Stress! A Gout trigger. Dont let anyone tell you different.

by PTB
(lake st louis, mo. usa)

I am a 46 year old male that has been physically active for the most part of my
life and in relatively good health. Last year I had what felt like a sprained
ankle as I awoke in bed after having extremely vivid dreams and pulsing heart.
I thought to myself how in the world did I sprain my ankle? I didn't! it was
Gout! what I once thought was a sprained ankle and moderate pain became within
hours a crippling, devastating handicap. Walking was impossible and crawling
was my only option. The pain within my ankle and down the ligiments soon traveled
to my other foot and then my elbow. Frustration set in when I realized the doctors
were not listening, but rather diagnosing the problem based upon poor diet. That
being said I realize diet is a valid issue but I believe in my heart of hearts
that stress for most is the culprit! Exercise for me is important to battle
depression and anxiety and when the flare ups occur exercise is impossible
therefor leaving me near to hopeless and filled with much anxiety and depression.
I have an appointment with a psychiatrist and hope that he can provide me
with the proper meds and hope that he will understand that anti-depressants
do not work on me and only make the anxiety worse. If I could only sleep I
know that I would have a healthy mind but sleep for me has been next to
impossible for the last ten years. When I attempt to sleep I just lay their
anxious and when I do begin to nod off the vivid dreams prevail. I am not
on any drugs or alcohol but have experienced significant loss in my life.
I feel the doctors should provide me with anti-anxiety meds and not anti-depressants
no matter how addicting. Benzodyazapans are safe if monitored correctly
and taken as prescribed. Especially if nothing else works and the only other
option is misery or suicide. How pathetic if doctors let someone slip away
because they dont want to understand that an anti-anxiety drug such as adivan
is the only answer if nothing else works.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. PTB