Day 9: You down with HAPE?

Sometimes even the best of plans don’t always go as we see them.

The fact that I got here was huge. The fact that I flew around the world, hiked in the Himalayas, saw Everest with my own two eyes - there are no words to describe that feeling.

This trip was, yes, about making it to Everest Base Camp, but it was about so much more than that - finding a way forward, reminding myself that I am capable of doing big things, that I do have it within me to commit to something and see it through.

I have learned a lot about me on this trip, with long days and time to reflect, it made me think deeply about where I'm at in life, regrets I’ve made, things that I wish I would have done differently, and seriously thinking about what’s next.

I don’t know if I have all the answers at the moment, but they are there… waiting to surface.

So. Let’s talk about today.

In my last post, I mentioned that I had a difficult decision to make.

I made it today.

After another sleepless night and things getting worse, I literally made the call and decided to get an evacuation off the mountain.

It was the right decision to make, sometimes we need to check our ego at the door and do what’s right for our health.

This isn’t a failure - I went a long way. A really long way. I went higher than I have ever been before, and I got there on my own two legs. That’s a worthy achievement.

So, the helicopter picked me up at 9am this morning and $1300 later, I landed in Kathmandu. That stung a little but the minute I landed, I noticed my breathing was easier, my chest wasn’t as tight.

I guess the upside is that I did get a unique experience. I have never been in a helicopter before and the views through the valley were amazing. I guess if there was an upside to all of this, it was that.

After I got back, it was off to the hospital for an evaluation. The entire staff was wonderful and honestly, best experience I have had in a hospital in a long time.

The doctor thoroughly examined me and I was diagnosed with HAPE (high-altitude pulmonary edema). It is a life-threatening lung condition where fluid builds up in the lungs. I am grateful I caught it when I did because if I had waited any longer, it would be a very different story.

While this officially marks the end to my trek, it does not end my time in Nepal. The next few days will be dedicated to rest and I need to make some further decisions regarding travel and accommodations.

I’m grateful for all of you who have followed along. I want you to know that I am not disappointed in the outcome, this is just the way things needed to unfold.

I’ll give you an update tomorrow! For now, rest.