Date: 2016-07-01
From: Florida

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The past few months have been extremely difficult - instead of hiking the AT, I have been enduring doctor visits, various diagnostic tests, and never ending blood tests. I also attended support group meetings for people with Type 1 diabetes in the hopes of meeting someone who is a long distance hiker (or who may know a long distance hiker with Type 1 diabetes) who could give me advice. Although everyone was extremely nice, because the diagnosis was still so very raw for me, the experience was not helpful. In addition, no one there understood why anyone would even WANT to hike the AT, let alone try to do it while dealing with Type 1 diabetes. Thankfully I have great doctors who really listened to me - especially initially, when I looked so healthy and my symptoms made no sense under the circumstances. But most of all, I am thankful for my husband, who has been my rock through this whole terrible experience. I know he worried about me hiking the AT solo. I could see in his eyes that he was also very worried about what was going on with me these past few months at home - supposedly "safe" at home.I think one of the lessons to be learned here (other than that my husband REALLY loves me) is that nothing and no where in life is "safe," at least as safe as we think it is. So we might as well hit the trail and enjoy the adventure! My husband knows it is important to me to finish the AT. In an effort to help me accomplish that goal he offered to slackpack me the rest of the way. It was by far one of the best offers I have ever received. But I started the AT on my own, and I want to finish the AT on my own.Over the course of a few office visits I explained to my endocrinologist what hiking the AT involves. And she explained to me what living with Type 1 diabetes involves. I quickly figured out that food would likely be my biggest issue to figure out. Controlling blood glucose (BG) to a large extent is all about counting/minimizing carbs. Of course hiking is all about maximizing carbs.   At the suggestion of my doctor, I met with a Diabetes Educator. Although she has not hiked the AT, she was at least familiar with the trail and with hiking in general. I took along my food bag from my backpack and dumped the contents out on the table. We studied the nutritional information on the packages, and she explained the recommended ratio of carbs and protein. My doctor also ordered a Continous Glucose Monitor (CGM), a device the size of a key fob, which is worn on my body (with a probe inserted under the skin) which sends real time BG data to a device the size of a flip phone that I carry in my pocket. The CGM allows me to check my BG level all day without needing to stick my finger, and alerts me if my BG level is too high or too low.Before returning to the AT solo, I agreed with my doctor that it would be wise for me to slackpack with my husband for 2 weeks and see how things go. Assuming things will go well, I bought some new ultra light (and VERY expensive) gear - a Z Pack tent and pack - with my husband's blessings. OBVIOUSLY the man REALLY loves me! Even though I will be slackpacking, I intend to hike at least a day or two with a full pack to closely simulate hiking solo. So we are headed back to the AT! But I do so with mixed feelings. If things go well, I should be able to finish the AT. If things do not go well . . . I am not sure what I will do.The AT is calling. I am on my way with my hopes high and my fingers crossed!