Today is day five and I'm sitting in my tent at about 7:00 pm. I hiked for a little over 9 hours today and clicked off around 8 miles. To say this is slower and harder than I expected would be an understatement.
To start with I was carrying WAY too much weight. I mean I had about 10 pounds of things that needed to be left in a trash can. I also had WAY too much food. I followed the usual rule of thumb for calories and the such but soon realized I'm not eating all this stuff.
Then there is the brutal hills you climb and descend and do all over again. Over and over. Seems I'm always hiking UP!!! Then the blisters. First on the ball of my foot. Dime size to now silver dollar size. Then one on my big to (same foot) then another on the outside of yes, the same foot. Start to limp carrying close to 40 pounds in a pack on your back and everything starts to hurt; hips, ankles, knees, shoulder.... You get the idea.
There are lots of people on the trail doing the same thing. All ages and from all walks of life. I've met some fine people so far and all seem friendly and excited to see what happens. People are moving fast, slow and everything in between. Nights are interesting. A collection of souls all looking fora place to pitch a tent or roll out a sleeping bag. When one stops others seem to follow. Kind of the safety in numbers thing. Not a lot of chit chat but acknowledgement we are all in this together.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Update on my Health
Well, it has been two weeks and not much has changed. To update, on May 1, I had a MIBI and treadmill/stress test that showed no detectable problems with my heart. The treating doctor reduced my blood pressure medications and advised I take it easy for a week and see if this adjustment improves my blood pressure.
On May 9, I met with my doctor for re-evaluation. My blood pressure was still extremely low (97/51). My blood pressure would drop even lower after standing up from a seated position (90/45) which also still caused dizziness and a narrowing of my vision. The doctor this time ceased all blood pressure medication and advised me to use caution when driving, climbing stairs and doing anything strenuous.
Another series of EKG/EEG and blood work all showed normal. I have been charting my blood pressure now for three weeks and it remains extremely low. My resting pressure hovers around 90/45 most days and has been as low at 85/38.
I am not taking any medications at this point to regulate my blood pressure. My next appointment is on Wednesday the 21st.
At this point it does not look good for me getting back on the trail for a thru hike of the PCT. I am hoping I can get my blood pressure under control and be able to at least do some serious sections of the PCT. I am thinking of hiking from Kennedy Meadows to Echo Lake. That would be doable if I am able to get back in June. I would need to do some shorter hikes at lower elevations first to prepare, but everything else is in place.
I appreciate the calls, emails and well wishes from everyone. I wish my update was more positive and that I could get back on the trail. But having just retired and wanting to live long and enjoy my retirement, I am proceeding with an abundance of caution and taking one day at a time.
I will provide more after the 21st. Until then.... Enjoy each day and cherish life.
On May 9, I met with my doctor for re-evaluation. My blood pressure was still extremely low (97/51). My blood pressure would drop even lower after standing up from a seated position (90/45) which also still caused dizziness and a narrowing of my vision. The doctor this time ceased all blood pressure medication and advised me to use caution when driving, climbing stairs and doing anything strenuous.
Another series of EKG/EEG and blood work all showed normal. I have been charting my blood pressure now for three weeks and it remains extremely low. My resting pressure hovers around 90/45 most days and has been as low at 85/38.
I am not taking any medications at this point to regulate my blood pressure. My next appointment is on Wednesday the 21st.
At this point it does not look good for me getting back on the trail for a thru hike of the PCT. I am hoping I can get my blood pressure under control and be able to at least do some serious sections of the PCT. I am thinking of hiking from Kennedy Meadows to Echo Lake. That would be doable if I am able to get back in June. I would need to do some shorter hikes at lower elevations first to prepare, but everything else is in place.
I appreciate the calls, emails and well wishes from everyone. I wish my update was more positive and that I could get back on the trail. But having just retired and wanting to live long and enjoy my retirement, I am proceeding with an abundance of caution and taking one day at a time.
I will provide more after the 21st. Until then.... Enjoy each day and cherish life.
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