15 Oct 2010 - Getting Settled in to the New Life

I've made some big changes in my life recently and just haven't had any time to post.  I now am writing from a new house in a new village and find myself with a new career.  The settling in phase for the new home has just about passed, but I'm still getting used to working from home and being my own boss.  I must say, however, that so far I really am enjoying it.  My stress levels have decreased dramatically over the past two weeks and I'm feeling healthier than ever.  It may be too early to tell, but I could be verifiable proof that office work can be hazzardous to your health!

As far as my gout, there have been no new attacks and nary a twinge since I stopped taking that evil, evil drug Lisinopril.  In fact, I have been more active over the past two weeks than I have in well over a year.  I'm not half-assing things, either.  Just a couple of days ago, I made a 12 mile hike up the Schlegeis Glacier Valley in Austria to shoot photos.  The day before that, I hiked down and on to and up the Pasterze Glacier in Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria.  Two days before that, I went for a fun and somewhat challenging bike ride.  I've even been working out, doing cardio and lifting some weights.  Hell, the wife and I even did a bit of Yoga at 5:30 this morning before she left for work.  It was just what I needed to stretch my overly-sore muscles! 

I know I haven't updated the 'daily log' in quite some time, and I'm not sure if I will for much longer.  If things keep going the way they are, there really is no need for it.  I don't plan on going back to drinking beer or eating unhealthy food.  My plan is to continue taking my Allipurinol and to continue to exercise as much as I can.  I will also continue to severly limit my red meat consumption and not drink any beer (well, maybe one Rogue Dead Guy when I visit Oregon!).  I'm almost positive that red meat and alcohol, especially beer, are my gout triggers. 

If I continue to stay gout free and the path I'm on keeps working, I will update this site detailing what I have done over the past year to bring myself from gout hell back to a relatively healthy 36 year old who is once again participating in the activities he loves.  I'll give it a month or two, but so far, things are looking good!

Stopping for a rest to look back on what I hiked up.  Tell me that doesn't look painful for a gout sufferer!  I began at the other side of the lake (Schlegeis Glacier Valley, Austria 13 Oct '10)

On the Pasterze Glacier, Austria.  It was a helluva hike down and to the ice and then back up to the road.