Tuesday 3 July 2012

questions and answers

This blog is not directly about hill walking; however, circumstances will most certainly affect it. In some respects that is already happening. Last year I noticed I had a tremor which gradually increased. There where other medical problems too. At first my GP dismissed it as nothing serious. Finally though, as things worsened and alarm bells began to ring, I was seen by a specialist and also was subject to a battery of differing test; some most unpleasant.  The diagnosis was Parkinsons. Other medical problems are now strongly suspected to be related to this problem. It does affect my hill going capabilities; as was evident in my last trip. A long chat with my GP has given me cause for concern. An increase in a variety of medical problems. Muscle stiffness and mobility problems and so forth. Also, I am now informed I may well have to be re housed, possibly within the next year due to this. In August I have to see another specialist  and also a surgeon in regard to related problems. As yet I am not hanging up my boots. In some respects I am not sure that I can just walk away from something that has given me many years of pleasure? It is a question of adapting to what I can and cannot do. There are practical things that can be done. For example pack weight is now more important than ever. Currently my summer pack list comes in at around ten kilo, including four or five days food. Next winter is when things will get interesting! It is a case of wait and see and adapt to the changing circumstances. In the mean I am off to Wales next week. There is unfinished business there! Snorkels and flippers have been suggested!

14 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear that Dawn. Best wishes.Hope you can find ways to continue getting out.

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  2. Many thanks, In some respects I can be very stubborn, which can make a difference. My intention is to be a radical wrinkly!

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  3. Hmmm, that's a bit of a bugger.

    Don't turn your back on the possibility of allowing others to carry a bit of your kit, thus lightening your load.

    Glad to hear you're not considering giving up. Chin up!

    JJ

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  4. Thanks John, will have to stop carrying in sausages and spuds???????????????

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  5. Hmmm sosmix and smash...?

    Be stubborn. And be clever. There's plenty of "informal" camping capacity left. We've not finished Wales yet.

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  6. Hello Mike, very true. Am preparing for Pumlumon next week. Am checking on my feet; they are not webbed- yet! We shall overcome.

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  7. As you walk with the Knipeman frequently perhaps it's time he bought a pack for his "dawg" and this could be used to lighten your load.

    I admire your persistence in continuing to visit my very wet Wales.

    Hope trips can still be made

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  8. This is rotten news, Dawn.

    I think 'stubborn' is an admirable trait. The weight of the food's the culprit with going lighter - so perhaps just plan trips with re-supply every day or so?

    You'll have a host of other things to sort out though, so good luck with them.

    And get Mike to carry the pies.
    :-)

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  9. Keep at it Dawn. Cut that pack weight and pick good weather windows. You'll be fine I am sure for many more trips. Plus you can always add some supplies in Mikes pack. Sad to hear your news and best wishes with this.

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  10. Hi Bob, something I appreciate about Wales,it sure can rain, but how lush and green the land, is a wonder too.

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  11. Pies are off the menu on the next trip. Food is being carefully measured and weighed Alan. Mind, Mike is cooking when we head out to a bunkhouse on the Friday?????

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  12. Many thanks Martin, Indeed yes, I shall just keep plugging away. At least for the moment despite all the rain, it remains warm which allows for light waterproofs and just a tee shirt underneath.

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  13. Sorry to hear your news Dawn. I'm sure the stubborness will help keep you going though - keep planning and getting out there!

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  14. Thank you Chrissie, I will keep pushing on. It is just a matter of adjusting to what I can and cannot do.

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