11 May 2010 - Almost feeling back to normal

I must emphasize that 'normal' is a fluctuating and relative term for me, but I am feeling much better. My right ankle is still a bit sore and I'm still going to have to be careful with it, but almost all of the pain on the left side of my body is gone.  My right ankle feels similar to a sprained ankle about a week after the initial sprain.  Not horrible pain, but still aggravating and you are still aware that something just isn't quite right. 

For a while now I've been trying to think of a way to describe the pain and sensations I sometimes feel in my knees, ankles, wrists, etc. before and after a gout attack.  Let me give it a shot here.  Okay, imagine, if you will, a Berliner doughnut after it's been sitting out on the counter for a few days.  The outsides get crusty and a bit hard while the inside stays soft due to the filling.  If you apply pressure to one side of the pastry with the palm of your hand, it takes a little pushing before the crust gives and you feel the softness of the inside.  The crust gives in different places or doesn't break evenly.

My ankle kind of feels like this now.  I can walk normally, but if enough pressure is placed on the ankle, it kind of 'gives' causing a shock of pain throughout the foot and ankle.  It feels mushy when this happens and not at all stable.  Kind of like the doughnut would.  This is common during the first day or two of an attack coming on, but this type of feeling is mainly prevalent when recovering from a prolonged attack.

I wish I had more time to clarify, but I must get off to work.  At least it won't hurt so much going up and down the stairs today.  It's been a while.........

**2:00PM Update - My left ankle and the top of my left foot are feeling some gouty twinges.  Crap.