Medical Emergency - This Has Me re-Thinking Everything

[@seanchristie7150]

Fantastic video and a timely reminder we are human and shit happens that you cannot control or predict

[@westralianoffroad]

Too right mate, appreciate it.

[@geoffmills4755]

The only advice I can give in that situation is become an ambulance member if you are not a ride in an ambulance can cost you a great deal of money

[@PositivityPrefered]

Solo female traveller here. I was working in Narrabri and was ready to move on. I had two options; take my time and travel up remote QLD to Rockhampton or do a couple of months work in Canberra. I chose to go to Canberra. 3 days after arriving in Canberra I was having emergency surgery. I'm very lucky I didn't go remotely as it was very a very serious condition.

[@westralianoffroad]

Wow mate, that’s a lucky break. Thanks for sharing.

[@GraveNomads]

I had a kidney stone 10 years ago - woke me at 1:00 am after arriving home to Perth the day before from overseas. I wonder what it would have been like while flying from Vancouver to Hong Kong then to Perth! Since then I've done the Gibb (both directions, different years) and other remote tracks plus crossed the Nullarbor a couple of times. I was apprehensive at first but the more time goes by I think of all the great trips I've had since that kidney stone and will continue to trust our Zoleo and first aid kit when out in remote areas. Don't let it stop you, just be as prepared as you can be - it may never happen again 😊

[@westralianoffroad]

Wow mate! Lucky break there! That’s awesome to hear, many great trips! Thanks for sharing mate. I appreciate it.

[@ericlee8158]

good on a mate this sort of info saves more live than changing our oil

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate.

[@geoffodger]

iPhone 14 now has a sat phone capabilities built in now I’ve heard

[@davexstuntman]

Get well soon, those lil stones are painful as.

[@ldownunderl2370]

I understand totally the feelings you are experiencing. I am a solo traveler and had a medical episode that luckily was only about an hour out of Port Hedland. Not that far out but packing up and driving to town for medical help was pretty hard and your mind runs wild while your driving in. After a while you will get more at ease with this once you settle down after the experience and now as you say all you can do is prepare as best you can. Its the risk we run when remote camping. I think another area that people dont consider very often but has the same major potential impact is being hurt or bitten. I have had a few very close calls with Brown snakes that left me really shaken. Imagine trying to pack up and drive to help after a bite. My last close call was only 3 weeks ago about 1km away from camp, to be honest this time I dont know why it didnt bite me when my foot came down off a log within inches of it while going for a walk. 1km to walk back then pack up then drive for 2 hours. I would have been in serious trouble. It leaves you really shaken when you take in the consequences.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate, I appreciate it!

[@arthurplottier9783]

When I had kidney stones, the pain was unbearable. The specialist told me that this pain is so severe that many people finish having marks in the hearth. A frien of mine used to have one stone every 3 months or so, a doctor back then ask him to have a shot of whiskey every day. After following his advice, he never has stones again. Good doctor, IMO

[@westralianoffroad]

Sounds like a good doctor indeed mate 😂

[@thebiglimey]

I've had a couple of incidents that got me thinking about off grids comms. I settled for a Garmin InReach mini that gives me the 3 options of 1. text home, 2, call for assistance, and 3 call in the cavalry. And its simple for anyone else to use if I'm incapacitated by hitting the big SOS button. I was in the middle of nowhere when I had a weird interaction with some short term medications, luckily I had a little phone service and I find a route to a local hospital. The second that got me was on a high mountain road and I came across a guy riding solo on a motorbike that had crashed hard and broken his leg - without the people in front of me that found him having a similar Garmin beacon, he'd have been waiting for someone to drive 5-6 hours down the trail to get a signal. After an hour the medics arrived and took care of him - and convinced me that some form of beacon was the way to go. Hope you feel better soon and can regain the confidence to get out to the bush

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate, appreciate the comment!

[@MiniLuv-1984]

"Don't need any more sympathy, given myself plenty of self pity" -Classic. Get better soon Matt.

[@westralianoffroad]

🤣

[@OverlandPNW]

Kidney stones are a awful kind of pain. Hope you feel well soon. Good message for us all on being prepared to manage those situations.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks for watching mate, appreciate it.

[@wontstandstill1756]

Hooooooley dooooooley Matt. Your description had me in pain

[@westralianoffroad]

Too right mate!

[@bennnowell1698]

Great video mate, hope you get well soon 👍 makes you think twice for sure.

