Pill box Pete reporting back in action

19 messages :: read>

Pill box Pete reporting back in action after 4 days of bad health and tough decisions.

Last Friday we left base camp and I was OK for the first hour, after which the most impossible shortness of breath hit me and completely took all my energy away. My face was apparently as white as the fresh driven snow.

I could barely do more than a few steps forward without collapsing on my poles gasping for breadth. I made it to Gorek Shep, where I rejoined the group ate well and rested, recovering sufficiently to attempt the rest of the journey to Lobuje, where my summit attempt (6,100 metres) was due to start from. The walk to Lobuje was no better and decisions had to be made. What was wrong with me? Would I recover to be able to summit? What did I need to do to recover?

Lydia and I decided to stay at Lobuje that evening and see if I improved. But in the meantime, she sent a Sherpa down to Pheriche with a written description of my symptoms for an opinion from the Caudwell Xtreme Everest doctor Paul Gardiner, (Bugsy).

Next morning after paracetamol, diamox, zopiclone and whisky I awoke feeling no better. We wrestled with the decision, since I still desperately wanted to do the Lobuje summit, when our sherpa arrived back with the docs message, ?If not feeling better you may have sub clinical HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema)." Well, that made our minds up and we decided to descend the 2,500 feet to Pheriche.

There, Bugsy (term used affectionately) gave me a thorough investigation and it was decided that I may well have HAPE and maybe a respiratory infection as well. Antibiotics were added to my long list of drugs. Over the next 2 days I gradually improved although not fully, but we all decided a summit attempt was feasible.

Tuesday morning we left to climb the 3,500 ft to Lobuje high camp, weather has been cloudy and misty all day and is fleeting as I write this in my tent. My breathing is still very poor but it just means that I have to pace myself very slowly but steadily. Tomorrow morning, Wednesday, we get up at 1.30 am to be ready for a 3.00 am start, subject to the weather clearing up.

The first 2 ?3 hours will be very slow and by torch light, but by the time we get to the really difficult part the sun will have risen and will hopefully be shining. I feel the summit attempt will be at the extreme end of my current physical capability, but I am in great hands. Lydia Brady, the first woman to summit Everest without oxygen, and a team of Sherpas who are very experienced will be looking after me.

I have personally learnt so much and experienced so much about altitude illnesses and that serves to reinforce the importance of my sponsorship. With all the invaluable data collected we are really hoping the treatment of patients in intensive care and who need supplemental oxygen will be significantly improved.

Wish me luck tomorrow ? when I next write I will have succeeded or failed the summit.
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Comments on this article
By: Brian When: 11th May 2007 15:30
John,
Your positive attitude and ambition are contagious; I commend you on a major success, having achieved all you have to this point.
Congratulations from the USA.
By: Sylvia Imray When: 11th May 2007 08:13
Congratulations! There were times when I think even you doubted whether this was possible! Well done! Have a safe journey down and homewards.

Fingers crossed now for the next big attempt by the Everest summit team.

