This challenge I'm talking about is one that I has been nagging at me every time I draw back the curtains. Its a view that is great to look at and one that attracts thousands of people every year to walk to the top of it.
The Worcester Beacon is quite a site but when you have my lungs it takes on a different form, one of extreme breathlessness if you want to enjoy its wonderous views from the top. A few of you may have seen my short video of me struggling to the top before but I have never walked from my house to the top.
I have walked 1/2 way to the pub on the hill before and I have walked from the pub to the top before, each walk being pretty difficult on their own so to do both together was always going to difficult and a whole new ball game for me to do.
Well thanks to 'hopetorun' who recently posted about completing a 7 mile coastal walk down at Weymouth I felt inspired to do something I hadn't done before and push on beyond my comfort zone and into unknown territory.
I set out on a day when I wasn't really at my best so kept the pace very slow and stopped when the going got tough for a breather. I was finding it hard going and used a few seats on my way up to the pub but time wasn't a problem today, it was all about finishing.
I finally reached the Wyche Inn and was feeling weak and a little dizzy but this was my half way fueling station ready for the next leg of the journey. I sat outside on a bench in the sun and enjoyed a pint of Larger and a packet of crisps and wondered if I could actually do the second half of the task I was attempting. After sitting quietly for a while I could think of no good excuse as to why I shouldn't give it a try at the very least, after all I could always turn back if the going got to tuff.
Off I set fueled up and a spring in my step which must have lasted all of 30 yards and then reality returned and reminded me that someone on oxygen with 30% gas conversion really shouldn't be doing this, I made the right turn and changed into my lowest gear and started to plod up the very steep route to the top of the beacon with negative thoughts shouting stop now you fool this is just not possible but you all probably know me by now and once I start something I just have to finish, giving up just isn't in my mind set since getting out of ICU 4 years back.
I came out of the tree line and then the views started to take my mind off my aching body and exhausting breathlessness. I stopped and made use of some of the memorial seats for short stops and was passed by many fit and normal people who probably wondered what I was doing up there on oxygen on my own.
With each step my 4 year dream of walking from my house to the top of the beacon began to look as though it was actually going to happen, plod plod plod one foot in front of the other until I could see the top, it was busy up there today with the old and the young. I checked my oxygen and it was getting low but I knew it was enough to get me there.
Plod plod plod and then YES!!! I had done it, the 4 year dream was completed and boy did it feel good. I phoned my daughter who I knew was at home and waved at her while she looked out of our bedroom window, I was just a speck on that hill to her but she could see me, just. Wow what a moment!
She knew what that journey had meant to me and how much effort it had taken having seen me puffing around the house and at the top of the stairs for the last 4 years.
I cheated a little on the return downhill journey and got my daughter to pick me up in the car at the pub.
Needless to say I went to bed early last night and slept very very well.
This morning when I drew back those curtains the hill was still there but it looked a little smaller if you know what I mean.
Tony.
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dall05
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Hi jenss, I'm sat looking at the very same view right now with a grin from ear to ear. Its amazing what can be done with a little determination and luck.
I've got hopetorun to thank for inspiring me otherwise I may have put it on the back burner for a little longer and may never have done it.
Hi Tony, by the way you are a great writer- maybe you should think about writing a book? ... I know might come in the way of your adventures and fitness a bit, but maybe something to think about? xx
That's a thought Susie, I wonder if there are any nearby Healthunlockeders who would like to come walk the hills with me. Maybe I should post an invite while the weather is still good and see if there are any takers, could be a fun day.
See how easy peasy it was really (have hit the deck running, well when I say running what I actually mean is semi limping - but I can't half limp fast!!!)
That I am MW, Its always good to chalk off another goal. They do say to set your goals realistically, that one was a little silly but I made it anyway. whew!!
As you well know Rib, plodding is the way of it for the like's of us and it seems I'm getting pretty good at it.
Thanks RibvanRey.
Very well done Tony. How lovely to have such an amazing view from your window and now be able to look out at it and remember your climb and how it all looked from the top...Lovelight x
That walk was certainly one of the hardest things I have ever done, it took around 5 hours in total but now its done, I can enjoy that view from my front window knowing I can walk from my house to the top should I fancy it again someday.
Living on the side of a hill with lung disease doesn't sound good but I think they have been my savior because every time I leave the house I get some real tough exercise.
