5/06/06

Doug Reports in from Base Camp

It seems that the real meaning of Team No Limits is that there is really no limit to the issues that we we're facing. Yesterday, we were climbing from Base Camp to Camp II for an acclimatization run. At about Camp I, Matt started experiencing chest pain, dizziness and nausea. This obviously became a concern for Matt, who suspected that he may be experiencing a cardiac event. Due to our significant amount of concern, we immediately descended back dawn to base camp.

   

Upon arrival at Base Camp,Matt promptly went to the base camp medical clinic - and a complete cardiac work up was performed. Matt's evaluation yielded an EKG abnormality. Matt rested in Base Camp ,on oxygen, for the duration of the night and then plans for evacuation were made. Base Camp Doctor, Luanne Freer, was convinced that the prudent decision was for Matt to be evacuated from Base Camp. Subsequently, Matt was evacuated via helicopter.The evacuation process was an eventful episode as the Russian MI 17 Pilot came in and made a sketchy landing on our helipad. The Russian Pilot took Matt as well as several others down to Katmandu. Matt is now in Katmandu and making preparations to head back to the United States.  

I am now the remainder of Team No Limits. I'm in base camp with Roger and some other climbers. Currently, we are in the midst of a snow storm. At this point, I do not know how this will impact our climbing for tomorrow. However, my current plans are to head back up from Base Camp and then on to Camp III. We continue to soldier on here. We have endured an unbelievable and unfortunate string of  unfortunate events. My thoughts and prayers are with Matt and Larry - and I am hopeful that the two will unite in Katmandu.  

For now, we will continue to make our way up the mountain.

That's all from Base Camp for now,

Doug