[@westralianoffroad]

Absolutely mate! Thanks!

[@oldbloke204]

Mine hit at about midnight on a Sunday night at home. Went from wondering what the hell was happening to pretty much passed out on the floor in about half an hour and my missus calling an ambulance even though we are only about a 5 minute drive from the hospital. Put my blood pressure readings through the roof so much so that the Ambos were debating a longer trip to a major hospital. I was pretty much trashed for a whole week and on heavy duty pain killers. Mine was the maximum size they will let pass naturally and for some of the time I had it I struggled to even walk. There's no way I could have driven anywhere safely and certainly not off road stuff when it happened. I've had a neuralgia from an infected tooth on a long weekend once which hurt but the kidney stone was a whole new level of pain. Finally passed it on Sunday morning the next week and was back at work on Monday. I knew exactly what this would be about when I saw the title. Hope you get rid of the mongrel thing soon mate.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks for sharing mate! Appreciate it!

[@shaddonaghue]

Great insight mate, i hope your feeling better soon. The not knowing would have been the hardest part. I am carrying the zoleo now for reason. After our incident last year I’m still really nervous and i find myself overthinking everything but still want to get out and enjoy these places. Thanks for sharing your experience for everyone to learn from 👍👍🤠

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate, I’ve had a few people mention the Zoleo, I’ll have a good look into it! Yeah I can imagine you do, I will carry an amount of caution and likely overthink a lot from now on too. Thanks for watching and the comment Shad 🤠

[@aguyandhistroopy]

I’m with Shad mate, just got a Zoleo recently for that reason. Best to be safe then sorry. I just had a issue last week after driving home from work, spent 4 days on crutches, couldn’t walk with out them, couldn’t move to tell the truth, bloody lucky I wasn’t up in the hills. Hope things improve soon mate.

[@garya6647]

Important video - thanks Matt. This is a major reason I joined a club. My club owns 2 defibs, 2 Sat phones plus other stuff. And recently got a grant which allowed 35 members to do First Aid training at a huge discount. Shop around for a club that suits you

[@garrynorth6199]

Hi Matt, it certainly gives food for thought. I’m 70 years old, live in Pt Lincoln SA and generally in the winter I head to north qld or the Daly river and am often in isolated places. I think it’s time I thought about some device that I can contact support on. I would love to know what you have come up with Matt, what is actually on offer, and what prices have you found. Cheers and looking forward to some more winter camping, and cook up videos from you 👍🏼

[@noelnarrier2283]

Hope you have a speedy recovery brother

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate!

[@stephenchristie7241]

I really feel for you, I had the same experience as you did, also in WA, I didn’t know what was the problem but I suspected a kidney stone. I had to get my wife to drive us out to try to get to a doctor or a hospital but after about 5 hours the pain passed, BUT it was back a couple months later and this time I drove myself 100 ks to an ambulance who in turn took me another 100 ks to a hospital. This i later learnt was the stone on the move, the first time it was leaving the kidney and the second it was moving to the bladder and then about 3 weeks later I passed it out and that didn’t really hurt but I did feel it pass, it was about the size of a grain of rice, I hope you see this comment and it gives you some comfort to know that it will pass in time and your not going to die. Absolutely the worst pain I have ever experienced

[@westralianoffroad]

No good at all mate. It’s a bit scary. Appreciate the comment mate, thanks.

[@philroutley68]

Oh no. What rotten luck and yes it would be a wake up call. I have had kidney stones and had them surgically removed as they did in the 80's. We are currently out in the Wagin/Kulin area. Because we quite often go off different ways in the bush, we have little 2way radios. Only 3km limit but that's plenty. Get better soon. ❤

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks for the comment mate!

[@wa_bloopy]

I always take the Spot X with me.. 2-way text communicator, tracker, plus gps emergency assistance call. Anyway, I hope you get better soon. I have never had kidney stones heard they are painful to pass😢

[@westralianoffroad]

Good to know, thanks for the comment mate!

[@dodgy_garage_4x4]

Thanks for sharing bud, very open and honest.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate!

[@robyntunbridge3712]

I too have had a kidney stone and passed it. The most painful experience as you said. Passing it was like peeing razer blades but instant relief when it was all over. Hope it's all sorted soon. And... I agree, get a satellite phone, well worth the investment. A heart attack won't wait so would be great planning to get one.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks for the comment Robyn, appreciate it.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Get well soon Matt, You definitely made the right choice packing up and heading straight to ER when you did.

