Captain's Orders and Doctor's Orders - two things that must be followed
It's my Fault! Don't make the same mistake.
Ship's Log:
4 am, Sept 29th, two-thousand and twenty-three in the year of our Lord - stuck on Dry Land on Amami Island
Hey everyone! Just a quick update from dry land. I hopped off Wahine a few days ago and left her securely moored in Buren Bay.
Why, you ask? Well, it was to attend a charity fundraising event, speak at Conference, and meet up with fellow never-too-laters, but it turns out I had a bit of a leg issue – the left leg, to be precise.
After a checkup at Amami Island before going to the airport, I found out I had DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) in the left leg and PE (Pulmonary Embolism) in both lungs. So, here I am, getting some TLC in the hospital.
But don't worry, I'm not too far from Wahine, just about an hour away. My buddy Mitsu, who's also a boat owner and lives in Buren, is keeping a close watch on her. Those lovely photos you've seen recently? Yep, those are thanks to him. He sends them over to keep me in the loop.
The Real Story
Now, here's the real story behind my unexpected land adventure. It's entirely my own fault, folks.
I dealt with DVT and PE 11 years ago and have been on blood thinners ever since. But in the past year, I have gotten a bit lazy about taking my daily meds.
Why, you ask?
Well, partly because getting prescriptions filled on the boat was a hassle, partly due to the cost (even though National Health covered most of it, $6 a day still adds up), and partly because I was so active and outdoorsy, I let my guard down.
My family wasn't thrilled with my lack of diligence, and the nurse who interviewed me and helped with the tests gave me a good scolding too.
So, here's the takeaway:
Take your meds, my friends!
I won't preach, but it's a helpful reminder that might just benefit someone out there. I should be out there with you all, enjoying the great outdoors. Meanwhile, I'm here, trying not to go stir-crazy. Hospital food is so-so, but the conversations and chuckles are frequent. Some of the staff even recognized me from YouTube, and I've become English practice for a few of the nurses.
I can't have visitors right now, but I'm incredibly grateful for the support of my friends on the island, like Mitsu, Kenchan, Matt, Martin, and his wife Chiharu.
I'll keep posting those daily Wahine photos that Mitsu sends until I'm back in action.
Thanks for the good vibes and well wishes, everyone! 🌊🚢😄
Pacific Solo is really a misnomer. I have only gotten this far because of the community that has formed around the Pacific Solo idea. I am humbled, not only by the sea but, by the generosity and love of others.
Below are the various ways you can support Pacific Solo, both financially and just good ol' moral support.
