A Journey Through Fatigue, Vertigo, and Physical Changes While Exploring Earth's Last Frontier
The side effects are adding up - Fatigue, vertigo, shortness of breath and an ever weakening of my legs - are now a basic part of life for me.
It seems that no matter the amount of coffee, exercise, or sleep that I manage, my fatigue never seems to abate - it is a constant state of my existence. The only change is just how much more tired can I get. My ability to get excited and upbeat are a constant struggle. Even in a place as unique as Antarctica, the energy levels are not where I had hoped that they would be. It’s a tribute to the people that I have met while on this voyage that keep me engaged and wanting to keep taking the tours on the zodiac and the daily kayak paddles.
Vertigo - a sensation of spinning or swaying, while actually stationary - is occurring with frequency, and often at the most inopportune time. Ok, for those smart alecks out there - yes, I am on a boat, and yes, it is swaying, but that is not the cause (though I wish it were). I must say though it can be quite intense and disorienting. A few years ago, I suffered benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and this reminds me of that. Maybe being on the boat is causing a relapse. Another aspect of my health that I am feeling is the growing weakness or numbness in the legs. This is most disturbing to me because my legs was where my strength resided. I could hike, bike, or ski forever. Now walking up the stairs feels like I am climbing Everest. The last area is my breath; shortness of breath is a constant companion.
I am not worried that these persistent symptoms may be attributed to some other malady. Before coming on this trip, I had exhaustive tests to see if my heart, ears, nerves or other issues were the causes, and they were not.
It is just something that I have to deal with, and I also realize that I am fortunate that it is just that and not more debilitating symptoms. My activities are now less, which is resulting in a dramatic amount of weight gain. I was hoping that at least one of the symptoms of cancer would be in effect and that would be decreased appetite and resulting weight loss. Murphy’s law seems to be with me at every corner.
I am not complaining, just acknowledging what is happening to me. How could I be complaining as I sit here on the Ultramarine, watching Antarctica and its beautiful vistas, with a lovely glass of Penfold’s. I can’t really. Just enjoy the moment.
Thom
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