[@westralianoffroad]

100% mate!

[@soloplus2]

I had a kidney stone not too long ago and I feel you. the pain was excruciating and I gave birth without meds to 2 children.... it hit me out of the blue while driving and I just managed to veer off the road and get into park before passing out.... so I can only imagine how it must've been for you to drive for so long to the ER....

[@westralianoffroad]

It’s the worst pain I’ve had that’s for sure mate. Thanks for sharing!

[@frankiebenson3212]

Hi Matty, I know that pain ,I too was out bush and heard shooting at night from pig hunting I suspect, then the kidney stone pain came, I honestly thought a stray bullet had hit me. Doubled over at Midnight managed to get to ER following morning. Stones are all gone for now, but what a shock that was.😱😱

[@shaungill6992]

Great vid mate and hope you are doing well

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate.

[@redhotwok]

feel for you Mate have been through it myself and it was not a fun time

[@westralianoffroad]

It certainly is not a fun time!

[@wingitmissionfishingoutdoo6647]

Geez mate sorry to hear. Peel ER on a Saturday night would have been an adventure in itself, stay well

[@westralianoffroad]

Yes mate the place is frightening.

[@andrewrobson3559]

A good reality check is no bad thing. Some additional items to increase your safety is a small cost. Stay safe.

[@westralianoffroad]

Too right mate!

[@levifordham]

Great message. I’m about to head out solo, and had a rumbling appendix for a while and they won’t take it out. It’s something I’ll be very mindful, and a little anxious about, while I’m travelling alone.

[@westralianoffroad]

Crickey mate, no good! Thanks for the comment.

[@offtrackturners]

Glad you're alright mate. The message we get from this, is trusting your gut. If you don't feel right, act on it before things take a turn for the worst when you are remote.

[@westralianoffroad]

100% I trusted my gut mate. Glad I didn’t hang around.

[@RobertsAdventure]

Sorry you had to go through that! I'm glad it wasn't something severe or something that took you out while you were driving! Kidney stones are no joke tho, I had a roommate when I was in my 20s who had kidney stones, he was about a decade older but having seen and heard him suffering it's made me really aware of staying hydrated even though I live in the desert!

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

I think it all comes down to what kind of existance we want for ourselves. There is always going to be the chance of a medical emergency and we can only prepare for it to a certain level. Speaking for myself, I have been in some unpleasant situations on the road including a couple of hernias, heart arrhythmia (I ignored that for about 24 hours and the doctors freaked when I finally went to A&E) also broke a bone in my foot a couple of years back when I slipped and fell off the side of the Prado. Just strapped it up tight in my boot and kept on campng for another week It hurt like hell though and took quite a few weeks to come good. and Belle had a life threatening bout of pancreatitis while we were on the road (she was in hospital for 10 days) and I am currently being investigated for prostate trouble and bowel cancer but I am buggered if I will let it stop me from getting out on the road as much as I can. At 62, mortality occupies much more of my thoughts than it did 30 years ago but something will kill me one day anyway so I might as well be out there doing what I want rather than sitting at home watching life pass me by. The best we can do is have a good medical kit and good communications gear suitable for the areas we visit.

[@westralianoffroad]

Certainly can’t stop living life mate. Thanks for the comment.

[@gregspencer795]

I’ve carried a Sat Phone & Epirb for years and never had to use either in anger thankfully. But have been experimenting with a Garmin InReach lately. It doesn’t make calls, but you can text and push for emergency as per an Epirb., so it can replace both, the best part is the subscription is better as you can turn it off for the months you aren’t going to use it.

[@westralianoffroad]

Great insight mate thanks!

[@coptotermes]

Thank you for the video mate. Hope it will pass without too much discomfort.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate!

[@jemty9564]

Mate not nice to experience. Heal well. Can i suggest doing a risk management plan . Start simple and build it as you go. Chapter 1 Kidney stone management. Lovecya work. Cheers from 2west Aussie's in Saudi 🇸🇦

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate 😁

[@Campingdownunder]

I use the ZOLEO satellite communicator which has a great feature. You can actually chat with a medical professional even when you have no reception. Definitely worth looking into & cheaper than a sat phone

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks for the info mate!

[@Jimmcgregorphotography]

I feel you’re pain mate. I’ve had a rather large Stone which re-appeared after a couple of years. I’ll never forget that pain. Not fun mate.

[@westralianoffroad]

It’s absolutely excruciating hey mate! I’m glad we can sympathise together us blokes here, at the time I felt quite anxious, but I’m at ease now hearing your stories and relating to my experience. I appreciate it mate.