Okay, so you did it. Now what? Ha ha. You need another challenge now and I am not sure there is anything bigger than what you have already done. But I am in awe of your achievement. It really takes something special to hit that barrier and to push on through it, to reach the end of your ability and still go on. Well done that man. xx
I once did a 10 mile charity walk along the side of the Malverns with my kids when I was fit. At that point in my life I had never heard of PF, COPD, and ILD etc but now I think that walk could be my next challenge. It will take all day but there are 2 Inns along the way for taking on beer and oxygen, I think I'm going to give it a go soon. Once I get something into my head that's it, so the preparation starts now and we'll see whether it is possible or not.
Oh why can't I just settle for a comfortable couch and a dam good film, maybe I feel that I have to earn it first or the lack of oxygen has damaged my brain maybe.
Thanks Toci its good to have someone in Awe of you. Ha Ha.
Tony xxx
Well done Tony ! You inspired me again and I set off with a spring in my step for my daily torture/ walk. That lasted until the first small slope and it was puff pant from then on. I'm okay on the flat but the tiniest incline will leave me out of breath. It astounds me that you can climb uphill the way you do and I am breathless ( no pun intended ) with admiration. Do you have any difficulties after these marathons ? I'm just curious because I've found that when I seriously overdo things I seem to suffer for it next day or that evening. Lack of stamina obviously I agree with the other person who said you should be writing. Have you thought of starting a blog ? Anyhow, well done again and keep on inspiring us.
Hi Argana, I know what you mean about the daily torture/walk but it does seem to be our only way of improving our situation doesn't it. If only someone could invent a magic pill and give us our breath back.
As you say any slope or hill soon shows our condition however we may try and hide it. There are hills around where I live that I never knew existed, they were too small to be noticed when I was fit but now I now everyone of them very well.
I do seem to recover much better than I used to after these marathons and I can only put it down to a strengthening of my stamina.
Its still a bit of a mystery to myself how I can keep going up some very steep hills and yet am seriously out of breath loading a washing machine or at the top of my stairs. I think I must be good at finding the correct pace and then my determination kicks in to complete the task.
Getting to the top of the Beacon from my house is without doubt the hardest physical challenge I've undertaken and I did sleep very well that night.
I have a 12 monthly meeting with the respiratory team on Thursday and its sure to include a full spirometry so it'll be interesting to compare the results with my last few tests.
I think improvement is out of the question but I'll settle for no deterioration until the transplant comes my way.
I did get around 6 or seven pages into a book after an outreach nurse insisted I write one about my very lucky escape from ICU. She saw me at my very worst and watched my extremely hard fight to get back to a close to normal life. I really must restart where I left off when the weather gets colder and I retreat to the safety of my warm home and have more time.
I applaud my hero yet again as I lazily rest in bed. At present doing 20 rounds with a heavyweight infection. At least the oxy bottle was lighter on the way down!
Take care my inspiration and note the date so you can make it an annual pilgrimage. HeHe lots of love Dozy x x x
Oh' DD, I hope you have given that infection a knockout blow and made it throw the towel in. Bed is the place to be when HW infection comes calling so rest up wing lady and get yourself ready to give me an inspiring talk when I take on my next crazy challenge which involves 10 miles and the Malverns + 2 pubs and about 3 oxygen cylinders.
I'm gonna do it soon when the weather improves again and I'll need the support of the healthunlockeders team and my no 1 miracle lady.
Oh Tony thats wonderful I can feel everyone of those steps and the sheer joy and elation when you get to the top. Fantastic! hope your legs aren't aching too much Take Care IreneXX
Thanks for getting back to me, yes the walk went really well, for me it starts off not to bad and then I begin to get quite breathless, and throat gets really tight, so then I begin to push myself that little bit more, then its not to bad, if I go on a really long walk, or walk around shops for a couple of hours I do feel a lot better, so yes the longer I walk the better it is. Let us know of your activities for more inspiration. Thanks Angse
It seems we have to go through the uncomfortable barrier when we first start off but once everything is up to speed we can keep going longer than we think possible.
I expect things to be tough but never let that stop me as I know exercise is the only way to improve our situation.
Well done Angse, for doing your best to help yourself, the Doc's like it that way too I find and are more willing to help where they can.
Tony x
Wow Tony I am very impressed. Well done. It's not so much the walk itself but the sense of achievement from doing it. You are a true inspiration. xx
The walk possibly did more harm than good on the day but sometimes you just have to test yourself. Luckily I passed the test but will now return to more sensible levels of exercise until the next one which is in the planning.
