Nope, I didn't fall off a mountain and vanish. In my last post, circa 5 months ago, Peppy and I were headed north. Well, we only made it about 4 miles before I decided Peppy still wasn't well (he's perfectly fine now). My dad drove out to pick him up and I got sick! After a few days I wasn't any better, so I came back to Ohio, ostensibly to rest for a week and then head back to the trail. Obviously that never happened.
What followed was a health rollercoaster and lots of bloodwork/doctors visits. Despite an initial guess, it took 3 months to reach a diagnosis of Lyme disease, by which point the nasty little bacteria was well entrenched. Antibiotic treatment results in large die-off of the bacteria and release of lots of toxins, resulting in feeling worse before getting better. Huzzah! If you feel worse you are getting better.
It was quite a change to go from being outdoors and climbing mountains to bedridden with limited energy to climb the stairs. In fact, I changed so much my family didn't recognize me! (This is only partially true--I in fact just chopped off all my hair so I was confused for my older sister--but it sounds more dramatic that way ;) )
After months of treatment I am beginning to regain some of my former health. I have months of treatment to go, but in this new year I have every faith of new health. In fact, I have every intention of getting back out on the trail and finishing what I started. Katahdin is still calling my name.
May you all have a prosperous, happy, and healthy new year.
Little Bird and Peppy