[@Jimmcgregorphotography]

@@westralianoffroad not to try to outdo anyone, but to give an idea of pain. The initial pain was a 6mm stone. Dr gave me something and said if it bothers you no more you may have passed it. So all was good for about two years till one day I buckled and went straight to hospital. Nurse in triage took me straight in. I jumped the huge cue. They found a 13mm stone. Had to wear a tube in my bladder for 6 weeks. Was not fun at all, but I tell ya, when they removed to stone and the tube, I swear I nearly had an orgasm. No joke

[@vibe4wd]

Matt, nothing worse than having to drive yourself when in pain. Glad it wasn't life threatening. I always have painkillers with me having had dodgy joints over the years. I also carry stuff like hydrolyte and lucozade in case of stomach upsets or feeling faint. Main thing is deal with any pain early and make the call to pull stumps as soon as something's not right. Our body lets us know if we need to listen to it. Don't let it put you off. I'm recovering from shoulder surgery at the moment and did something about it as soon as it 'felt wrong'. I kept an awareness of what I was doing while camping and had a sling, ice pack and painkillers with me to minimise stressing it before the op. Hope the stone passes soon and you get back to sitting around the campfire enjoying nature's sounds! ❤

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate, appreciate it!

[@WACampingAdventures]

Hectic matty. Funny how there is always something to be thankful for in these situations ie not being too remote hey. Glad your on the mend bud

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate, appreciate it!

[@karlschmidt4018]

It’s a scary moment mate .. I chopped my finger while cutting the fire wood out a the pow camp few mths back . Had leave camp set up there and head in to Mandurah closet ER available. Not a gd feeling.. hope get past your situation asap 👊🏻

[@westralianoffroad]

Far out mate! Thanks for the comment!

[@scumpert]

Hope you sort out the stone soon! I myself had a "misfortune" at Dwellingup about 10 years ago. I'd fallen over and landed on a very small tree stump which ended up with a dislocated shoulder! It wasn't until 14 hours later that I arrived in Freo ER courtesy of my wife driving the car back. Like you, the journey in the car was bloody awful and I was in tears when I arrived in Freo. I now have a PLB and very strong pain killers in my first aid kit!

[@westralianoffroad]

Bugger mate! No good! Thanks for the comment!

[@brenzventures]

Excellent reflection , you did great, I have a garmin mini inreach i bought for solo hiking , gave me the confidence to get out there no matter what happens i can get help. The beauty of inreach is its small you can clip it on your body and the subscrition can be suspended until you need to use it, i suspend mine in summer when not hiking and have it going 25$ a month in winter. In my eyes you cannot put a price on safety , go well you good thing :)

[@westralianoffroad]

Great insight mate thanks very much, I appreciate it.

[@steve-deltasdad3906]

great vid mate, this message not only relates to making sure we have appropriate meds and kit when out solo camping, it also relates to being prepared when on camping trips with the wife and kids, most never consider making sure someone else is able to pack up and knows how to drive the family 4WD back to get help if you require assistance,

[@westralianoffroad]

Well said! Absolutely mate!

[@ShawX4]

Great video mate, highlighting the not so fun side of being remote. On the sat phone side of things, we run an iridium Go and throw our post-paid telstra sim (just from our iPhone) into it when we wanna call. Telstra just thinks we’re overseas or something. A lot cheaper than paying for a sat phone plan, especially when you don’t use it so much

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks for the info mate, appreciate it!

[@chrishepple3401]

On a positive note the doc says drink heaps!! Get well mate

[@westralianoffroad]

Not that type of drinking unfortunately 🤣😂

[@destnations5588]

A great video to put a spotlight on the chances of issues like this, as a casual solo offroader, I often have had these thoughts in the past, very much so when I am pushing the limits of my vehicle and skill level. I have been blessed so far to have either had people within a " Cooee" distance physically, or managed to solve my problems vehicularly. I'm glad you know what it is, and have the appropriate methods and medication to deal with it buddy, Great Video, Thankyou.

[@westralianoffroad]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks mate!

[@MartinHughes-cc6lc]

Thanks for your video, glad you're feeling better. It's a good reminder to be prepared when travelling offroad. Make sure your first aid gear is up to scratch, and, more importantly, you know how to use it. Also, your other emergency protocols are in place'; sat phones/gps/epirb etc, also having people know here you are, and/ or your itinerary. Lastly, if you're travelling as a couple or pair or in a group, ensure that others are at least somewhat comfortable driving a 4WD, If you need to get out of where you are and you're incapacitated, and know one else knows how to drive - not good.

