it over YOU when I'm right.

Posted by: ensie at March 06, 2008 06:01 PM (yNgp+)

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