Costa Mesa, California
January 22, 2016
Dear Family & Friends:
My sincere thanks to all of you who offered such kind words of encouragement and advice. I view every one of you as true friends, and I am grateful for your love and support. Please know that I read, and re-read, every message and I take every piece of advice to heart, even such simple advice that I should change my socks daily. That is now part of my routine.
I met with my doctor on Tuesday and received some very good news. The Achilles tendon is not severed as he feared at our first meeting. The MRI shows a tear, but the tendon is still in tact. See MRI below. This means surgery is not necessary as the tendon will heal by itself.
My doctor expects a significant healing period and the need for some physical therapy, but I should make a full recovery. I announced my intention to be back in full climbing mode by the Autumn. No response from doc, but, not to worry, he doesn’t know my level of determination. I was given permission to resume my workouts, as long as I don’t stress the foot. I’ll start that forthwith.
I am super-excited at this news. The boot on my left foot is bad enough. But surgery and a full-length cast would have been well-nigh unbearable. Now, I can resume planning my next adventure.
The Everest climbing season is fast approaching. This brings a sense of sadness and nostalgia as I have travelled to Kathmandu 9 times in the last 8 years. Look for some drama on the South side of Everest this year. A wing suit jump from the summit may be in the works.
Love to all,
Bill
MRI-the white area to the left of the red line is the tear in the tendon. The black area above and below the white area is the tendon, which is still attached
So great to hear good news, Bill. You are changing your socks daily, congratulations. Oh yeah, congrats on no surgery, too! Ha Ha! A nice combination of your determination as well as a bunch patience to let that tendon heal will do wonders. Here is to a healthier end of 2016!
I am so happy to hear this great news! I’ve been thinking about you and am so happy!
Bill, this is one of your Canadian followers.. and it appears that I will now be drawing on your enthusiasm and strength… I missed the ramp up to the sidewalk, and became a horizontal missile into a cement barrier…head struck but okay…just found out that I have a 2nd degree shoulder separation. That said, I am so glad to hear that your achilles is not completely severed. I will be watching for and reading your posts in the coming months . Make sure that you do follow the Physio instructions…the time will actually go by more quickly than you think.
I am psyched! You’ll be able to work with this, and Burke Khang will be possible this fall. Healing, time, physical therapy, retraining, all a far better deal than surgery.
I think you’re going to be fine; just one day at a time.
So ironic that you have been to the roof of the world twice, and this one wrong step happened at sea level!
We rejoice, with you, in this fabulous news. Now comes the hard work– rehabilitation.
Rick
You are such a positive inspiration Bill. You give us who do not travel anymore such adventures and thrills. You’re amazing and thanks for sharing your stories and beautiful pictures. Heal and get back when you can. Regards. Cheri McKenzie Pene
Happy to hear the good news. At our age, you do not want to be out of commission for extended periods. John
Very glad you got good news from the doctor. I wish I have a small portion of your energy. Just take it slow and let the human body do its work.
Great news Bill!,,Onward!,,,
Acupuncture has helped me heal from injuries and surgeries, reducing scar tissue and accelerating blood flow to the injured area. Highly recommend with this caveat; it’s very much an art; you need to find a good one. I highly recommend this guy: Daniel Light at 20121 Ventura Blvd
Ste 201 Woodland Hills, CA 91364. He actually is more into herbs and rarely uses needles. Check out his Yelp reviews. He is an extraordinary healer.
Good luck!
Good morning Bill,
Greetings from England. I was so sorry to hear of the Achilles problem but am delighted it’s not as bad as first diagnosed. There will of course be a reason for this minor set-back which I’m sure will come clear in time, ‘what is meant to be will…….’.
Bill the u-tube report on your mountain was simple stunning, a masterpiece, so inspiration, scary and very emotional, I take my hat off to you Sir.
Regards,
t.
Great news about the non surgery. Less is more in this case for sure. Now….please assure us that you will not be the “winged suit person” going off Everest!
Thank goodness for the positive news, Bill! Cheering for you.
Glad to hear that no surgery is required. Just don’t over stain that ankle and foot while you exercise. I look forward to hearing about the next phase in Nepal.
This is GOOD NEWS !! I will happily pass this on to my contacts. Praise be to GOD for his tender mercies. Looking forward to your message on February 11th.
I’m glad you leg will heal completely. But I am amazed that you are preparing for your next climb. But then, you are amazing and I will be following it every step of the way.
Bill,
You are a stud! This fact coupled with your faith will help you to heal faster than a teenager which such an injury!
Blessings! George
Wonderful news Bill! I am sure your Doctors news was music to your ears. With your strong determination you will heal in record time and be on to a new adventures. I love your spirit to keep going and following your dream
I’m so happy to hear your good news! I admire you and your positive attitude so much! I will be looking forward to hearing all
about your next exciting adventure. 🙂
That’s great news! As to the jump, yikes! What nationality is the hopeful jumper?
George Allen when he was president of the President’s Physical Fitness Assoc. said, “A workout is 25% perspiration and 75% determination.” I have followed your climbing adventures for years and know you have that much determination and more. Good luck to you, I look forward to your next adventure. Sending prayers for a speedy recovery.
Good news comes to good people. Best wishes in your recovery.
Steve
Sometimes it helps to miss a post and get the good news first! Wishing you a speedy recovery! But, don’t over do it. We want you climbing for a long, long while. Giselle
Hi Bill,
Glad to hear the good news! You are so motivated and determined 🙂 slow and steady with your recovery!
Keep on walking in the light.
I have been excited to have shared your adventures for years Hope that by now you will have healed and be off again allowing me to tag along