In pain

My right index finger still hurts.  It's terrible in the morning and I simply cannot straighten it. I've been to my family "western" doctor, and he said that since I hadn't injured it, it could be gout, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. At this point I'm really hoping it's *just* gout, because the other possibilities are too horrific. Besides, my father had gout and he knows what i'm going through. At least if I had any question I can ask him.
It does make me sad that I may not be able to drink another beer again.
Being in physical pain is hard on the old noggin, too. Several times today I felt like crying.  It felt like I was back in that miserable blackhole once more. But at least this time I know why it's hurting.