Back Home in Vancouver: May 7, 2008

I've been back in Vancouver now for a couple of weeks. The time has flown by very quickly. I'm seeing my doctors and having tests done to find out what happened to me at Everest Base Camp. My GI Specialist has all but ruled out a Crohn's flare-up.

About a week or so ago I had a scope done of my intestines. Given my ostomy surgery, they can only go in about 20 centimetres or so to look around, but when they did they didn't find any evidence of a flare-up.

What may be causing my considerable discomfort is a partial bowel obstruction. Or it could be something entirely different. When you go to the altitudes that I have in the past month, it is not uncommon for your soft tissues to swell. If I had a partial bowel obstruction, it makes sense that it would cause me more grief at altitude given the inflamation. Needless to say it's frustrating to have been so close to finishing my seven year dream and having to leave so suddenly.

I have had so much support, especially from ConvaTec, it is disappointing to not be successful for them. I can't say enough about how great they have been: supportive and concerned for my health above all else. I am also thankful to be home close to my family and the medical professionals that know me.

Don't forget to read the blog page for my Everest diary.

Rob in the Media

Click here to read a recent story in the Vancouver Courier newspaper.

Click here to read a recent story in The Province daily newspaper.

Fundraising for IDEAS

The NGKG 7 Summits Team is raising $29,028 for IDEAS to be used in the School Talks and Kids Camps programs. That's one dollar for each foot that Rob will climb above sea level to reach his goal of being the first person with Crohn's and an ostomy to stand on top of the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. Donations can be made online through Canada Helps, or you can send a cheque directly to IDEAS. Rob is climbing to raise awareness of intestinal diseases and ostomies; funds go to IDEAS to accomplish this goal. Are you willing to help him by giving to IDEAS? Every dollar helps.

If you would like to sponsor or support the No Guts – Know Glory, Seven Summits Campaign please contact us at info@nogutsknowglory.com. Media enquiries welcome.