[@westralianoffroad]

Too right mate, absolutely. Thanks for the comment.

[@Rouge-Angel8]

It in the danger of doing outback camping really. Best thing out is to drink water, avoid salt foods, maybe buy a hot water bottle to easy the pain.

[@westralianoffroad]

Too right mate!

[@norafinley5216]

So sorry to hear what happened to you, Matt. I never have kidney stones, but I believe home remedies would help. Try potatoes poultice: grated potatoes put where the pain is and leave it for overnight. If the following day is still hurt, then repeat the process. Hope this helps. I am not a doctor, but this is the remedy been around in my family and was help. Or castor oil or drink pineapple juice everyday. Stay safe 😊

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks Nora! Appreciate it.

[@WeirdOneOz]

Thanks for sharing your experience and thinking. I hope your getting better.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thank you, I will.

[@markgriffin8902]

I had an incident similar but gallstone related but luckily it happened the morning after I arrived at camp so my evac was in daylight. I think a good 40% of what I felt was the anxiety kicking in for sure as up to that point I’d never really ever had any sort of medical issue and I remember the hot sweats kicking in and the panic of “what the hell is this”. Was an eye opener for sure and after that I did a wilderness med course and a friend who is a paramedic recommended some pain relief additions to my med kit so that now comes with me everywhere I camp. It certainly gives a bit of peace of mind knowing that my medkit is pretty comprehensive and that I know what to do with the contents etc but I’m still looking into the comms side of things now. Had access to a stat phone but was too expensive at the time as the contract wasn’t very flexible, although that may have changed they days. I think I’m leaning towards the Garmin In Reach also as I do have an IR compatible SatNav and Garmin watch that both work with the IR. Anyway hope the stone passes without too much pain and that you’re back out there soon……

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks for sharing mate!

[@AndrewTinWA]

Bit of a shocker of a video title etc. Glad it was not too serious in the end but certainly gets you thinking on what else could happen. I don’t envy the feeling for the duration and I really feel for you, especially on the anxiety. I’m sure you’ll regain the confidence and this will ultimately go towards your overall experience and resilience. Lay low for now until the wind is less “up-ya”, and take your time to recover. I hope it’s not too much of a drama when it “resolves itself”. Thanks for the video, I think it’s an important one.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate, appreciate it. Yeah the anxiety certainly doesn’t help!

[@kenno030]

Firstly, hope you are feeling better. Great vid, especially the realisation on what if something was to go wrong.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate!

[@GuyRPaxton]

Oxycontin, AKA Endone in Aussie, which will kill the pain but you will be high. It is what it is, don't let it stop you brother, I've had 7 heart attacks, triple bypass and a stent put in the old ticker. If I die in the bush, so be it, but I feel it's better than dying in a pool of my own urine in a nursing home. Oh, a GME PLB with me all the time. Get back out there bro. I bet Kelly would love to see you with your confidence back and getting back out there. Love your vids.

[@westralianoffroad]

Wow mate, onya for still getting out there. I admire it. And very true! The confidence will be fine. Thanks for the comment mate.

[@laurenflorio6065]

Good on ya talking about and sharing your experience!! I love how open and honest you are. You have definitely made me think about how I can be more prepared. Thank you

[@westralianoffroad]

Thank you mate, appreciate that!

[@alanjohnston243]

Thanks for sharing mate, one thing Tim Bates said about remote solo camping he has his PLB clipped to his belt and takes it everywhere incase of a fall or I guess anything that stops you getting to the car and being able to pack up, all the best mate hope your feeling better soon

[@westralianoffroad]

Absolutely mate. Thanks for the comment.

[@007oli]

I have the Garmin inreach mini. I just keep the subscription going permanently. I camp with 2 young kids. Never know what could happen so definitely worth having, you can also text from them and check the weather. Cheap investment when you think of a bad case scenario and no comms. If I ever where to do something like the CSR on Simpson I would rent a sat phone as well, advantage of that is you could seek mechanical advice for example in a non emergency situation.

[@westralianoffroad]

Great insight mate, thanks for the comment!