Best wishes from the UK

Sylvia
By: Claire Johnson When: 10th May 2007 22:47
You did it ! an outstanding attempt to the summit through all your adversity and challenging days. We are all so proud of you darling. Now stop messing about and come home ! please call as soon as you can . love you , Chloe & your Jacstar xxxxxxx
By: Rob Fradley When: 10th May 2007 16:44
High BC and John,
Hope you are ok and doing well, Just want to congratulate you on your efforts, as one who was in intensive care relying on oxygen, not so very long ago, I can only applaud your support of this worthy cause.
see you soon Frad
By: Rebekah Caudwell When: 10th May 2007 15:44
Oh poppa! thank god for that. You have triumphed beyond what could ever have been expected considering the state you were in! What a warrior! But thankfully a wise one too. So glad you're nearly back at pheriche. Am eagerly awaiting a call from claire to say you've safely arrived. When you get chance, do give me a call. I so wish i was here in the country to see you on your return, but i shall probably be talking God in some church in Verona! I love you very much and however disappointing Lobuje may seem, don't forget the truly wonderful and profoundly important part was the early climb. You and the other climbers stand to make the difference between life and death for countless patients. That's better than a mere summit any day! Big kisses and a huge, proud (relieved) hug, Reba xxx
By: Jill Heath When: 10th May 2007 14:27
Hey JC.. So glad you are on your way home. Safe journey to you all and looking forward to hearing your many exciting tales. Lots of love jillybeanxxxxxxxx
By: Claire Waller When: 10th May 2007 11:22
Just spoke to Claire and she has told me that you are now making your way down, Thank God, we will have you back soon, or thank Lydia rather! You will be pleased to know that my shoulders are like battered plums with perfect handprints bruised into my upper arms (Nics, I presume) so no strapless gowns for me for a while! It was really, really bad this time, but getting better by the minute and already into a strict physio regime,, but it sounds like a doddle compared to yours! Oh joy!. Jacobi sounded in good form today - he was running around in his pirate suit swashbuckling! Only a few more days to go now, as ever keep safe and well done xx Clairabelle
By: Rufus Caudwell When: 10th May 2007 11:06
johnny boy i can't believe you made it i am so proud of you. please be safe when you come back down don't become careless because you have done the hardest part. i did something grest yesterday. I went to play cricket for my school and the place that we had to go to was in derbyshire it took 50 minutes to get there from beech hall and an hour and ten minutes to get back home. so i'll be able to get to you're house in the car now. anyway i can't wait to see you, sorry i haven't blogged you for a few days. Lots of love scopel. climbing everest = greatness
By: anand ahuja When: 10th May 2007 01:07
John,
Very best wishes. Please do not take unnecessary risk and I am sure you will have sound advise. Good luck.
Anand
By: Claire Waller When: 9th May 2007 21:33
Dear Dear John, I hope that you get this message in time. I love you very much and am so incredibly proud of you, you are the best 'big brother' any girl could have, I hope you manage to reach for the stars, but either way you will always be my hero and inspiration to fight on whatever. Love as always from the former Sparrow Legs! xxxx
By: Chris Jones When: 9th May 2007 21:06
Hi John & Brian
Hopefully by the time you read this you will have successfully reached the summit but most importantly that you are safe and well.
Your achievements so far are quite extraordinary, but not surprising considering the determination you both have.
You are always in our thoughts and we send you all our love.
Chris, Caroline & George.xxx
By: Stephen Wardle When: 9th May 2007 18:27
Dear John and BC, so glad to hear you are returning and getting down to safety. I cannot think of anyone who would have got as far as you did in your condition. Your usual grit and determination (did I mention stubbornness?) have got you a long way on this trip. I am sorry you did not make it right to the top, but thank God Lydia put her foot down and said enough, or no doubt you would still be there trying to crawl up the mountain. A remarkable and outstanding achievement by you both, especially at your level of experience (none!). We are all looking forward a safe return for you both. All our love Stephen, Laura and mini Wardles
By: Ray Majer When: 9th May 2007 15:38
Hi John/Brian, I hope you're both bearing up. John, I'm sorry to read you're suffering quite badly and although I know you're in capable hands I also know how determined you are to succeed and that does give me cause for concern in this instance.However, for what it's worth you have my full support and I'll keep my fingers crossed that in the end the venture will turn out to be the success it and you deserve.Take care guy's. See you both soon. Ray.
By: Jill HEath When: 9th May 2007 13:53
Hey John . You'll be on your way on the treacherous journey now, but wanted you to know that we are all rooting for you. Please, please take care and do take Rebekah's advice and come back if your condition deteriorates any more ( Can it get any worse?) Please give our love and best wishes to Brian and we are all looking forward to seeing you at THE BALL!! and celebrating your fabulous achievement. The Heath Household are all really proud of you. Well done. Lots of love Jillybean, Sim Dan and KY xxxxxxxxxxxx
By: Rebekah Caudwell When: 9th May 2007 12:51
Oh god daddy. you've made me cry with that message. well ii guess t's too late to say are you really sure you should be doing this. and i hate to sound negative and dampening about the climb. i know how much it means to you. but seriously. this all sounds awful. if you get this message before the climb, you really must come back at the first sign of deterioration. Climbing unwell is not safe to you, or to brian and lydia. I really do hope however that you're recovering well, healthy and happy. In which case, Good Luck. My thoughts and heart are with you. Love you always, Reba xxx
By: Andy When: 9th May 2007 12:18
Hmmm - in my business we have the expression 'don't tease the tiger'. You seem intent on giving it a good kicking. Good luck!

Andy (the altitude addict)
By: Helen When: 9th May 2007 10:29

Best wishes to you and good luck - whatever happens you have already succeeded - massively.

By: Deborah When: 9th May 2007 09:35
Hi to BC
Hope you and JC are feeling OK - heard that you've had it rather rough with a few physical problems (makes a change from mental then). Looking forward to seeing you next week - suppose I'll have to put the nail varnish and nail file away! Take care and enjoy your last few days.
Ade says hello too!
Deborah
By: Teresa When: 9th May 2007 08:02
Our thoughts are with you today. Good luck and take care. Best wishes from South Africa
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