That's impressive Tony, well done. I remember your Worcester Beacon from childhood, my aunty lived in Fruitlands and the climb up there was often too much for me even when young. Very,very well done Tony!
Thank you Tony, good memories you did bring me, your right it is an exhausting steep climb, doubt if I did it any quicker than you, Iike everyone here I'm so inspired by your struggle to overcome our lung conditions - hey, Tony, I can see Glastonbury Tor from the hill in front of my house... ..
God bless,young Tony! You are such a hero in my eyes.Congrats on your wonderful effort.
You do really need to think of writing a book,you have a fantastic way of writing,that makes one feel that we are there with you.
Will look forward as always to the next adventure, xxx
Hi wendells, hope you and Harry are well. I'm doing ok if I can make you feel as if your over here in good old blighty land ain't I. I've got to say its a good feeling to look out of my front window now and know that I've finally done my biggest challenge to date. Yes I've already made it to the top of the beacon but not from my front door.
The next adventure is in the planning so it shouldn't be to long now as long as things hold together.
Autumn and winter are on there way soon so maybe I'll get the book underway again and we'll see how it goes eh'
Hi Jeanie, I do these crazy things so hopefully others will give it a go themselves, its amazing what is possible at the right pace even with these knackered lungs.
Thanks jeanielee, got any of those kisses going for free still?
Very well done! I live close enough for a Malvern walk but even though I'm not on oxygen my heart quails at the thought! But it would be lovely ... Maybe I'll try on my own first to see just how difficult I find it. Can you recommend a good starting point with a post code? 'The Malverns' covers too large an area for me to know where to go!
Hi Struggle, I'm not sure of the post code but the Black Hill car park was where I started because there is a path up to the top which is wide and not too steep.
Its just along the jubilee drive from the Malvern Hills Hotel, its up on the right and clearly visible from the rd. Its free parking for Blue Badge Holders or around £3.00 for the day.
If you need a guide on the day I'm not too expensive. Ha Ha.
Well done ,I've been waiting 2yrs to be able to go for a walk along the beach,soon I will get some portable oxygen so I will be able to get out and about and start to achieve thing again ,good luck ,
Good luck with that oxygen Colours, it made a big difference to my life once I got used to it. I'm pretty good at adjusting its levels to suit what I'm doing at the time. I vary from 8 liters max to nothing at all at rest on a good day.
Enjoy that walk on the beach and take a few digital pics to show us all after.
Hi peeg, when I do stuff like this I like to do it alone. Walking and talking is much more difficult and you can also stop when and where you like when alone.
Of course the downside is 'what if' but having faced my demons 4 years ago in ICU that's never been a problem for me.
Thanks for the TLC I really needed that to ease the aches and pains away.
that's a lovely story and so well written. I'm just having a rest after the challenge of changing the duvet cover! You are very brave, and maybe we can all do a little bit more than we think we can. someone said "the only thing we have to be afraid of is fear". I'm reading a book called "The pilgrimage of Harold Fry". If you enjoy reading - it's one of my greatest pleasures - I would think you would enjoy it. Good luck.
Hi Lyd, just today I finished a novel by the author of the Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. It's called Perfect and I really enjoyed it. She's an excellent writer and I look forward to reading the Pilgrimage.
the Title is The unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce, just to put my mistake right. I will look for Perfect. hope you enjoy it, I've not finished it yet but it's hard to put down.
I also find changing the bed sheets and duvet cover a real problem. I need a break or two just to complete it and always collapse on the bed at the end for a breather.
Things like bending and loading/unloading the washing machine just do me in so its a mystery to me that I can claw my way up a very steep hill for hours.
I left the fear thing behind in ICU 4 years ago when against all odds I survived.
Time is the only thing that stops me reading Lyd12 so I need to start making time, right.
I hope I can get you out on the Chilterns emmo, then I will have achieved something good. I've been lucky with the fear side of things, I found that after only just surviving a 2 1/2 month stay in ICU where my family was told I wasn't going to make it, the fear left, hopefully never to return.
I've got this 2nd chance and fear isn't going to get in the way of living.
Right. That's it, I am going to walk into Chesham this morning instead of catching the bus, I have marked a café I can stop at half way if necessary. Mind you, it does look like rain, - I'm wheezing etc. etc. but no. I will go!