[@ryantilley-general.shenanigans]

I feel ya pain, literally! 5 stones so far, 3 passed naturally, 2 zaped under general anaesthetic. I dont think there is anything over the counter that will work for the pain unfortunately, the strong stuff they sent me home with only just took the edge off when it hit me again 2 weeks later just to end up in hospital again. Once it does reach the bladder it's pretty smooth sailing from that point, maybe just a full feeling bladder for a little while until BOOM it just tumbles out the end when you pee no worries at all, maybe with abit of brownish pee😂. Yeah it does knock the confidence a bit but that will slowly fad and you'll be back at it shortly. All the best mate and dont forgot to drink up!!!

[@westralianoffroad]

Crickey mate! No good. Thanks for the info and the comment!

[@rustyironproductions6458]

Been there, done that. Absolutely feel your pain. I'm way older than you which, like it or not, makes me a bit wiser. So.....go and see your doctor. Listen to what they say. Do what they say. If you do that, you will regain the motivation. Promise.

[@markskeels1952]

PLB...they're cheap and work when required. Have carried one along with a satphone for 15yrs as I do a lot remote solo stuff and not getting any younger. Managed to do some damage when climbing (couple of "wings" off vertebrae and ribs broken) and it was a couple of days to get to Gero Hospital then home to Perth. Thanks for the video as I had not thought about this for a long time and will have a bit of rethink...still won't stop the solo stuff just have a rethink.

[@merv190]

Yep had stones, when they asked for a pain score out of 10 I said 15 !!!

[@westralianoffroad]

I agree!

[@MsCarissa007]

All the best with the recovery. We are resilient in so many ways and will overcome and endure what we need to when we have to. Tks for the episode 👍

[@westralianoffroad]

We are mate very true! Thanks!

[@Rightomate]

Thanks for this episode as it's something that I have not really prepared for as a solo traveller. All the best mate!! 🤠

[@westralianoffroad]

Glad it was helpful!

[@njpw1402]

Thanks for the video bro you have given me things to be aware of 👍

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate.

[@leonwakefield7285]

Hope you're feeling better soon mate, it sucks being on your own and not knowing what's wrong with you.,keep doing what you do and try not to over think things.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate, feeling much better!

[@rooster4429]

Bloody hell mate glad you're ok. Keep doing all the right things mate and you'll be right. You'll come to terms with it and be more comfortable with it. Love ya work mate ,take it easy for a bit and be well.

[@westralianoffroad]

That's the plan! Thanks mate!

[@tanamite]

Unlucky Matt, went through the same problem two years ago, pain and anxiety (not knowing what was happening) like I had never experienced. And I was at home, not far from hospital, not out beyond Mt Jackson etc. Got me thinking about remote bush trips, and wondering how I would handle myself. My confidence took a bit of a hit too. Being well prepared and having well maintained equipment that is up to the task of assisting in riskier situations is the basis for an enjoyable trip for me. I’m probably going to pass another stone some day, but I’d rather get out and enjoy the bush while I can and I’m sure you will be back on the horse soon! Cheers, Tim

[@westralianoffroad]

Crickey mate, thanks for sharing!

[@sueappleby8749]

Wow mate so glad your ok!! We all think we are invincible but alas we are only human. Please take care of you and hope your get back to camping quickly especially with winter poking around. Stay safe...

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks for the comment Sue!

[@eildonweir9693]

Great chat and important discussion. Have found the need to drive myself to the ED some years ago so i can relate with the anxiety and not knowing. good to know you are on the mend, We tend to focus our trip prep on vehicle health and potential recovery etc. But you raise a really important point about personal health. Not sure it would have helped with the kidney stone but regular checkups with a good GP can help with the confidence with person health. Particularly if they are made aware you solo camp. And yeah the sat phone has now just moved up my list. Hope you are back out there soon.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate, thanks for sharing.

[@reddustadventures]

Holy shit Brother. Sounds like a Hectic experience. Definitely given us another push to look at getting the sat phone we keep talking about. We have a PLB that we always carry but think a sat phone would be and added bonus. We have heard good reports about the Zoleo. We think we will get one of these for the quad bike It can go pear shaped quickly hey. Glad you got yourself out and to the hospital in one piece. Hopefully you’ll be out there again soon trying to get the weekend back Hope you’re feeling better mate 👌👌🤙🤙 Thanks for sharing Matt

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks for the comment mate!

[@garrynorth6199]

Hi Matt, I’m a 70 y/o solo traveller. I often do 10,000 km from SA to go to warmer weather up north in the winter. I’ve often wondered what I’d do in an emergency. So I’m interested to know what you have come up with Tim as the best device to use to contact someone.?

