"Houston we have a problem"-mens stuff 😀
For those of you that followed me on the Tour Aoteroua I used that quote at the end of day one, when I discovered huge blisters on each butt and ended up cycling with pain killers and pads being put on each morning to protect the skin. Well I looked up the quote and it misquoted by me and by most people. It apparently was "Ah, Houston we've had a problem. OH I hope is past tense, as I have had a problem.
I hadn't been feeling that great with a cycling related condition that some men get from being on a bicycle seat for too long, I will let your imagination work on that. Putting you out of your misery, it's a condition that means you aggravate the prostate gland and you end up going to the toilet like very regularly and struggle doing poos. First got this near the end of the S2S last year and then went away after a couple of week of getting home.
Well after completed all my training on Monday the 20th at home and not having had this since last year to any degree, I was looking forward to a quiet week and get refreshed, only for this condition to return. Raced in to see my doctor who was great to take an urgent appointment from me just before I left as didn't want to put up with this without seeking treatment. Had some tests and given some some drugs. Urine and blood Test's came out on manage my health electronically so that all good on the Monday afternoon whilst I preparing to fly out of Auckland, which was comforting. Doc recommended I did continue to take the drugs for two weeks to help settle it down.
Well its hasn't totally settled down (not at all ) and on Wednesday I may have become dehydrated as I walked miles (for hrs) and didn't drink and then I started to feel lousy. I thought it was exhaustion. Thursday walked more and started to feel worse, sore all over and Friday worse and yesterday the soreness has decreased but my feet swelled up and a rash came up to above my knees. I thought oh my good what is going on. Headaches and loss of appetite, which is big for me as I eat a lot.
In Stepped Tina, Lees sister, who I was staying with in Taunton. Tina was an angel, Tina is a Physio, and she suggested we look up the side effects of the drugs I am on. It seems(I don't know) for sure, that that the list of side effects is very much the side effects that I am having and that this drug can give in some people.
So went into a drinking mode, just hitting back glass after glass of water to try and flush my system. Also had my feet raised above the heart level to help remove fluid from my feet. I have skinny and feet and the were far from skinny. I noticed some improvement in my feet before bed which was encouraging. Felt lousy again this morning, weak mainly but are I "think" a bit better as we approach mid day today and I am on the train moving towards Penzance. Pains in limbs and headache have now I think gone. Are planning to go into a A and E in Penzance and see that all the vitals are good and ask that about the rash and symptoms and just check me out before Monday. Hopefully it is Ah Houston, we HAD a problem. All all past tense and don't now.
There is only a small number of us on this tour and plan is that we meet each other tonight and I think a NZ couple are amongst the tour group.
The country side in Cornwall is absolutely stunning. The countryside is really a lush green and towns and villages are tucked into the tapestry of the landscape. it is very beautiful and like step back in time for my eye.
Only took a few photos on the train. Planning to take heaps from the bike.
Postscript-
I arrived at Penzance, my hotel was 50m from Train station(so handy)
Dropped off my bag and got taxi to local hotel at top of hill overlooking the town.
Arrived told it would probably 4 hrs to be seen. True to word, after arriving around 1 pm left around 5 pm . Steps paperwork including lots of citizen checks.
Triage-was seen at about 2 pm and vitals and problem and was given initially a
antihistamine tab. What is used often for allergic reactions. Saw doctor at 4:15 how basically confirmed that the drug is most likely cause of all the swelling. Particularly the Sulphur comments that has a high allergic reaction in approx 30 % of the receivers. Said I should stop immediately. Did another urine test. Clean and not blood and not infection.
Gave me more antihistamine tablets.
I was feeling so much better by this time as the stress of possibly missing the tour etc has built. Glad I had decided last night to seek a medical check if possible in Penzance.
Got back to Hotel, meet a couple of the fellow riders very briefly and had dinner with the tour Leaders, Andy and Gwen Bevan. Lovely couple who are athletes themselves and tour guides both riding and tramping and ski . Well travelled and good company as we had dinner together and also got my bike fitted with my handle bars and my seat that I brought from NZ
To bed after packing gear ready and to bed.
Been a big week.
Nearing Penzance station now so will publish and may update latter.
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