Opening up about my Struggles on the Appalachian Trail | Surgery, Periods, Recovering Post Thru Hike

[@danielkutcher5704]

Thanks, Kelly, from an older couple who barely remember some of the struggles on trail. I still hike, she has called it quits. I will finish the AT in sections (40 + years) in May. Hopefully, I can continue hiking after that. It's a big part of my life. Tinker.

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

I really want to tell you how strong you were to get back on trail. You over came the pain and fear. I am sure you had anxiety. You rock Kelly🌻 kudos to James for being there for you!

[@kellyhays23]

thank you cindy!!! i learned a lot through the process. i am very lucky that i had so many amazing people around me on trail that helped me through

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

@@kellyhays23 I loved watching your through hike. I will be following the pct.

[@tacklebill4835]

Post trail depression is real. That's really nice to reach out to your trail friends, helping them with it. I don't think it ever goes away until you get out there again.

[@danielleheverin7561]

Hey Kelly! I just wanted to say I had so much fun following your thru hike last year. I've only ever done day hikes before, but you've inspired me to attempt my own thru hike after I graduate college in '24. I can't wait to see the notification pop up for your first day on the PCT! 😁Good luck girl!

[@kellyhays23]

that is so awesome girl! i am rooting for you!!! i cant wait either lol its getting so close!

[@tomguess2559]

Hey Kelly can’t wait for your next hike your videos are outstanding. I cried along with you when you did the summit Perfect music at the very end of your hike God bless keep Jesus with you and waiting for your videos be safe

[@buddygrant8310]

There were many praying for you and healing I had not followed a thru hiker before but you did a good job of showing your journey God has preserved and sustained you through all your difficulties He will show you more and download truth as you meditate on his word Going to be a big change ahead Blessings to you

[@madelynmiller4096]

I have a great deal of respect for you Kelly! You are awesome! I admire your strength and your faith! I thanks for taking us along with you on the AT. I am really looking forward to following along with you on the PCT!

[@melonydodson8725]

Wow, I had no idea about all of the challenges you were dealing with! Thanks for opening up about it in this video, though. I think it will (and probably has) helped a lot of people.

[@donwestbury6251]

Looking at this video really inspires me to get off my retired butt and do something not everybody can do. I would love to pick your brain for information because I'm thinking of getting into hiking. I've camped before but never hiked and camped. You seem to be very driven and leveled headed and that's why I think talking to you would help me greatly. Plus there are things I would like to ask about health issues that the whole world needs to know. Thanks for your time and "you go girl" inspiration.

[@Terrylevi-ts6ez]

What an incredible journey,congratulations.I’ve enjoyed your experiences and how you’ve handled adversity.

[@hannahhughes3827]

I've struggled with perioral dermatitis on and off since high school. It's MISERABLE. I'm so sorry you had to deal with that for a month on trail. Something else that really helps if you have a big flare up is a course of low-dose antibiotics (like doxycycline). A dermatologist prescribed them for me and a horrible flare up was gone within a week! The creams you mention also help! Good luck… hopefully your body works out the imbalances!

[@kellyhays23]

I did the antibiotics too!! Might be good to have a script on hand just in case that’s a good idea! I’m sorry you have dealt with this too. It truly is so so miserable

[@stoicodysseys6352]

I like that you took some holistic approaches to your health. I avoid antibiotics and steroids. There are many natural alternatives that work better without the side effects. You've really been a warrior. I know this video is dated, but watching your glow in your newer videos and your renewed zest for life is refreshing. You're an inspiration

[@wanderingwithbob2472]

Kelly, thanks for sharing these issues with us. You did an incredible job of hiding most of these issues from us in your vides. Hoping the PCT will go without issue, maybe some tired feet. I'm sure most of us saw how helpful Toastie was, always close by.

[@chuckcrookshanks847]

You are one tough young lady both mentally and physically. Nice that you had some support as you completed your journey to Katahdin.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

Kelly you're amazing and honest. I follow Crunch Hikes and he is hiking g this year with his GF Fruit Bat. She just did a similar video about periods and emotions on the trail. It's an important topic to normalize. You did so with grace and experience. I remember well your 6 day on trail emergency and applayuyour strength and determination in yourself, but in God to see you through. Well done and can't wait to Ollie your PCT journey. P.s. well done James for your understanding and support.

