BootsnAll Travel Community

So I have a small concern. I'm putting together a charity climb up Kili for the New Year, and we now have a girl interested in doing it that has Fibre Mialgyia (spelt wrong, I'm sure).

I really want her doctor's approval before she attempts this, but if he does give her the ok, how do we do this climb so as to be fair to everyone? She has a tendency to be a little negative and I fear that that could affect the rest of the climbers too much.

I want to be fair to everyone. Any advice?

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She has a tendency to be a little negative and I fear that that could affect the rest of the climbers too much.

For starters, you need to have a GOOD TALK with her about your concerns and HER ATTITUDE. She needs to be the first one to believe in herself, otherwise how can others?

I have M.S. I've never climbed Kili and I tend to travel independentely. But traveling with others, I would expect the travel agent to notify everyone in the group about my condition (Since you will have to reassure them, you need to be reassured yourself...). Also, make sure you have a plan B if she has to quit before all the others (I'm not saying she will, but you need to be prepared.)
The condition of people with Fibro Myalgie (in French! )varies from one person to the next. Perhaps she has just a mild case? You need to have a candid talk about her illness.

Sick people obviously don't want to be disciminated againts and it's very nice of you to seriously consider her for your group. However, we can't escape reality. If you don't look at some of the potential problems and something goes wrong, it wouldn't fair to the rest of the group and they could be upset at you for accepting her in the first place.

Again, don't be afraid to talk to her.

Good Luck!

I would say that you (and she) have your work cut out. A lot of people with fibromyalgia tend to have a negative attitude but as travelclown said - it can vary from one person to the next.

The main symtoms are fatigue and muscle ache and therefore you may find that she may struggle, especially with the additional symptoms due to altitude and camping fatigue.

If she is determined to complete it, knows what to expect and willing to train adequately, then she may well be an assset to your group (and may even do better than others)

Speaking from a medical perspective, I suspect her doctor would not stop her from going.

MOst of the tour companies will accommodate people who quit early but you should check this begore you set off

hope you have fun

http://picasaweb.google.com/wilwalpics/KilimanjaroClimbSept2006

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fibromyalgia

this would be a good read....

http://www.fibromyalgia-associationuk.org/index.php?opt...=view&id=54&Itemid=2

This one's right up my alley. I've got Kili on my radar for next year after summiting my nemisis, 14,246' White Mtn Peak in CA.

Attitude is the most important aspect as long as she's got supportive people on her side. I solo in my chair (a completely human powered wheelchair, no power, no attendants) all the time in the SF Bay Area, Sierra and desert ranges. She has to commit to getting in the best shape of her life and realize that a trip like this is not a walk in the park - I spend countless hours after work in the gym and on trails of all kinds. I know how difficult it is to push my wheelchair over 12,000' - 19,000+ is a challenge that will require me to take training up a level or two.

Only she can know how much she'll have to do to get in shape for such a journey. As for my own high altitude experiences, just to be able to gauge the difficulty, read this:

http://www.backpacker.com/article/1,2646,10446,00.html

My best wishes to you and her for a successful effort!

-Bob

I'm glad to see this topic brought up! I'm beginning to train for a climb in early 09 and I suffer from several medical conditions including, but not limited to, fibromyalgia, lupus, sjogren's... For me, to be able to overcome these things and summit would be such an accomplishment. I'm beginning discussions with my doctors about the aforementioned ailments and I would believe it would be foolish not to.

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This one's right up my alley. I've got Kili on my radar for next year after summiting my nemisis, 14,246' White Mtn Peak in CA.

And it looks like Bob has made it to the top of White Mtn. See here

Hopefully, Bob will be back around here soon to fill us in on his story.

OK, halfnine, an update:

Last Friday, August 24 at 6:44 PM, after almost 11 hours on the final 1.7 miles to the top, I summited California's 3rd highest peak, White Mountain in Mono County (14,246'). It took 3 days and 2 nights camping above 12,000', but with accurate acclimatization factored in it went smoothly, if slowly.

Now I can officially set sights on Kilimanjaro next summer! It ain't going to happen without sponsorship, however, so most of my spare time will be spent looking for corporate benefactors. Lots of detail to consider now, and even more grueling training will be necessary. Check out today's San Jose Mercury News for the latest!