Yes, the bad news first. I have bronchitis! The good news – it runs its course in a week to ten days which is the next good summit weather window. There may be a short window between when the Sherpa complete fixing lines to the summit and the next wind event on May 16th. Some teams may try for the summit sooner; but, starting on about the 18th works for me.
Two nights after I returned to EBC from Camp 3, I had a cough-filled, sleepless night completely enervating me and making me hoarse. I went to HRA the next day to make sure my lungs were clear. They were and I was diagnosed again with the Khumbu cough. But later in the day I started getting some production out of my coughs. Another climber, who is a doctor himself, just went through this and told me it’s acute bronchitis. I plan to go back to HRA today to get some meds that help break up the mucus and make sure it doesn’t turn into pneumonia.
Such is life on a long expedition. Usually everyone gets sick at least once. I think everyone has. The trick is not to panic. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen at the wrong time. A guy in our group got bronchitis on his summit bid in 2012 at Camp 3 and was forced to abandon his climb.
Four of our climbers who got behind because they had been sick left for their Camp 3 rotation this morning. They’ll be back in five days.
Five of the eight hybrid team had been so sick on and after their Camp 3 rotation, they negotiated a good price on a helicopter ride to the 12,000-foot village of Namche Bazaar where they are resting.
My friends, Tom and Will, who summited in 2012 had to wait until the end of May. If I can start by the 18th I won’t feel so bad.
As an interesting side note, Dawa, a 57-year-old Sherpa who has summited 11 times, was at HRA the same time I was and was also diagnosed with bronchitis. He will be climbing up to the South Col at 26,000 feet over the course of the next two days.
Mt. Everest 
Bart, We remember discussing two important items an Everest climber must have…patience and persitence. If anyone we know has these two qualities, it’s you! Mountain statistics show the best time to summit Everest is May 18-25. As you have suggested, this is perfect timing to rest and get over the bronchitis. Hang in there, don’t spend energy on worrying, just on resting and getting well. It may work out perfectly and the bronchitis will be just one more hurdle you overcame on the way to accomplishing your dream, which will make that accomplishment even more rewarding.
We know at this point you just want to climb the mountain as quick as possible and get home to Judy and your family. It probably feels like you have been on the mountain for a lifetime, but you will soon be home and your Everest adventure will seem like a dream, so hang in there, enjoy the moment, and give it your best shot!
A group of us out rock climbing a couple of days ago, were discussing how proud we are to know you and how your efforts are inspiring us. We are all pulling for you!
God speed,
Your climbin friends
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You are beyond inspiring, Tom! Thanks so much for the words of encouragement!!!
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Hello Bart,
Lon and I were talking about your great adventure over the weekend and sending you positive thoughts on getting better soon and succeeding for you, your family and all of your friends. For us in the 60 plus crowd we are pulling for you to kick butt on all those youngsters. Be in the moment, enjoy the journey and do your best and that will always be enough. Most important, come back safe to Judy and your family and friends. Thoughts and prayers always!
Winn
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I love your advice, Winn! Thanks!
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Bart your endurance, patience and courage are truly inspiring. I loved reading Tom’s inspired advice. You have many great friends rooting for you! We wish you well and hope your recovery comes quickly. Greg L
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Thanks, Greg! That means allot to me especially now!
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Bart: I am so sorry to hear that you have bronchitis I have had it several times myself and did not get over it very fast, but the fact is I am a marshmallow. I have no strenght or endurance like you and that is what is going to work for you. I get winded walking my dog around the block. The important thing is that you get plenty of rest and try to stay as warm as possible My prayers are with you for a speedy recovery so you can have your dream, but the most important thing is for your safe return. You will always be my hero.
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Thanks, Tammy! It will be a challenge but I’m trying to rest well and stay warm! You’re my hero!
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Bart, we are all praying for you to get better during this break and get the energy back to climb to the top and reach your goal! I can’t imagine the feeling you’ll get after months of training and now see the results. I wish you the best, you are an example to me…..you are an iron man!
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Thanks so much, Rino! I hope to draw on the strength I felt the day we hiked together. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
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I meant to say…..I can’t imaging the feeling you’ll get after months of training and see the exciting results when you summit! 😀
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Bart,
Just read all your blog posts for this climb so far. You are doing an amazing thing!! Get better quick and best of luck in the duration of your climb! You are an inspiration! We will keep you in our prayers!
Katie
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Ha and now I realize I wasn’t on the newest post! Very excited for you to almost be to the top! 🙂
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