We’ve just returned from the high Himalaya in Nepal. We’ve had a truly memorable epic adventure which had everything you would expect from a high altitude expedition from massive vertical 12m Ice Walls at 6,500m, vertical mixed rock and ice climbing between Base Camp and High Camp 1, wind slab avalanches on the summit ridge and waist deep snow which hindered progress towards the summit at 7525m.
As we were the only team on Annapurna IV it added to the remoteness and the hard work of the Sherpa’s. We spent 28 days on the mountain completing several rotations up and down to Camp 3 to assist acclimatisation and fix lines. However, we could not establish Camp 4 (at around 6,800m) due to the severe weather conditions, deep snow and the wind slab which was prone to avalanche on the summit ridge.
Due to the physical involvement and living at high altitude for four weeks I lost 6kg but gained so many wonderful memories in a beautiful environment.
It was very humbling to know that there were so many people following our expedition and although we could not summit it has been an epic adventure.
I've already started planning for our 2020 expedition ... more of that later
Written by
Skinnyjonny
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Congrats on your physical challenge. With PMR, I would love to push myself that hard, still struggling and not able to. Looking forward to hearing more.
Huge congratulations. Amazing achievement. Gives me hope I can get back to my modest runs and cycles. Must have been a wonderful adventure. And good to hear safety taken first.
Well done Skinnyjonny. I am a 1 week into a PMR diagnosis; Pred has transformed me - back to moderate mobility. I hope to regain full mobility and get back climbing, cycling and running. I know this will take a while.
One change I have noticed is that my peripheral circulation is weaker - especially to my hands and feet. Have you experienced any such change in your PMR/Pred journey?
Just take it easy with the prednisolone and following a structured Steroid Reduction programme where you never reduce by more than 10% at any one time. I always took my pred first thing in the morning with yoghurt and rested for an hour to allow the medication to work. I also started taking Vitamin D and Omega 3, plus Spirulina (this was personal). I attended hydrotherapy and eventually physiotherapy. When you get lower than 10mg please stick to the reduction programme, and beneath 5mg I started halving the tablets. Please don't rush the recovery and you're totally right that you realise it will take some time. I accepted PMR (for some reason) and worked with the condition. Keep your family and friends close and they will help. If you feel fatigued in the afternoon ... take time out.
I only experienced weaker peripheral circulation in my fingers and when in cold environments I now have white finger which I manage quite well (e.g. it was -28 in the Himalaya!). I did get some pins and needles in my toes but nothing too bad.
I'm more than happy to send you one of the PMRGCAuk North East booklets "Living with PMR&GCA". I'm the PMRGCAuk NE Co-ordinator and can be contacted at northeast@pmrgca.org.uk
Thanks skinnyJonny, -28 and low oxygen concentrations will always be a challenge. i’m sure you have mastered the 3 layers of gloves and wrist wrapping. Thanks for the morning routine - I have lots of learn. I will email your group as I need to get all the advice I can, and hopefully upskill myself and my GP!
Some GP's have accepted our booklet whilst others aren't interested. Our PMRGCAuk patrons are nationally recognised professors of Rheumatology. Take care x
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