I've been hesitant to post this as I typically like to keep my personal life private, but I thought this is relevant to many on here, and it may prevent a tragedy for somebody. Mods, feel free to move if I've chosen the wrong forum.
I have travelled a great deal in my lifetime and am no stranger to long flights. I went on my third safari the first week of September this year. The flight over went as normal, long but uneventful. On the third day of the hunt, the problems started. I had asked for a walk and stalk hunt and the PH was very accommodating. We walked all day in some fairly hilly terrain. On the third day of the hunt, the problems started. Late that afternoon, I was struggling to keep up. My breathing was labored and my heart was pounding. I asked the PH to stop so I could rest several times. This is atypical for me. I have always worked to stay in shape (walking, running, cycling) , and despite my increasing age, have no issues with blood pressure, disease, etc. The next day was a tour day, so everything seemed fine.
On day five, I felt better, but still struggled. Walking up hill left me gasping and at one point I lost balance and fell. Day six was a repeat. I wrote it all off (despite my wife's concerns) as altitude, allergies, jet lag, whatever. The flight home was brutal. I had horrendous leg cramps and my breathing, while not bad, felt off. When we got home, I was struggling to breath with any serious exertion. Again, I wrote it off. Finally, three days after our return, I went to see a doctor at my wife's urging.
I won't bore you with the details, but the EKG and other tests showed some problems. I had developed blood clots in my legs (assuming on the flight over) which led to pulmonary embolism. (Multiple clots in my lungs) There were also signs of abnormalities with a heart valve, which the doctors believe was caused by the other issues.
I'm not writing this looking for sympathy or well wishes. Everything is healing and there hopefully will be no lasting affects. I am writing this to say: Pay attention to the signs. As hunters, we often deal with tough conditions such as heat, cold, sore muscles, exhaustion and pain. Most of the hardcore hunters that I know and have spent time with afield tend to ignore all of these, as do I. I was told by the medical staff repeatedly that this could lead to death, that I needed to take it seriously. Had I prolonged seeking help, I may not be here writing this today. I was questioned as to why I waited, why I didn't listen to my body, why I didn't question the abnormalities. I look back on this two months later and thank God and my wife for looking out for me.
When you travel, pay attention to the signs. You owe it to yourself and your family.
I have travelled a great deal in my lifetime and am no stranger to long flights. I went on my third safari the first week of September this year. The flight over went as normal, long but uneventful. On the third day of the hunt, the problems started. I had asked for a walk and stalk hunt and the PH was very accommodating. We walked all day in some fairly hilly terrain. On the third day of the hunt, the problems started. Late that afternoon, I was struggling to keep up. My breathing was labored and my heart was pounding. I asked the PH to stop so I could rest several times. This is atypical for me. I have always worked to stay in shape (walking, running, cycling) , and despite my increasing age, have no issues with blood pressure, disease, etc. The next day was a tour day, so everything seemed fine.
On day five, I felt better, but still struggled. Walking up hill left me gasping and at one point I lost balance and fell. Day six was a repeat. I wrote it all off (despite my wife's concerns) as altitude, allergies, jet lag, whatever. The flight home was brutal. I had horrendous leg cramps and my breathing, while not bad, felt off. When we got home, I was struggling to breath with any serious exertion. Again, I wrote it off. Finally, three days after our return, I went to see a doctor at my wife's urging.
I won't bore you with the details, but the EKG and other tests showed some problems. I had developed blood clots in my legs (assuming on the flight over) which led to pulmonary embolism. (Multiple clots in my lungs) There were also signs of abnormalities with a heart valve, which the doctors believe was caused by the other issues.
I'm not writing this looking for sympathy or well wishes. Everything is healing and there hopefully will be no lasting affects. I am writing this to say: Pay attention to the signs. As hunters, we often deal with tough conditions such as heat, cold, sore muscles, exhaustion and pain. Most of the hardcore hunters that I know and have spent time with afield tend to ignore all of these, as do I. I was told by the medical staff repeatedly that this could lead to death, that I needed to take it seriously. Had I prolonged seeking help, I may not be here writing this today. I was questioned as to why I waited, why I didn't listen to my body, why I didn't question the abnormalities. I look back on this two months later and thank God and my wife for looking out for me.
When you travel, pay attention to the signs. You owe it to yourself and your family.