[@jimhenderson387]

Thanks for this. I really appreciate your comments. You are smart and sensitive and I look forward to your PCT hike. Good luck!

[@chemistryflavored]

You are an inspiration! I’ve backpacked on my period and it was absolute misery, I could even imagine thru hiking and having to go through that every single month.

[@williambranham6249]

Hi Kelly. I enjoyed this video. Having thru hiked in '98 I can relate to some of your topics. However, not needing surgery and being a male I certainly can't relate to some of your struggles. Do not apologize to your male viewers in terms of discussing women's issues because for years menstrual cycles were never discussed. We, as men, can be better partners, friends and companions if we are enlightened about the subject. I have followed you before the thru hike so I knew you were determined. Your high spirits make me smile. Even with the stress of a long hike and with life in general, there is plenty of joy to be had. I literally think about my hike almost daily and certainly weekly. : good and bad, and I think you will to.

[@TheJhtlag]

Dang, you should have a weekly radio program the way you can explain things clearly and in a comfortable manner. Smiled a little bit as it reminded me of haul videos except for really practical reasons, "I use this antibiotic" (holds up to camera). Play a lot of sports, feet hurt a lot, never would have considered a foot massager until now.

[@AFTR-FX]

Seriously tough Hiker. Congrats for pulling through so well. 👍

[@mmorgida1475]

Excellent talk! The honest way you talk about your experiences is why I like KHH so much. Life is not all rainbows - why would life on the trail be any different - things are more likely magnified because of the austerity. Great content. Keep it coming. May the Lord bless you on your next quest.

[@kellyhays23]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@janemchugh1246]

You are awesome; a shining star. I have really enjoyed your hike on the AT. I hope to some day I can finish the AT. Ill be following you on the PTC. I hiked the AT Georgia to NJ and really hope I can go back but if not I will travel vicariously with you. Hike on!

[@JoeandEmmaLee]

Yes! I have so many TMI period questions for the trail. My monthly monster is the worst. Thank you for being so transparent! Taking all the notes. 💗

[@andrewscott3415]

Your a real trooper… I have enjoyed watching all ya videos… and can’t wait for your next adventure to start… 🍾🤛

[@agnesskibicka]

Very interesting video Kelly! Looking forward to your next hike 😊 God bless you 😀✝️

[@jamesadams2334]

Very nice follow-up Kelly! You have a way of explaining it clearly.

[@judyrobinson9556]

You went thru quite an ordeal. Listening to one's body is so important. I used to push my limitations too, but over time, learned to listen to my body. The heated foot massager looked great. I occasionally use a heating pad/massager for back pain. It really helps. I read a medical report that there is healing in heat. The acupuncture pad looked interesting. I may look into that. Thanks for sharing so many experiences and what you learned from them. Best wishes on your PCT adventure!

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

Well said, 9L! Thanks for sharing the reality of, well, life. You have a great attitude and a great spirit.

[@rbivproductions7146]

Amazing Kelly. You are an inspiration to us all. I pray that God continues to bless you!

[@MPulicci78]

Yuck, you did a good job of hiding that from us all at the end…. James is a saint for sticking with you through that, now I know why the other guys disappeared…. LoL. Even with these hiccups you know your blessed for what you have and the life your living and going to live…I’m seeing lots of PCT thru hike videos popping up… let’s get a move on… your falling behind… lots of néw friends waiting to meet you… looking forward to the new series…. Can’t wait…. Go Kelly

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

happy to see that you are doing well Kelly Appalachian side of the country will kick your butt you are stronger now

[@kellyhays23]

i for sure am nick! thank you for your support! i appreciate you!

[@DavidDeFord]

Love the Grateful Dead shirt. We enjoyed you AT hike. We’re looking forward to your PCT adventures.

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you for watching!!

[@bryanford1139]

Hey meathead :) hehe ....food IS the medicine! Eat well, Feel well! Sooooooooooooooooooooo many people don't listen to their body, especially when it comes to food. It's good to hear that you youngsters are picking up on this fact. Take good care of your gut and it'll pay dividends, now and later in life. Can't wait to follow along on the PCT

[@gianinni2002]

You are simply a joy!

