Arizona and I got off trail at Tuolumne Meadows, and got picked up by Arizona's friend/ housemate/ support-person Steph. Steph opened up her gorgeous home to me, and is proving logistical assistance and helping me keep up my morale. I cannot believe how fortunate I've been to have her as a friend! She has completely spoiled us with fresh food and her incredible warmth. She even had her friend come over to give us massages!
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| Arizona cooked up this delicious sea bass- yum! |
I'm also amazed how Arizona has taken off all this time from the trail to be there for me. Truly incredible! I still can hardly believe we only just met in Kennedy Meadows.
My first priority has been figuring out what is wrong with my foot since it hasn't been getting better while hiking on it these last 150 miles. X-rays at the urgent care center didn't show any broken bones, but they couldn't tell me anything else. Fortunately, a physical therapist was able to see me yesterday (EDIT- this later turned out to be a stress fracture of the 3rd metatarsus and an inflammed MPT joint).
My first priority has been figuring out what is wrong with my foot since it hasn't been getting better while hiking on it these last 150 miles. X-rays at the urgent care center didn't show any broken bones, but they couldn't tell me anything else. Fortunately, a physical therapist was able to see me yesterday (EDIT- this later turned out to be a stress fracture of the 3rd metatarsus and an inflammed MPT joint).
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| My physical therapist. |
I am getting cortisone (applied transdermally using iontophoresis), ultrasound, and taking ibuprofen and applying ice, and staying off my feet. The physical therapist has been awesome.
It's really frustrating not knowing exactly what caused this. Bunions are a possible contributing factor, but I've had bunions my whole life, so why did this happen now? Did carrying the extra weight of a bear canister and microspikes, and trudging over all that snow also contribute? Could switching to shoes a half size bigger (to accommodate gortex socks) at Kennedy Meadows aggravate it, since I was sliding around in them?
My biggest concern is this- What can I do to prevent this from happening again? I am determined to do whatever it takes to finish the PCT. I have never had foot problems before, so I want to learn everything I can about this problem. I am so scared that when I get back out there that the pain will return.
I am struggling with what to do with myself. It is so uncomfortable having to sit still. I want to hike so very badly. My body aches from inactivity. I miss everything about being on the trail- being on the PCT is the happiest I've been probably in my whole life. I couldn't ask for a better place to be off-trail, and yet, it's still difficult not to be doing what I love most which is hiking.
Oh man! I've been wondering how you were but thought you'd surely be back on the trail already. Sending good recovery thoughts your way!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Misti!
DeleteThinking of you Joan and sending healing and positive thoughts your way. I know this is hard but part of the process of any hard hike is recovery too. I hope you heal fast and get right back on the trail. Nice to have such a connection with new friends. Sure does make your circle of love larger and stronger. That is good for healing too. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm feeling so fortunate that I met Arizona and Steph- they are truly wonderful people. The awesome connections that I have made out here on the PCT definitely make this all worthwhile.
DeleteJoan ... thank you so much for the update. I've been wondering how the foot is doing. Keep reminding yourself YOU ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING!! Your body (and especially your feet!!) are the most important thing for completing the PCT, so you have to put the priority on getting better!!
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I can only imagine how tough it is, after doing weeks and weeks and weeks of miles and miles and miles, to just be "resting". Hang in there ... these weeks might be the toughest ones of all on your trip :-) !
Thanks, Brenda! That is both so very true about the importance of taking care of your body and also how tough it is to stay still and stay off the foot and off the trail. This has certainly been the hardest part of the trip, but it's going to be worth it for sure. In the long run.
DeleteJoan, the Nature Ramblers are thinking about you as you try to recuperate from the "busted foot." We have enjoyed your adventures from reading the blog, and hope that your optimism holds and you can return to the trail in two weeks.
ReplyDeleteHugh
Thank you so very much, Hugh! So great to hear from you. Send my best to the Nature Ramblers!
DeleteJoan, ditto everything Hugh said. I know this is difficult but when you start back up, you will be fully rested and raring to go.....Take care!
ReplyDeleteDon
Aww thanks Don. Yep, I'm healing up... it's just going a bit slow...
DeleteIf anyone can get better and complete this hike its you Joan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Patti! :)
DeleteSending you healing foot vibes :-)
ReplyDeleteTina (hiker chick at Tuolumne who approached and asked if you were Rambling....)
OMG great hearing from you Tina!!! It made me so happy that you came over and introduced yourself at Tuolumne Meadows. I was having such a rough day, and it really was so cool to be recognized from my blog. Hope to run into you again someday out on the trail. :)
DeleteAwesome! Glad I could perk you up a bit :-) Thanks for all the great hammocking info too. Love it! Happy trails to you!
ReplyDelete