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Sleep Apnoea!

19 messages :: read>

Well, the tinnies worked and I slept much better, but not all night ? maybe I need to double the dose.

Next morning (Thursday April 26) we left Namche after our tests for what was to be the most beautiful and spectacular scenery of the trek. By lunchtime the temperature had risen to over 20?C and the power of the sun at this altitude ? being two miles near it - was ferocious. We arrived at the historic monastery at Tengboche which was fascinating to look around although I think I had a little mountain sickness ? flu-like symptoms ? aching joints, headache and nausea.

Then I met a guy who had done some work for my company and he was making a programme in the area and asked me to do a small clip for him. He and the team, including Martin Platt, from Coronation Street were trying to raise awareness of the lack of schools in Tibet and Nepal and had already built several in the area.

Finally we arrived at our lodge Debouche (altitude 3,700metres / 12,369 feet) and it was a cleaner standard than expected. We had pizza and chips followed by group discussion on the merits of the scientific trip. The stimulating post dinner conversation managed to grossly extend the evening to a magnificent 8.30 PM!

I decided to try to sleep without my medicine (Scotch Whiskey) but immediately went into the apnoea pattern of previous nights ? falling asleep and waking gasping for breath every three or four minutes. So, really getting no sleep whatsoever. Eventually I gave in and took my other prescription Loperzol, a mild sedative and meant to release the condition. Thankfully it worked! Next morning (Friday April 22) after a luxurious four hours sleep we did our daily dairy tests as always and set out.

This day was to be very different. The scenery rapidly changed from pretty lush to pretty bleak, in fact very bleak, windy and cold. Driving this trek we had our first view of Lobuje East, the 6,100 metre summit that Brian and I are attempting. We looked on awestruck and almost in disbelief that this was to be our introduction to mountaineering.

Eventually we arrived at our destination which is to become our home for the next three nights ?no frills Pheriche?, so named by the staff for many obvious reasons. I can?t imagine what we will do in ?no frills? for the next two days but it will certainly help us acclimatise to the altitude of 4,300 metres / 14,464 feet.

Comments on this article

By: Aalt van den Ham (The Netherlands)

When: 4th May 2007 02:42

Hello John, I think your doing well. I had altitude complaints during 3 DAYS ! (see Gwens blog) 15 years ago. By car from sealevel to 1500 m. and running up just 300 m.! As a doctor I tried to find the axplenations. Could not find them all! NowI take care exercising the first days. I notice the reactions of my body; "behind breath, diminishing muscle power, not feelingeasy going". That appeared so important! My solution is taking pauses when my body likes to relax from heavy exercise (every 10-20 minutes or so) for 2-3 minutes. Producing 10% less is better then a day in bed. Although I'm curious to the effects on your well being when you take Diamox, But when you really need it I think you hav e gone too far.

Take care,
Aalt

By: Rufus Caudwell

When: 30th Apr 2007 19:44

Hi dad. is everything going okay? I start school properly tomorrow. I am very anxious but quite excited. How is Brian doing. hopefully you haven't had to much altitude sickness. Keep writing blogs. I'll write to you tomorrow. lots of love scopelxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

By: ant and fran

When: 30th Apr 2007 17:10

hi J.C. hope all is going well and you're enjoying your stroll in the hills .You missed a cracking footy game at stoke on saturday ,looks like we're headed for the play offs and then Wembley !! i'll make sure you and Big Bri have a ticket . It's all round the city that Dawdle wooped your ass at pool last month ! hope you're getting in lots of practice ! Watch the frost-bite, you need those fingers; the kids send loads of love to nannies john and brian and we're all looking forward to your safe return.ant,fran,olivia,lawrence,claudia and deleila xxxxxx

By: Guy Wilks

When: 30th Apr 2007 14:09

Hi John, thought i'd check on progress!! fantastic news, although I do think it would be a good idea to ditch the scotch..... and pick it up on the way back... use it as a goal but make sure you go all the way before turning around to collect it!!!
It a harsh enviroment to be in and all credit to you for taking it on, best of luck and stay strong!

Guy Wilks

By: Stephen Wardle

When: 30th Apr 2007 13:10

Just caught up with your astonishing blog! How do you do it.....the typing, i mean :-) Of course, you do have Mr Gadget 2 with you (hi BC) to advise on all things technical. Good thing you haven't got Dashy or GD there for any mechanical difficulties you may face. GD would be good at the re-fuelling though. Becks is right about you being careful though, I know it goes against the grain, but there is a first time for everything. Weather has been unseasonally sunny here, so you wouldn't have needed your 4 season jacket at the moment. BC, have you tried any levitation while you are on the mountain, as you must all be lighter? Then again you haven't got CD with you to advise (is it still all boks?)
Wishing you both the very best for your continuing adventure. All our love Steve and Laura.

By: Andy

When: 29th Apr 2007 23:40

More likely it's Cheyne-Stokes breathing rather than apnoea, if it's both then probably time to GTFOOT. Alcohol and altitude are VERY BAD NEWS - stop the whisky and your acclimatisation will improve in a couple of days. I'm amazed that your guides haven't told you this. Otherwise... keep it up and good luck!

