SF2T- Day 7

Last night. Yes, well last night was not the best for me. The weather was perfect, I was warm enough, and the stars were out in full array. But I woke up with a start and felt short of breath. Now being at 11,200 ft elevation had something to do with it, but I checked my pulse and my heart was “skipping” beats. I have a long-standing heart rhythm problem of Premature Ventricular Contractions or PVCs. Although I have them many times a day, usually they are random and go unnoticed. But sometimes, when I’m stressed or dehydrated, I get them more often. This manifests as palpitations. (This is NOT a “heart attack” where the heart muscle dies, but irregular heartbeats.)

I immediately drank about half a liter of water and tried to go back to sleep. This did help and I was eventually able to doze off again. This morning when I got up I was not feeling 100%. (Anxiety?) Cappuccino and I headed out after breakfast for Road 518 and the Sipapu Resort where she was leaving the trail and being picked up by her husband. During the 7 mile descent on the trail I decided that it would be unwise to continue on to Taos alone without making sure my heart issue was not something worse. So I joined Cappy and her husband and got a ride back to Albuquerque.

I was really hoping to finish this thru-hike in one go, but I know it is more prudent to stop. So, I am suspending my hike for now and heading back home for a checkup. Cappy and I may finish out the Santa Fe to Taos trail at a future date.

Addendum- I am back in Eugene and have been seen in Urgent Care. My EKG is basically normal, and I have had no more palpitations. I have an appointment with a cardiologist next week for a follow-up. They will probably run some tests, and I will note in this blog any pertinent results. Stay tuned…