

Hello, this is Matt with a
little explanation of my scenario. I was on my way to Camp III for a final
acclimatization push. I was traveling well and feeling strong - I even made my
best time thru the Khumbu Icefall. All of the sudden, I felt a huge discomfort
in my chest. The phenomenon that I encountered is really hard to describe.
Doug got me to sit down and rest and then I tried to continue. After feeling
the same chest pain two more times, I knew that I had to turn around.
I thought that I would just
go down and rest for a while - and things would improve. I thought that
perhaps I had just over done it the day before. As they say, at altitude, you
have to listen to your body. My brain, of course, was telling me to continue
on - but my body was no longer cooperating. As I said, I thought I would go
down to Camp I or Base Camp for a while and things would get better. I ended
up climbing down the Khumbu Icefall and then seeking medical attention at the
Base Camp Medical Clinic. I thought for sure that they would just give me an
aspirin and get me back out there, however, this was not the case.
What they did do is put me on
an EKG and determined from there that my climb had to come to an
end. Disappointment hovered over me like a dark cloud. I suppose all Everest
climbers who are forced to give up there dream feel this same emotional let
down. I have focused for four years on this and have trained relentlessly. I
have mentally rehearsed every detail of this climb, memorized the route, and
read every bit of information I could get my hands on.
I was honored to have a
sponsorship by Ford Direct. I left my job. I left my family and I was trying
to do everything right with regards to my health. To have my dream cut short
like this, is a bitter disappointment. Although, I am happy I listened to my
body because I could have easily made a poor decision to continue. My head was
sure that I could make it to the top of this mountain - but it looks like my
body wasn't as sure. At any rate, I am fine. I was evacuated out by helicopter
- and am now safely stowed in Katmandu.
I would like to say thanks
to everyone who has followed my climb - and would like to say thanks so much
to Ford Direct!
Matt
Everest 2006: Team No
Limits Dispatches
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