Andy

By: claire johnson

When: 29th Apr 2007 22:58

oh joy,talking to you today has made my world a better place,because you sounded like you and not somebody smoking 60 capstan full strength.jacobi had everuone in stitches at breakfast.He walked in wearing his snorkel & mask,refusing to take them off & eat,one man suggested i popped a prune in.the hotel is very busy,lots russians and gorgeous girls.you would love it ! well with Lobuje in sight , gird your loins and be ready for it. you and brian must be getting twitchy bottoms now, but at least the stomachs are holding up. love you darling , Chloe & Jacobi xxxxxxxxx

By: Deborah	When: 29th Apr 2007 20:52
Hi to BC That Lobuje climb is getting ever closer! Can't even begin to image the beautiful scenery you are experiencing - hope that makes up for the fact you're roughing it! Hope you are managing to get to get your washing done and that the baby wipes are holding up. Everyone and everything OK here - see you in 2 weeks. Deb and Ade

By: Rebekah Caudwell

When: 29th Apr 2007 19:46

Hi poppa, i really don't think your ethical dislike of medication should be put above your need for sleep in this situation. You must have the sleep, so take the pills and stop torturing yourself. you need to be fit healthy and well rested for lobuje. you need to be mentally alert and quick, not a quivering apnoeaed mess! Take the pills. take the pills. take the pills! not halfway through the night but right at the beginning. or you'll have me to reckon with. so there! i went to see beryl today, arriving at about half twelve to take her out for lunch. she seemed quite tired and as usual a bit down about the home. but we had a lovely few hours. had lunch at the garden centre she likes just outside ledbury, then pottered around, looking at the plants. we chose one to buy for her room and bought a nice pot for it. then we drove back the scenic route through the wych cutting. She was avid for news of you and brian, and i realised i should have brought print-outs of your blogs. So i'm going to send them to her tomorrow. she send her love to you both anyway and says she misses you, but is very proud. Me too. Love and kisses, Reba xxx

By: Rhiannon Caudwell

When: 29th Apr 2007 19:22

Oh Daddy Boy! You worry me so with your breathing difficulties. Are the others struggling like you? Oh well i suppose it makes you a very useful volunteer doesn't it. I feel very tragic for you about the sleep situ though - don't be too proud; take the penicillin. I am in Naples and loving it. Climbed Vesuvius (for about 30mins) today and thought of you. I am missing you so much and praying for you. Keep safe.. so much love in the world. Your Lila xxxx

By: Gerald Newman	When: 29th Apr 2007 18:27
Hi Paul, Hope you are still enjoying the experience and not suffering too much altitude sickness,unlike John who has had a few problems. I've seen blogs sent by Luke and Jessica and the latest from Valerie. Fancy getting the information that she went to Eastbourne on Saturday ,via EVEREST ! Mumi s to have her 3rd.Infusion on Monday. Enjoy !! Love Mum and Dad.

By: Rufus Caudwell	When: 29th Apr 2007 13:44
what up daa. hopefully you are not gasping for breath as you are reading this. get some of that whisky down the hatch. I wouldn't be surprised if you were just telling everyone that you couldn't breathe because you want an excuse to booze!! please don't murder me for saying that. How is before crhist doing hopefully you both sleep well tonight. lots of love scopel xxxxxxxxx

By: Jess Newman	When: 29th Apr 2007 12:27
ello dadr,iv been readin all the blogs n stuff on your website, it sounds pretty amazing,if not a lilttle bit scary, you must be over halfway now? no doubt uv taken plenty of pics lol! Take care.lots of love. Jess xxxxx

By: valerie newman	When: 29th Apr 2007 11:32
msg for paul newman,trek f hi, hope you're ok and still enjoying the experience.I see you've had bad weather-I'm sure it hasn't put you off.It must be a struggle for the pizza del. boy tho! paula and me went to bask at sunny eastbourne and now look like beetroots.paula managed to blow up yet another car battery-I give up!Still no news of our car, everyone ok here lol valerie

By: claire johnson

When: 28th Apr 2007 23:10

oh john,i am so cross i missed your satelite call,please try again.I was having a bloody facial.Well at least it wasn't my hair! jacobi is charming all the staff and little girls in the hotel.he is so you and rufus. i bought him a mask & snorkel today and he now thinks he is a diver,he even ate dinner wearing it.cannot get him out of pool in day and he's getting too much sun.the pool in whistler has given loads confidance. your breathing difficulties are scaring me ! love you and miss u darling.chloe & jacobi xxxxxxxxxxx

By: Claire Waller

When: 28th Apr 2007 20:09

I don't believe it....what some people will do to get the coming story lines for corrie!! What a surprise that must have been - did you think that the tinnies had worked a little too well? Hope the mountain sickness doesn't last too long and the boredom of 'no frills' doesn't get to you. The climb that you and Brian are doing sounds a bit scary too me. Keep up with the medicine - it will do you the world of good!!

By: Oli Caudwell	When: 28th Apr 2007 18:04
Message for BC. Hey dad hope you are doing great and not getting to altitude sick!!! Just remember we are all here missing you loads and thinking about you. How is uncle John? Lots of love Oli xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

By: Luke Newman	When: 28th Apr 2007 15:53
msg for Paul Newman trek F: Hi dad. its luke again. I heard you had some bad weather yesterday.. hope its cleared up now so you can appreciate the views, im sure they beat the lake district! hope you're enjoying yourself and getting more sleep than John says he's been getting! c u soon. luke x

By: South African Doctors	When: 28th Apr 2007 14:36
To John Caudwell.Thankyou for all that you are doing for Sciece and medical knowledge. Please look after yourself - obey all doctor's orders regarding tripple distilled , single malt Penicillin.

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