I did it! Lots of stops gazing unseeingly into windows etc to catch my breath, and oh. am I suffering today. But I went to do my usual helping blind bowlers so that was walking up and down and having to talk them through it at the same time. So now I ache all over but feel I have made a small achievement. I slept better last night as well and feel so much more positive. Thanks to you.
I am still fighting the blinkered GP's of my surgery. But I am moving forward in mind if not body. I am the same as you, long ICU stay with a number of parallel life's going on in my head while in there. My wife and family being told twice I was not going to survive the night does make you look at life in a very different way!
The best I could do is the drive to the pub. I did try to walk up Mount Vesuvius in 2005 from the coach park ( half way up ) I managed 100 yards had a rest and went back must of been the altitude
Tony, it's with tears of joy that I read your account. IN my mind, you have earn the Healthunlocked Reward for bravery and tenacity. this is the "never give up " award. What a wonderful challenge you picked. I and all healthunlockers are really very proud of you! You really have unlocked your health! Bravo!
Brilliant hm, any award given from a fellow healthunlockeder is well excepted and I will wear it 'in my mind' with honor. I only realised when walking back down the hill which is normally the easy bit how little energy I had left as even that was a struggle and my feet were complaining a bit too.
Well done and what a beautiful view you have from your window, my fitness level has dropped since our local pool closed for a re- fit but I bet you like the cat that got the cream so pleased for you Tony
Hi onamission, that view outside my front window has always been a good one but now its a great one, no more nagging doubts about whether I can walk it or not.
I hope your local pool reopens soon and the new look is worth the wait, I've never been too good at swimming on the top of water, great under water but with my ability to hold my breath now, kind of keeps me away from the pool.
You see we all have our fears and there I was thinking I was pretty fearless after my very narrow escape from ICU 4 years ago.
Its fantastic what you did and you give us all hope I have had a lot of infections this year that has not helped me but I'm determined to build up my strength again, take care
Those dam infections can really hold you back as I know very well myself but I have found the more I exercise the less infections I get.
Seems like keeping those lungs clear can help and the strength follows slowly but surely.
I've had a few close shaves this year and thought I was returning back to what was my second home, Hospital. But now I seem to be able to recover at home where at one time my only savior was intravenous antibiotics.
What a great read, I'm already longing for chapter2 Really impressed by your tenacity and lack of fear. As I lazily sit here, you have inspired me to set forth tomorrow, but it won't be anywhere near your accomplishments. Very well done, so pleased for you and hope you were able to take photos to remind you about your achievements on bad days.barnowl
Hi barnowl, I can always read this post again and the amazing replies it received on my bad days.
That's enough to cheer anyone and will help recharge me ready for the next challenge ahead.
I'm so happy that my story has inspired a few healthunlockeders to get out and do stuff no matter what it is, its got to beat getting stuck inside those 4 walls.
Exercise is not only good for our body's but it does the mind a lot of good too which is where a big part of our daily battles come from.
It was excersise but not what I thought. Went to my daughter's empty house. She has moved to France with her family Three stories high...up and down stairs checking cupboards shelves collecting potted plants from garden, and finally on step ladder taking down curtains that she decided she now wants. I must add I live in a bungalow so not used to stairs. Shattered today but think that was a good days excersise. The next will be carrying the case with the curtains in, when we visit her. Still thinking bout your wonderful achievement. Hoping you have recovered somewhat by now. Well done again barnowl
Hi Thomas, thank you for your reply, I think it was my greatest achievement so far with my battle with this dammed PF.
So far I have been able to hold back the deterioration my experts keep looking for so walking the Malverns is recommended by me even though it can hurt a little at times.
Hi Karen, sorry I took so long to respond but I'm a little overwhelmed with the amount of replies I received to my post.
It seems my post has got a few healthunlockeders motivated to get out and do a little more which is the reason for telling my stories so I'm dead chuffed about it.
Of course I'm pleased for myself at completing a tough challenge but if It helps others to try and improve their situation then its mission accomplished.
I always thought witches wore hats so I'll imagine you taking your hat off to me while I lean on your broomstick for a little rest.
wendells calls me young Tony and now you calling me young man, could be the reason why I like it so much here on healthunlocked.
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(have hit the deck running, well when I say running what I actually mean is semi limping - but I can't half limp fast!!!) 
xxx
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