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Last week I had some medical things and I've been miserable ever since. Not because of the colonoscopy or endoscope but because of the damn IV! Its been 9 days and my right hand/arm (dominant) hurts more and more and works less and less.

I spent the entire summer working my butt off. This weekend I want to go on a day hike in ANF to scout for a place to have a camping weekend NEXT weekend. Obviously I'll be avoiding climbing but can you think of anything else I need to do to be "prepared" for any one-handed problems?

I will NOT be talked out of going. Even my IC thinks I really really need to go, even if I have to take someone with me (I don't want to, this is supposed to be a solitary retreat).

Jen, be sure if you go alone that someone knows where you are, and when you are supposed to be back by. Just in case....

I am sorry to hear that you had a bad IV experience, have you notified the Dr about this? Sometimes they can cause an infection, or blood clot, and sometimes if they hit a nerve path it can be problematic for a while. They need to know though.

I had my hike map emailed to my family. Someone will always know where I am. I am taking a cell but I'm unsure if there will be reception.

I've had much worse iv experiences LOL There is no redness or hotness, no bruise or discoloration, and no swelling. I don't think it is infected. With the way the pain goes up my arm and down into my hand to the pad of my middle finger I suspect it is a nerve thing which I hear just takes time. I just don't want to miss on fun for something so silly. But I nearly can't type or click a mouse. I've tried reenacting a hike and camping in my head and can't think of anything to worry about. I could still set up a tent even I think.

A sharp knife and tourniquet in case you need to remove your arm in the wild.

Helpful?!

I would be concerned that the arm works less and less. You sure you don't want to call a doc?

Maybe bring a hiking poll to help with balance. I know my arms flail all over the place to keep me steady.

@rebreather - the doc should be calling me this coming week with some results so I'll mention it then. I don't think it'll need to come off but something I wear could always be a strap and I always have a knife

I have determined that I can't light a match so a pack of lighters will be going in my waterproof pouch. Why can I only light a match right handed? that is weird.

My hand is still plenty strong just not coordinated and just hurts when I use it.

@Crescita - I always have poles. I am notoriously clumsy. I can climb hard stuff but then wipe out walking down a gravel road.

Definitely letting someone know when you are going and where you will be is a good idea.

Even if its only a day hike always have a daypack with water, rain gear, some snacks (preferably 1 meal), a knife, matches, first aid kit, and a cell phone. I know that may sound like overkill but weather can change and you never know what you may run into.

From a friend who knows me well: Can you get a set of those doohickeys they make for little kids that keep their shoes tied?

Jen....

If your phone has GPS on it make sure it's turned on.

And please CHARGE your phone the night before the hike.

Hike on......

k9

I keep my phone OFF when I'm out where I think cell reception is poor. That way if I need it, the battery is fully charged.

When you are out of cell range, your phone uses more energy sending out pings to try to connect. It will drain your battery FAST.

k9 - it does have nav, gps, hike maps and other doohickey's like a compass and first aid manual and things I haven't tried yet.

kk - whoa - now I am new to the smart phone thing and I did NOT know that. Definitely will remember that!

Another option for saving your battery is to put the phone on "airplane mode" - it will stop searching for signals. At least for my phone, it's quicker/easier to turn airplane off than to power on the phone (in case of an emergency).

Great! I will look for that.

This is probably unnecessary, - and too late - but just in case......If you're going into unfamiliar territory, print out your own copy of that hiking map, and/or take a commercial map. And maybe a physical compass. Last year, police in Scotland had to rescue so many lost hikers who had no navigational skills or aids, apart from a GPS/phone (which had lost the signal) that at one point they issued a public warning about it.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-19252949

One of those flashlights that you wear on your head might be a good idea. Should your weak hand be too painful to hold a flashlight after dark, a head light would leave your "good" hand free.

Oh and a loud whistle, for emergency use.

[This message edited by Cally60 at 3:47 AM, August 10th (Saturday)]

Cally- the head flashlight is an excellent idea.

Boy Scout mom here. Please bring a buddy. There are too many unsavory people out there and isolated back country is primo real estate for someone to hide or to seek out victims. I love hiking, camping, the wilderness, and solitude, but prefer to relinquish solitude in isolated places in favor of not becoming a statistic.. (Edited to correct typo)

[This message edited by happenedtome at 1:19 PM, August 11th (Sunday)]

There is 1 person I know that would go with me and he is the last person I want around. Let someone f with me. I have over a years worth of suppressed rage to unleash. And a wicked big knife.

Let someone f with me. I have over a years worth of suppressed rage to unleash. And a wicked big knife.

Enjoy your hike. It sounds like it will be good for you.

The scouting hike went well. I don't foresee any problems with some overnight camping there. And I got some good advice here!

I was hoping you'd check in. How's the arm?