Sleeping Late

Yesterday I had a wonderful day with friends over from work to help me celebrate graduating in December and turning 50.  We had good food, good conversation, and a good time all around.

I indulged in one very small alcoholic drink.  Normally I don’t drink.  I just don’t get a lot of enjoyment out of it for the most part.  Yesterday I thought – one small drink with very little alcohol just for kicks.  Ken made it with less than a quarter shot of vodka.  
I’ve now found one more thing that affects my gout – alcohol.  Last night my gout flared up and by three in the morning I was in severe pain.  I could barely walk to the bathroom.  I took Tylenol.  This morning when my alarm went off I contemplated going to work.  I decided having just gotten over one medium level flare I would sleep late.  I woke up enough to take my gout specific meds, text my boss and my student workers and go back to sleep.
When my niece called after ten I was in a dozing state of should I wake up or not.  With the phone call, I did get up and chat with her.  My foot felt much better.  I’ve still got some twinges though so I’m going to take it easy and not push myself today.  I’ll forage in the kitchen for stuff I can grab and go.  
No more alcohol for me.  I’m already avoiding chocolate and beef (though I allow myself the occasional treat).  If I react this badly to alcohol, I will avoid it without a second thought.  The nice thing about this is it isn’t hard for me to give up.   
The sleep helped a lot I think.  It gave the meds a chance to work and kept me off my feet.  Sleep is very restorative when it comes to many things and in this instance helped me a great deal.  I’m just hoping I can get to sleep tonight.