[@doowop54]

You are an inspiration and I’m really looking forward to your PCT hike.

[@garrycollins3415]

I appreciate your discussion wrt the ovaries. My wife at the time had the same problems. It's good to hear another aspect. Also, you mentioned how that pin cushion pillow helped with your headaches. You just talking about it I could feel a headache melting away and leaving me with that awesome hollowness. I'm shopping in the morning.

[@frolege1]

Hey Kelly, this was an very informative video. The after affects on your feet was very interesting and loved your remedy.

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

Great video Kelly! The information certainly is helpful and appreciated! Happy trails! 🤙

[@happyglamper7412]

Kelly I am so proud of your through hike, you’re such a badass!

[@marthawade5297]

Best wishes for another successful thru hike. Try your best to eat well when you pass thru towns-eat lots of whole plant foods (anti-inflamatory) to recover from the processed foods (inflammatory) you eat while hiking.

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you Martha. As a registered dietitian my diet is very important to me and I will definitely be compensating with whole foods in town when they are available

[@user-David-Alan]

You know the old saying "Mind over matter", you definitely have a very strong mind. I am so sorry you had to endure all those hardships while hiking. I do have one question; do you think eating healthy while hiking is possible? I think this time you will have less stress because you have been through it before. I'm glad you enjoyed Florida because there is so much to do here. Stay strong and well and be safe. God bless and I'm looking forward to your trek. Thanks for sharing.

[@kellyhays23]

thank you david. I believe it is very hard to eat a balanced "healthy" diet while on trail. the options available at resupply spots and the kinds of food you are able to carry 2-3 days without refrigeration limit healthy options greatly. it definitely takes extra effort to ensure you are getting nutrient dense and also calorie dense foods on trail. I absolutely loved florida and already can't wait to come back! God bless you!

[@user-David-Alan]

@@kellyhays23 I was just looking up tube foods that are made for hiking. There is an amazing selection of foods you can get in a tube, even vegtables. I know honey and PeanutButter lasts for a long time. Trying to find you options for your hike. I know you will figure it out.

[@kellyhays23]

@@user-David-Alan I appreciate you! I probably won’t be sending stuff to myself along the way as the logistics can be very tricky. I will just have to make due with what they have in town

[@lindahikes2760]

Hi Kelly, I watched your videos on the AT and was surprised at how quickly you got back on the trail after your surgery. I've had massive cramps throughout my teens, ending up in the emergency room more than once in the 80s. Flash forward to two cesareans later in the 90s and a hysterectomy in the 10s. Hormones are real! The only thing that seemed to help me in those years was the Pill. Being a woman sucks. Thanks for being so open about it. I wish you well.

[@narinthebeardedalien2994]

Okay. Im definitely getting the foot massager and the toe thingys.

[@bjornjohanbjorgen4377]

Good d to see you after all.... So inspired to fallow you hiking.... God bless you

[@kellyhays23]

thank you so much for your support! so happy i can take you and everyone along with me! God bless you as well!!

[@frolege1]

I'm a dad of 4 daughters and 6 sisters and period talk is just normal to me. It's an important topic for female hikers ..... and male hikers should understand what female hikers are going through.

[@teawithfrankie]

THANK YOU!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ It is so ridiculous for women to be forced to constantly apologize for a body function.

[@kristenmagann6172]

Definitely, it adds a whole other layer of planning and health management to the trail that men need to understand. Thank you for speaking on that!

[@gibrigg]

Not going to lie, I fast forwarded through most of that:)

[@frolege1]

@@kristenmagann6172 you're welcome

[@ernestodeltoro4535]

why should we if we're not a woman, isn't their body their choice a man should not make decisons for them, so I shouldn't understand what they're going thru, man up amd keep going, aren't you as tought as a man, lmao boom.

[@funtimevideos2160]

I love how you share you faith and give God praise in your videos. I think it would be good for you to do some videos on nutrition and how important that is in relation to overall health ! Thanks

[@leelanders8279]

Hey Kelly hope all is well...great video and look forward to your PCT thru hike... Just a thought...maybe a calf compression sleeve for your legs may help you for your next big adventure.... I know it helps me with my joints and feet... Please keep up the great work....Keep charging!!!

