Gout Pal Interactive

Been lurking for a bit, finally decided to register.  Great site.

Have had gout for a few years, used to be in my elbow, moved to ankle, toe etc.

1. Worst flair up in 3 years.  If I sit up or walk within a few minutes I get a red / blue foot.  Normal or not?  Going on the 5th day of no relief.  Been doing hot, cold, Apple cider vin, baking soda, eating fruits and veg and little dairy.

2. Oddly the second to worse gout flare up was when I started armour thyroid medication.  Last week I also switched back to armour thyroid from synthroid.  Armour thyroid is basically powdered cow thryoid gland pressed into a pill.  Wondering if thyroid might have high levels of purine causing this.

3.  I figure the answer must be yes, but does using smokelesss tobacco increase gout?  Lately while going to sleep I feel like mice are nibbling on the end of my bed.  Move my feet and it stops.  Last time I quit nicotine it stopped.  Wondering if any of this sounds like anything familiar?

Main question is how do I know its gout and not a blood clot (blue foot thing freaking me out) without a trip to the docs?