Reply #21: Oh, honey - [View All]

I'm so sorry for your loss, but even more for what your poor grandmother endured, believing that her god wanted her to suffer. That's so terrible, I can't even begin to understand how you're containing your anger. What kind of god wants his subjects to be in pain? Even Pat Robertson had heart surgery recently.

As someone who has RA, I cannot imagine how your grandmother lived without the incredible medications that afford me a normal, pain-free life. She must have suffered terribly, and, yes, inflammation will kill you.

She didn't have to go through any of this, but her faith controlled her. At least she's no longer in pain.

You, in honor of her memory, will take the best care of yourself that you possibly can. First, lose the excess weight. My rheumatologist told me about how the enzymes that cause so much of the inflammation are manufactured - are you ready for this? - in belly fat. So, your weight works against the medications you're taking to treat your gout. You'll get better results if you slim down.

Also, avoid red meat as much as possible, don't smoke - you know all this already, I'm certain.

Don't be afraid to cry - you'll feel better and you get rid of those bad chemicals in the tears. Plus, you loved her and you're going to miss her, so crying is a good, good thing. We cry when we lose someone we love.

Just take good - better - care of yourself. Be a living tribute to your grandmother, and if you get a chance to punch out her minister, do it. Or, if you want, I'd be glad to do it for you.

I am so sorry for your loss...................................