[@cielrobinson]

i wish there were more people sharing their struggles with higher maintenence health issues on trail. i have crohn's disease and am thru-hiking the sheltowee in a couple weeks... i have a number of struggles thanks to autoimmune issues, from a particular diet, to testing positive to all tested allergens (except guinea pigs), to difficult to predict bowel movements and pain. i've been worried about handling it on trail. my doctor thinks i can do it, but i'll be alone as it is not a popular trail, and i'm not a mentally strong person when things start going south. TMI time- pooping 6 times in one morning sucks enough when you have a bidet and unlimited baby wipes and a flushing toilet. i've done weekend trips and pooping was mostly okay then, but that was never on a bad gut day or in stormy weather or anything.

[@jungleghostsurvival]

I had that!!!! Same place on my shin!

[@randybeeson3424]

Enjoy your vids. I know your doin another thru hike soon but after that just a cool camping vlog like Domelife would be cool too.

[@kellyhays23]

For sure! We’ll see after this hike how I feel and if I feel my body needs rest I may just travel/camp for a year or something

[@CB-ei6ez]

Hey Kelly, thanks for sharing your story, I will be forwarding this to my friend whom I plan to hike the AT this year, I'd like to bring more awareness to the physical strain long hikes do to our bodies and create a support group to help through hikers with post hike depression, I lost a trail friend because of suicide, have u heard of Dr Guthrie's book on the plant protein lectins, I think it's called the plant paradox, but plant protein like lectins wreak havoc to our gut systems and cause a lot of skin problems, love your faith in God cheering you on as always, namaste sister.

[@suemoore1965]

LOVED YOUR VIDEO

[@woodenshoes554]

Thanks for the over view of what you went through. You rocked the AT so I know you will do the same on the PCT. Good luck to you. I like your Moose next to you.

[@kellyhays23]

Haha thank you! James got me the moose 😆

[@ursulaanne]

I have chronic issues with my feet, the massager is such a good idea!

[@poppybudrow10]

Another good way to keep your plantar fascia stretched is to roll your foot on a golf ball. Especially first thing in the morning. Like during the first pee!

[@doconawalk9367]

Kelly - you are a beast and such an inspiration to me as I start my AT though hike in a week and to so many others!!! As you start the PCT did you consider back to back oral contraceptives to avoid periods or a progesterone IUD given that your periods are so miserable? A consultation with a gynaecologist before heading on trail again might be quite helpful. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Once again thank you for your honesty, and for sharing your amazing story!!!

[@kellyhays23]

I really would prefer to stay away from all birth control and use natural remedies to treat symptoms. Best of luck on your hike and I really appreciate your input and support! Thank you so much :)

[@doconawalk9367]

@@kellyhays23 perfectly reasonable and understandable…all the best to you Kelly and James on your PCT hike!

[@thisbeem2714]

I loved my IUD when it came to lightening all my period problems. I honor wanting to try other things first, but know that it isn’t shameful to give in and do something different.

[@kellyhays23]

Not shameful at all! Just not something I would ever choose to do with my body at this point in time. 3 years later after this event and my hormones and period have leveled back out and is better than ever

[@bradwilliams7198]

What does the sign behind the lamp to your right say? What I can read of it sounds like something I should remember and tell myself in moments of doubt. Appreciating all your candor, and wishing you a wonderful (and less eventful) PCT thru-hike!

[@kellyhays23]

My favorite Michael Jordan quote: limits like fears are often just an Illusion!

[@jexes23]

FYI. If anyone has recently had surgery or gets any type of shooting pains from sneezing which I would get frequently, sneeze different…… I couldn’t believe the answer was one click away on a search engine. Instead of sneezing how almost everyone sneezes open your mouth and sneeze from the back of your throat. You will be amazed at how much of the tension your body feels all over goes away when you sneeze that way.

[@frolege1]

I know its probably impossible to eat healthy on the AT but do you think if you were able to do so, your post-hike body would be less sore (including feet)? Is real healthy daily food the real answer ?

