Day 98: Burney Zero
7.22.18. 0 miles.
I woke up this morning in the campground at 6:30 am, happy to get a little more sleep than usual. I was feeling better than yesterday, but still felt really weak, nauseous, and had the runs again. I decided to still meet up with the trail angel, Michael, and have him bring me to the ER in Falls River Mills.
I got admitted to the ER and was given IV fluids and anti-nausea meds. Since I wasn’t able to give them a stool sample, they couldn’t confirm a diagnosis of Norovirus, but essentially said that’s what I had, and was given instructions to rest and drink lots of fluids and electrolytes. While in the ER, I called Shasta Pines motel in Burney to get a room for 2 nights. They were very nice and got me a room with an awesome hiker rate. The nurse who was taking care of me in the ER was so sweet and called me the taxi service to take me into Burney. After a few hours in the ER, I was on my way into town.
Dave of the taxi service was really nice and lived in the Bay Area for many years. The fare to town was $20, and I realized when he dropped me off, I only had $19, which he was fine with. Thanks Dave! Upon check-in at the motel, I was happily greeted by name from Jared, and he had my room ready for me! He was super nice and really sympathetic. He’s seen a few other sick hikers as well.
I immediately went to my room and called my mom and had a bit of a mini-meltdown. Being sick sucks in general, but it’s even worse when you’re 100% alone, in a strange town with no vehicle, and not in your own bed. At least the room is pretty nice with a comfy bed, a microwave, and a fridge. I was still feeling pretty icky and really craving fresh, non-restaurant foods. So after laying down, and showering, I decided to head to Safeway to grab some groceries. I got yogurt, a French roll, Brie cheese, blueberries, a salad, my favorite REBBL drink, soup, and a deli wrap. The trip took a lot out of me, since it was 2 blocks away and I had to walk and carry groceries and it was hot. I got back to the room and just laid right back down in bed, eventually eating some of the food, since now it had been over 24 hours since I ate anything.
Unfortunately, the rest of the evening then resulted in me running back and forth between the bed and toilet. At least the tv kept me entertained. I got to watch the end of Toy Story 3, the Incredibles, Celebrity Family Feud ft. The Grey’s Anatomy cast, and HGTV. Eventually, the running to the toilet subsided, and I got to sleep.