[@westralianoffroad]

I haven’t quite figured it out just yet mate. When I do I will pop in a video and share my thoughts and reasoning.

[@Ranger670]

Good message for all of us. A bit of preparation (without becoming too paranoid) is useful. If nothing else, your message reminds me that I shouldn't delay doing the things I love doing and going to the places that nourish my sense of well being. Stay positive and well mate. See you out there in your next episode. 👃

[@westralianoffroad]

Thank you mate!

[@wildfiretouring]

Glad you're ok mate. Got me now thinking about this with my upcoming trip. I'm about to be very remote and a long way from any help.

[@westralianoffroad]

Yeah it ls worth thinking about mate!

[@jonnoandjez63]

Great video, a story ,I think, needed telling, how many of us go unprepared . Cheers Out and about with Jonno and Jez

[@westralianoffroad]

Thank you mate!

[@km4fsi827]

Good video mate!! I have never had a stone but i do know people that have, and its some painful shit. Hope ya get better soon!

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate! I hope you never go through it 🤣 thanks for watching mate!

[@markthomas4594]

That sucks cobber ,anyway at lest u put it out there for other that may get stuck in that situation thanks ,good idea to have some painkillers on hand ,hope your feeling better soon all the best man looking forward to your next video and history lesson,

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate, I appreciate it!

[@OnCountryWithMick]

Sorry to hear about the stone mate, hope it passes soon and doesn't cause you too much more of an issue. That is something I have never really thought of but I do carry a range of pain killers in my car & hiking first aid kits. I have several bulging discs and an auto immune disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis in my back. I can throw my back out but doing very little, last time I went to sit on the dunny, and that can have made in a world of hurt for days, even a week or more. If my back was to throw out while in the bush I don't know I would be able to stand up straight enough to roll up my awning but my game plan would be to climb into the car and just lay there as long as I have to until it starts to settle and pain killers kick in. Reclining the front seats for example and laying there would help quite a lot and still make it easy enough to get in & out but I may be there over night until I could do anything more. My last time it was about 5 days before I left the house and could stand up straight, until that I was hunched over and could not do much. I want a PLB but finances have not been on my side, maybe soon and I have thought about a Cel-Fi Go but their expense so far for my needs has not seemed to be worth it. Im not normally that far out of mobile signal, most times I can still get a text out.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks for sharing mate, and for the info! Appreciate it!

[@aliciadavies1864]

Ouch Matt. Not good. I have fibromyalgia and a flare up can kick in pretty quick and can be very painful plus chronic achilles tendinitis in both feet. I keep some “really” good pain relief and strong anti inflammatories with me at all times. I also keep reflux meds, antihistamines on top of the usual panadol and nurofen.

[@westralianoffroad]

Oh crickey yes okay, so would be quite certain about what you need to have onboard then yeah! Thanks for the comment!

[@sharynduncan5692]

Squeeze lemon juice into your water, dissolve the calcium

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate!!

[@stuscamping1749]

I sympathize.... I've been to hospital 4 times with kidney stones over the past 10 - 12 years. Last time they thought I might have had appendicitis.... That was about 3 years ago. Apparently still have a few stones in the kidney's according to the ultrasound they did then. They too shall pass, one day. 😊

[@westralianoffroad]

Ah mate, bloody hell.

[@stuscamping1749]

@@westralianoffroad yep, it's definitely not fun

[@thestu4602]

Sorry to hear, Lemon juice (1x fresh squeezed better) & Apple cider vinegar daily will help break them down

[@BugbugAdventures]

TLDR: Ole' mate had a kidney stone. Don't overthink it, i've had two surgery's to remove a 5/6mm stone. I don't do anything different, still living life.

[@Tom-lf8hx]

Good to know that you just "sucks the guts out of it" and didnt film 😊❤️.....feel better soon mate

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks Tommy.

