Post 8: Catching Up Part 3 of 4: Healing Setbacks, Small Wins, and Preparing for Everest

Whew, we’ve made it to part 3 of this catch-up series! Soon we’ll finally get to the good stuff: trekking to Everest Base Camp, navigating chronic illness recovery, and walking through life together.

When we left off, I had just gotten home from the hospital. I was still exhausted, but for the first time in months, I wasn’t constantly nauseous. That alone felt like a huge victory on my healing journey.

I slowly began eating again, though after losing so much weight, I didn’t look or feel like myself. My strength and stamina were gone, and I had a long road of rebuilding ahead. Still, I managed to get outside a little, soak up some summer sunshine, and start inching forward.

But as anyone living with chronic illness knows, progress often comes with setbacks.

Facing Bladder Complications

I was still unable to fully empty my bladder on my own. After working closely with my new urologist, we decided the best option was to learn self-catheterization. It wasn’t easy emotionally, and it came with risks. And of course, I experienced one: a painful UTI with burning, blood, and discomfort.

Back to urology I went, where I started antibiotics and once again had to rely on a Foley catheter. This time, it stayed in for two weeks.

And just to add another layer, during those two weeks I was a bridesmaid in my best friend Kayla’s wedding. Imagine standing in a beautiful dress, smiling for photos, while wearing a walking boot on my ankle and hiding a Foley catheter under the gown. Total Instagram vs. reality moment. On the outside, I looked like any other bridesmaid. On the inside, I was pushing through pain and exhaustion, determined to celebrate love despite my own struggles.

Physical Therapy and Small Victories

After the wedding, I had a few quieter weeks of healing with short walks, light exercises at home, and slowly building my appetite back.

Finally, in early July, I was cleared to start physical therapy. Out of the boot, into a brace, and taking my first steps toward walking on my own again.

By then, I no longer had a Foley catheter, but I was still self-catheterizing about half the time and had limited bowel control, something that has since improved though not completely. My recovery was dragging out much longer than expected, and I was still out of work, a reality I hadn’t planned for.

The rest of July became all about physical therapy, regaining independence, and celebrating a huge milestone. By mid-month, I was cleared to drive again!

Preparing for the Everest Base Camp Trek

This part of my healing journey was about more than just recovering from surgery and complications. It was about building the resilience I’ll need for the Everest Base Camp trek. Every setback, every UTI, every difficult physical therapy session is shaping the mental and physical strength I’ll rely on when trekking through the Himalayas.

Stay tuned for Part 4, where I’ll finally get you caught up to the present and share how I’m preparing for Everest, a trek that means even more now after everything this year has thrown my way.