[pct-l] Introduction and a question

[Phil Baily]

I have been hiking pieces of the trail varying in length from one day 
to 2.5 weeks. I take a  number of medications for heart rhythm 
problems, blood pressure, and use insulin. The only problem (knock on 
wood) that I have had is when I mistakenly counted out half the 
number of pills I would need for a trip. I hitched a ride from a 
campground into Sisters, Ore., had the pharmacist phone my doctor's 
office, waited half a day for a phone reply authorizing a 
prescription, then got my pills and a ride back to the PCT. 
Suggestions (most of which I follow):
         1. See if anything needs to be refrigerated and how long it 
can stand not being refrigerated. Carry prescriptions for refills as 
needed and plan towns where you can get them filled.
         2. Take a few extra for every medication in case you 
drop/lose a pill or two.
         3. Carry meds in a waterproof container, e.g. plastic pill 
bottle. Keep in a secure place in your pack.
         4. Carry prescriptions in case something happens. (You don't 
really want to wait around while a pharmacy tries to contact your 
doctor.) Carry your prescriber's phone number.
         5. Carry extra of any med that might potentially need an 
increased dose.
         6. Enjoy your hike!
Pieces


At 01:11 PM 6/25/08, stacey wrote:

>Hi, I have been reading this for about a month now.  Some day I 
>would like to hike the PCT. (I am super excited it)  My earliest 
>estimate would be 2010, since that's when I finish getting my 
>AA.  But from my reading on this list, I figure it's going to take 
>longer than that (I've backpacked a little, a few week long 
>trips)  since the big thing I seem to be reading is that I've got to 
>get lots more experience under my belt first.
>
>I have Tons of questions about various things, but since I haven't 
>read through all of the database of these emails, I figure I'll just 
>ask one of them for now.  Does anyone (willing to discuss it, heheh) 
>take medications that they have to bring with them on the trail? I 
>have ADHD and I'm wondering if anyone else has to deal with that 
>sort of thing. I started taking meds a few years ago, and I haven't 
>actually had the chance to backpack since then, so I'm wondering if 
>there's any good tips, etc. Or if it doesn't really make any difference at all.
>(hah, and by the time I actually get to the PCT I might not be 
>taking them anymore but who knows lol)
>
>Thanks!
>
>Stacey Myhren
>
>
>
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