[@BiKEnBiTES]

Good idea not to wait in the ovary because I ended up with 6 fibroid tumors. Waited too long had a horrible hysterectomy which cut my ureter to my kidney.had a tube come out my kidney to a bag for 6 months till my reattachment surgery! Sepsis in between that.. my left ovary needs removed now due to a huge cyst on it but I'm afraid after what I went through..😢

[@Djhikes63]

Kelly, training for the pct, are you carrying pack weight during your hikes now? My friend & i are heading out for the AT in May after her graduation. I'm hiking daily but haven't been carry weight yet. What milage do you recommend for training

[@kellyhays23]

i bought a 30 lb weight vest from amazon i have been training with since most of my walks have been around the neighborhood or at the gym lately. if i were hiking on a trail i would carry my pack as i would take it on trail. 5-10 miles is a good range for training i would say!

[@kevinsatterwhite536]

Will James be hiking the PCT with you?

[@kellyhays23]

Yes!

[@ValsLife1]

I had vertigo after my COVID vaccines. Did you happen to get one around surgery time?

[@kellyhays23]

Nope I was not vaccinated

[@nyevegas4015]

Epsom salt baths work miracles. 🛀👍

[@travissapp4961]

❤❤❤

[@kodybayman544]

Sweet ship of fools Grateful Dead shirt!

[@billswan9900]

Not to cause undo alarm, but I have Luke’s disease and some co-infections. Sore feet may mean something more. If it persists and other asymptomatic are prevalent, please get tested.

[@BiKEnBiTES]

Could be plantar fasciitis

[@ThePumas1975]

The moon and the sun ? What do you think when you see them?

[@dayhikedave]

Maybe you should change you trail name to Job. God seemed to put you through alot. Bless you for being so tough.

[@gracemccoy2874]

You are a tropper for sure most people would have quit after your surgery. With all your hormone stuff you are totally ready for menopause!🤦‍♀️ worst time of my life, just saying.. Love your honesty and truth about it all, its life! Can't wait for some PCT videos!

[@stephenkennywhatup]

What's the name of your moose?

[@kellyhays23]

Meesey

[@stephenkennywhatup]

Cool name!

[@okiebrave1932]

How did those Pioneer women do all that walking ???

[@jamesnasium4035]

That's a huge cat.

[@kellyhays23]

Hahahah she does look big in the video but in reality she’s pretty small! She only weighs about 3lbs! She’s all fur 😆

[@catfrenzy]

It was the shots. Nanolipids bioaccumulate in huge concentration in the ovaries. Rash was probably shingles proven to be caused by the shots. Lemon balm, heal all, L-lysine will stop quickly. Dandelion is amazing! Great for detox of cytotoxic spike protein.

[@kellyhays23]

What shots?

[@catfrenzy]

@@kellyhays23 not allowed to say due to censorship regarding expiramental meds

[@kellyhays23]

@@catfrenzy I didn’t have that shot on trail so don’t think it was that

[@catfrenzy]

@@kellyhays23 but before the trail right? Anyway glad ur doing better👍

[@kellyhays23]

@@catfrenzy nope I never got the shot

[@Go-zi1py]

I am allergic to Sodium lauryl sulfate, an ingredient in certain toothpaste, and it creates a similar rash around my mouth. I switched toothpaste and it went away. Have you also been diagnosed with PCOS? You're kinda a bad ass so you may have more testosterone and male antigens than most women.

[@kellyhays23]

i have heard about people being allergic to toothpaste and getting it! since my rash has cleared up i have still been using the same toothpaste and havent had any further issues. I dont have pcos, the doc said it was just a freak medical thing that happened

[@jerseycornboy]

Why don't you try creating health instead of medicating problems. Find a practitioner such as a naturopath. Health is a state of consciousness.

[@kellyhays23]

What problem am I medicating exactly?

[@jerseycornboy]

@@kellyhays23 medicating symptoms. health prevents any of what happened to you from happening. Learn the philosophy of naturopathy, homeopathy, chiropractic, oriental medicine etc. You live in Fl find the dowsers society in Fl and look for a medical dowser that has like 20 yrs experience and research how they can shortcut your path to increased health to prevent future problems and build your level of health.

[@mtpstv94]

Why do girls think period talk is any less out of the ordinary than anything else for us? Are guys really that childish?

[@kellyhays23]

Some, yes. Lol

[@abbyarnold4477]

Yes being overweight can affect a person trying to hike . Im glad you lost a Lil chubbiness .