[@brentmcd12]

ahhh! yeah nah definitely don't want that to happen ! good luck with your recovery! 🏞️🛻📹🤙😎

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate 😁

[@karl4834]

So, Matt, I guess this is just your long winded way of saying that there is no camping video this week 😜 More seriously, sorry to hear what you're going through, and great insights into how vulnerable we can sometimes be. I remember being up north when an old guy with a catheter suffered a blockage and was in a lot of pain. Once ya start getting over about 300ml of urine in your bladder most will be in quite a lot of discomfort. Anyway, it was after 1am and over an hour and a half drive for me to get him to the Meekatharra Hospital. At about the quarter way mark old mate, who was very well spoken and I'd never heard use profanity, started using combinations of words I was previously quite sure he didn't even know existed. By the time we arrived at the hospital he was in a really, really bad way with the pain...to the extent I was concerned it may provoke a heart-attack if he had to wait much longer. Thankfully by then it was nearly 3am and the staff there sorted him out in no time. On the much more relaxed trip back to where we had been staying I complimented him on his correct use of profanity, and sought clarity on a few combinations he used 😜😜 Anyhow, your video has not been without result as I, like others here in the comment section, am now looking at the types devices you mention. Hope your better soon, and keep knocking back the water so those stones don't get a chance to build up. Oh, and if you can, gather the stones for analysis because, from what I understand, there are several types, meaning in some instances, with dietary awareness, you may be able to mitigate some types building up.

[@westralianoffroad]

Blimey mate haha poor fella! Thanks for sharing!

[@survivalauMT]

Mate I've recently just dealt with the same thing, and mines 3mm as well. i can't imagine how people deal with big ones that are like 10mm

[@robertwilson1827]

Were you by yourself?

[@westralianoffroad]

Yes mate.

[@hotmugatushouseofwheels8922]

Dang, sorry to hear. Wish you a quick road to recovery.

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate.

[@Jokkles]

A bit left field here- have you heard of IFAS treatment? Might be able to help you out with kidney issues. Hope you pass the stone without problems-my old man had them for years so sympathy whether you want it or not...

[@heerkrupp64]

Unfortunately a good video, makes you think, ok good luck with it all.

[@westralianoffroad]

Too right mate.

[@ianmoone2359]

Wait until you get gall stones! Then you will know your alive. 😜 Yeah Sat Phone is always worth having or a Epirb / PLB maybe.

[@westralianoffroad]

Heck, best I don’t think about it mate haha. Thanks for the info too! I have the PLB, just a form of remote communication like a sat phone I think is what I need now.

[@ianmoone2359]

@@westralianoffroad I’ve had 2 such Sat phones. They have come in handy for eg, coming across a car accident outside cell phone coverage area. No one was hurt but they needed a tow truck to recover them which we organised using the Sat phone. That out the way you sadly cannot always rely on a Sat phone to work. I had an instance one Easter staying out at the Abrolhos Islands where I needed to make a call & neither Sat phone was able to connect for 5 days straight. Ended up the Sat phones were hitting the satellite, BUT the Sat couldn’t connect to the earth downlink station out of Mekkatharra - to connect to the network to place a call. Why not? There was a lightning storm out Meeks way that knocked out the power grid. The downlink station had a backup diesel generator with a 2000 litre diesel tank - that was supposed to cut in and supply power in that situation & the generator did cut in and ran for 5 minutes before it used up the diesel fuel in the fuel line from the tank, but then stopped because the diesel tank had been drained by enterprising First Nations folks from a neighbouring remote community to fuel up their land cruisers with free fuel - to all go to town on pension day to buy booze. 😜😂👎 So my point is this. Yes a Sat phone is a great idea BUT you just can’t count on it 100% For me on the Island it didn’t really matter coz I was at least safe on dry land. But I wouldn’t have wanted to be relying on that Sat phone for rescue if I was adrift in a life raft at sea with a 6 meter great white shark circling the raft looking for a free feed, of my sorry white @ss. You see the Sat phone company knew their backup had failed, because the generator was out of diesel, their problem was, all the trucking company’s drivers who deliver diesel up that way were booked off for Easter Holidays And no one was going to drive all the way from Perth to Meeks for just a 2000 litre delivery, the trucks hold 20,000 or 40,000 litres if it’s a dual trailer tanker, so they only go once every month or so when they can deliver to all the road houses and cattle leases property’s to get rid of a full tank. So the backup generator tank for the earth downlink station couldn’t be re-filled for at least 4 weeks or so. Too bad if you were relying on your Sat phone for medical emergency and had to wait 4 weeks to get a call through. This is why I say either a Epirb / PLB - because someone in Canberra is monitoring the Epirb signals 24/7/365 Or maybe one of those “spot” Sat things where you can text to someone you know & trust back in civilisation - to get the help you need. Sat phones aren’t always everything they are cracked up to be. There’s more I could say on this topic - but this is already lengthy enough.

[@OOHYEH]

Mate take a look at Garmin in reach .

[@westralianoffroad]

Thanks mate!