Tag: gout

Day 3 (or maybe 7) of Captivity

by eileentroemel, posted in Life

Three weeks ago, my gout started acting up.  I did my normal precautions of increasing the amount of cherry juice I was taking in, doubling up my meds and so on.  Last week I was looking forward to the short week because it meant I could spend time off my foot and really take care of it.  Thursday I made stuffing and helped Vicki a little in the kitchen but mostly I was a bum and sat in the recliner.  Friday and Saturday – same thing.  Recliner bound.  Saturday I actually felt like thins were improving.  Walking wasn’t so painful and I could manage more tasks on my own.  I thought GOOD – I’m finally healing and getting better. 

Sunday I wake up and my foot is hurting a lot.  I’m thinking oh I just need to take my meds and then it will be back to where it was yesterday.  Nope.  It got worse.  I got up Monday and couldn’t put any pressure on my foot.  I was still determined to go to work. I have a lot of responsibilities and no time to be off work.  I didn’t make it to work.  I called the doctor and made an appointment.
Tuesday I was going to go to work, class and then the doctor’s appointment.  That didn’t happen.  I got up and tried to go but by the time I was dressed I was in serious pain and just couldn’t see how I was going to manage with my foot down all day.   
Vicki went off to the library and to have lunch with Beth.  She came back and took me to the doctor.  The drive in was HELL on my foot.  The doctor was not happy with my foot at all.  She changed my meds and included an antibiotic.  She thought about putting me in the hospital for IV antibiotics but gave me a week off of work and strict instructions instead. 
Thursday and I’ve been confined to the recliner.  Vicki is watching over me (she is the warden) and taking excellent care of me.  The drugs seem to be working.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed that by next Tuesday when I have to go back I’ll be better.  The doctor actually found two drugs I didn’t have any allergic reaction to. 
The good news – I finished an afghan in a week.  I’ve watched a lot of DVDs and DVR programs.  I’ve also gotten a lot of homework done.  I’ve also had offers of help from a number of wonderful people who are all concerned for me.  That has been wonderful and heartwarming. 
I’m starting day 3 of the doctor’s enforced captivity but I was already staying recliner bound so an argument could be made for this being the 7th day of my confinement.
 
Today will be interesting as I plan to try to shower.  I also have to pay bills and hopefully get a story submitted to a contest.  I’m thinking a nap might be useful too.  It will come as no surprise that I have a list of things I want to get done but to be honest now that I’ve written my blog, I think taking a nap may be top of my list. 
 
 

Shoes!!!

by eileentroemel, posted in Uncategorized
I wore shoes today!!!  Seems like a silly thing to be excited about but for the last two weeks I’ve not been able to get a shoe on because my foot has been so inflamed.  Today I drove myself to work and wore shoes!
There’s still pain but it is greatly reduced, thankfully.  I still have to take my second dose of arthritis meds in order to keep the pain away.  I’m okay with that because it helps me manage.
Now I’m back at my computer and have a formal project to get out.  I have notes from one more book to add into my paper and then it is a matter of writing.  I need to get the rough draft done tonight because this is due on Tuesday.  If I get the rough draft done tonight I can let it sit for a day before I revise and edit it.  Then it will hopefully be refined enough that I can turn it in.  If not I’m in for a few late nights and little sleep. 

Good thing my foot is feeling better because I don’t have any time to be restricted to the recliner now.

Doctor says…

by eileentroemel, posted in Uncategorized
Well to put everyone’s mind at ease – including mine – I went to my orthopedic doctor about my gout.  This visit reminded me exactly why I keep going to her.  She was on time, attentive, and spent the necessary time with us.  More than that though, she was friendly, reassuring and comforting.
We talked at length about the drugs I’m using to control my arthritis and gout.  We also talked about natural remedies like cherry juice, glucosamine (osteo bi-flex) and hot water baths with Epsom salt.  She also talked about what to look for that should bring me back to her office. 
It didn’t make my foot instantly better but it made my mood better.  I realized I was doing the right things and I just needed to have patience with my body.  It takes time to heal and apparently this time round it is taking more time than I’m used to. 

Good visit and if you are looking for an orthopedic doctor in Madison WI, go to Dr. Holly Duck.  She is an amazing doctor who takes great care of her patients.

