Since arriving in Missoula, rain has kept us off the mountain trails. I confess to mixed feelings. This trip is centered around walking, often up and downhill, after all. But during the last hike along the Columbia River Gorge, I struggled, my heart rate maxed out far more than usual, and my blood pressure plummeted to where I knew to lie down before passing out.
Since my stroke, which came at the same time as failed heart and kidneys, passing out or nearly passing out, has become a traveling partner throughout my days. It was far more common the first year or two, but even six years later, I am not immune to it.
It’s why I travel with a blood pressure wrist cuff and even carry it in my backpack on most hikes. When my head starts to swim, when my eyes become uncertain, and dizziness comes, it happens fast. My blood pressure, typically 96 over 68, plummets to 65 over 40-something.
The first few times it happened, I passed out right where I was, collapsing in a heap. Twice it was while hik…
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