I've been on the trail for 2 months and have seen or been told of numerous folks who's journey has ended for a vast number of reasons. Injury, illness, homesickness, finances, even death. The fact this quest is so exceedingly difficult is, from my perspective at the root. For me, I've overcome a number of challenges but have now run up against a significant hurdle. My ongoing battle with Crohn's disease has presented me with my biggest obstacle yet. While anticipating I would have a few issues, the fact I've been in remission for years provided a false sense of security.
Symptoms did appear and honestly, I was dealing with them well or so I thought. While on a precautionary visit to the ER to evaluate a hernia I've developed on the trail, a CT scan revealed severe inflammation in my gut. Naively, I totally underestimated the risk this condition presented. The ER Doc in Virginia and my top-notch medical group in Atlanta laid out the potential ramifications. To say it ain't good would be an understatement. Bottom line, I must get this flare under control before resuming my quest.
The videos were shot within days of each other and illustrates the timeline. We are aggressively working on a short-term plan to get me back on the AT. I'm evaluating my options and will consider modifying my hike to accommodate the calendar and any resources I may have. First thing is first. I must regain a reasonable level of stability with my health and decrease the risk of experiencing catastrophic event miles from medical treatment. Hopefully, I'll be walking in the woods again very soon.
We do have a plan in place to get me back on the trail with new medications. From here we're waiting to see how I respond to the treatment. With luck I'll be headed North again in a matter of days, fingers crossed. I'll update the blog as the journey continues.
For now, stay tuned for images and content I've captured and now have time to post.