Appreciation…

by eileentroemel, posted in Uncategorized

This last week has been difficult for me.  I’ve been made immobile by the attack of gout.  I’m still not overly steady on my feet and my foot gets painful when it is down.  Yet I have to look at this week and recognize all the people who helped me in different ways.

My daughter, sister, and husband have been very helpful and concerned as I struggled with the pain and other issues.  They helped me walk, fetched things, carted me places.  My daughter in particular – Vicki – has driven me to work, checked in to see what my pain level was at, pushed me in a wheel chair, and did the bulk of fetching for me. 
Other people also stepped up.  Several of my faculty at work asked after my situation, expressed concern and were pleased when I came back to work.  My Chair was very understanding about my absence even though it was the worst possible week for me to be MIA.  My student workers were my legs this week at the office.  It was little things like one faculty who told me that they missed me as well as the work I do.  It seems like a little thing – just words but those words warmed my heart and made me grateful to have such a good group to work with.

I appreciate all the support and caring I’ve received.  I think this is something we (in general) don’t pay attention to because we are all so busy with our lives.  My gout may have knocked me on my ass and kept me recliner bound but it didn’t stop me from noticing the stress it put on others.  Thank you to all those in my life who expressed concern and offered or gave assistance.  It didn’t go unnoticed and it helped in my healing process.

Gout…

by eileentroemel, posted in Uncategorized

Such a small word, who knew it could have such impact on your life.  I’ve had gout for a while.  Mostly it is under control.  Then I have times like this past week where it flares up.  Now normally a flare for me last a couple of days and goes away.  Not this time. 

Last Thursday I left work with a swollen foot and knew it was coming on.  I did what I could.  I doubled up on my arthritis meds, added in pain killers, and anti-inflammatory, increased my cherry juice intake, elevated it and massage (carefully) the affected joint.  These are all things that have worked well in the past. 

I spent all weekend and part of this week in my recliner.  I got a lot of crocheting done.  I read most of my stuff for my formal project.  I caught up some on my DVR watching.  My foot remained stubbornly swollen and the red spot stuck on. 

This weekend I have a lot to do.  I have to finish crocheting the things mom asked me to make.  I have to finish the gifts for my student workers.  I have to read proofs for the short stories I’m getting published in an anthology.  I have to finish reading the articles for my formal project.  Then when I am done reading everything I have to write the formal project.  Oh and let’s not forget the short story and other writing I need to do for my Creative Writing class.  I’m going to have to take a quiz as well for Language Studies. 

This is just a portion (very small portion) of my to-do list.  Somehow I’m going to have to do this all from my recliner because my foot is still painful and swollen. 

Any suggestions?

Back to the keyboard

by eileentroemel, posted in Uncategorized

My gout has subsided enough that walking isn’t a painful thing.  I’ve spent the week watching tv and reading.  I finished the latest JD Robb book.  It was pretty good.  I’ve missed writing though.  I feel like I’ve missed out on a good friend all week. 

Vicki slipped and fell on the ice. She sprained her ankle, banged up her arm.  She’s in don’t touch me and don’t move mode.  Gotta love winter…

Today the plan is to get ready for Craft day tomorrow.  I think I know what I’m going to work on.  It is going to be one of three things.  Hopefully I’ll decide before tomorrow.  You just never know what mischief I’ll get up to.

I’m also hoping to have time at my keyboard with my story.  I think I have the next chapter thought out.  It is just a matter of getting it down on paper.  I might even have two chapters in my head which is always a problem because I get to a point where the story takes over my dreams and all I can think about is the story. 

Ken and I will be running an errand or two today.  After the errands are done it will be back here to be cozy and warm in the house.  Fireplace is going non-stop to battle the really cold temperatures we are having.  There is snow drifting down but I think we are only supposed to get a dusting.  It will be a good day to be home. 

With luck, my gout will let me sit at the computer and get lots of writing done.  Yes I’m likely obsessed with it but I’m going with that is okay because it isn’t hurting anyone accept the characters I kill off.  So far those characters are bad guys but part of me is debating the death of one or two of my good characters in order to move the story along.  This has to be done carefully.  I don’t want to kill off just anyone and it has to be appropriately done.  The right character at the right time in the right way.  It will be a challenge to work out the details.  I don’t think it will be in the next two chapters.  I’ll have to see where they take me though.

Onward with my day I guess…