Q&A: When will you go Hiking again?

[@benjibones]

Look after yourself Erik. We're all pulling for you and wishing you the best.

[@SukruAkyuz]

I am an interventinal cardiologist but know well-reputed electrophsiologists. Please do not hesitate to ask any question you wonder about your heart disorder. I hope you come back soon to let us watch your great videos and help us getting peace and relaxed. Best wishes. Assoc. Prof. MD. Sukru Akyuz, from Istanbul, Turkey.

[@abelnunez-guerrero3832]

Wishing you all the Very Best, @Erik Normark 🙏🏽 💯🏕️

[@mountaindreamer4371]

You take good care of health Erik. You'll be missed!

[@Suz_place]

My husband had cardiac ablation. It is relatively simple procedure which helped him a lot. You will be back to hiking the next day. Be well!

[@sandyhendricks3120]

Erik, as a Sr. citizen with a long time physical disability (since age 24), I cannot do many of the outdoor things I once could. I have learned, however, to be thankful for what I can do, in smaller increments, and to pace myself. We all have abilities to do things and enjoy life, as well as be helpful to others. Certainly your videos have been a treasure to all of us, and will continue to be because of who you are, as well as what you do, and kindly share with us. Keep looking up and we'll keep tuning in. - Jack Hendricks

[@Jim_Manthorpe-hiking]

Hope you are doing well Erik. I've been binge watching your films. I love your style and hope you can get back to the mountains soon.

[@melvinhowell5469]

Hang in there, Erik! Your videos are wonderful, whether day hike, long hike, whatever. I'm not going anywhere...will be praying for your complete recovery...be well...

[@cbbeach8628]

Rooting for you Eric. I too hope you will be able to get back to what you truly love doing. It’s amazing what medical science is capable of doing for us.

[@davidryan4454]

And scary what medical science IS doing to many 💉 (but not me)

[@evoo6]

lol "medical science" is not capable of anything. Corrupted buisiness, and unintelligent people in there.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Pullin for you Erik! Love your creations!!

[@frednorman1]

My thoughts are with you. Just remember that, even though you have this extrasystole, you still have a strong functioning heart (I’m a physician)

[@erik_normark]

Thank you all for your comments and support! It's much appreciated! Atb

[@bustermcmahan8493]

Take care of yourself Eric! We'll be here rooting for you!

[@twiggyescapes]

Sure everything will work out for u Erik, stay positive... Keep doing what u love in small ways... Your channel is unique and an art.

[@kellywhitaker3483]

Hope you are well. Thank you for your videos.

Sorry to hear about your heart condition, man. Wishing you all the best health!

[@penorvoll]

Takk for at du er åpen om helseproblemene dine! Tror nok alle vi som følger deg håper at du får orden på hjertet ditt, og at du får oppleve masse fint ute i naturen i mange år! ❤

[@nassimait-amara353]

what's up Erik, we miss you. i hope y're fine 🎄

[@Mapmywellness]

There is a saying - My heart goes out to you - that works well here Erik. I do, in fact, know what you are going through. The outdoors has always been the most vital part of my life and when my own vitality decreased the adjustment wasn't easy. As it is, I am impressed with what you ARE doing...getting out there on a winter day. Nordic skiing, etc. At age 56 I was climbing a mountain here in Colorado, solo, and it was the hardest climb of my life. I just keep running out of energy. But, I persevered and made it to the summit. A month later I was keynoting a conference in England when the cords holding my Mitral Valve in place gave out. I spent 6 days in a British hospital, then flew home without oxygen to be operated on here at home. I was very fortunate, they were able to repair the existing valve. Recovery from valve surgery is slow and profound. At the end of the next year we switched to a new health insurance plan (the U.S. healthcare system is absurdly expensive) that we could afford. It had a $10,000 deductible. The next month - January I required an Ablation procedure and there went the money! Since then I have had to monitor my heart arrhythmia problems...Atrial fibrillation, April flutter at times. But...the reason I am telling you all of this long story (sorry about the length) is to tell you that little by little I have reclaimed the outdoors as part of my life in many ways. I am now 73 but I still hike, camp and fish. I no longer backpack but I have done more wilderness canoe adventures in Canada (last one was in 2021). I have learned that I can no longer hike well above 10,000 feet (a bit over 3K) in elevation. So, I seek out wild places at lower elevations. The road back is not one to walk alone. Find the support you need and make good use of it. A lot of people around the world so deeply appreciate your centered, grounded way of being in nature. The natural world will be part of your healing journey. All my very best to you!

[@juanlobon73]

Last month my brother died into the mountains. A rock killed him. Keep on fighting, it's all what we can do to continue living our passion.

[@janfrosty3392]

Dear Erik, sorry to hear about your heart issue, stay positive, your medical procedure will fix it and you will be hiking into mountains again. Take care, all the very best.

[@Paul_Turvey]

Hi Erik, I was wondering why there were no hiking videos, now I know why, I sincerely hope you have the operation and it is successful and you can get back to what you surely love, stay positive and thank you for being so open, all the best 👍🙂

[@anthonytaglia2333]

We love you Eric ! from the Usa !👍

[@christianwikander2422]

Erik. Tack för att du delar. Förstår att det är tufft men att du försöker fortsätta med det du gillar. Och klarar av. Önskar att tiden går snabbt och du snart tillbaka i full kraft igen. Ta hand om dej. 🤗

[@tandersson744]

The tuber of small things. I humble thank you for every minute you give us because the time slows down and peace walks with me when i watch your pictures and listen to your sounds.

[@KanoottiTomaatti]

Take care of yourself. And thanks to your videos, day trips are just perfect and the coming spring will bring migratory birds again and nature will come to new life! Have a nice sunday in Sweden!

[@slynkylynx]

My brother will be having ablation surgery soon. I'm relieved you revealed your condition, as I, along with so many others,have been concerned for you. Thank You for continuing to share your gifts and Presence. A notification of an Erik Normark video is cause for celebration! My Prayers are with you. 💪🙏

[@MichaelRichards983]

Was your brother vaccinated?

[@cdesfusa]

Best of everything for you, Erik. I'll be praying for you

[@niklashl]

You know you're a bird watcher when you stop mid-sentence to listen to birds. 😁 Keep up the good spirit, and take care of yourself 😊

[@erik_normark]

:-D Take care Niklas

[@muhammad-Redha]

You've the same problem as I've, And I don't want to see a doctor to hear what doesn't satisfy me, I just live and enjoy life no matter what it is.

[@ASGSam1]

Sorry for the heart condition, we wish you the best and hope you get well soon to enjoy long hiking again

[@klammi85]

Often i feel sad when im not able to go hiking, but in my case its just lack of time. Hoping you'll get better very soon. Me and my (now three years old daughter) can't wait for your next video!

[@rickgreen9936]

Have not read all the comments but I'm sure this message from others is here, keep going and filming. You are as much of an artist as you are an outdoorsman. Your eye for nature and skills of editing no doubt gives you as much pleasure and creative satisfaction as the viewers get in watching. Keep as active as your health allows and time will pass quickly until you have the heart issue resolved. Stay strong...your Viking nature demands that...👍

[@stevensad38]

Have good heart Erik, no pun intended; ablation to burn new pathways is a trusted and successful treatment for arithmia. Your cardiologist will map the existing electrical paths and find and create new pathways, maybe it will actually speed up the signals and you will experience improved heart performance. Do inform yourself and ask your cardiologist to give you the best advice according to the latest developments. If you are not certain do ask for a second medical opinion. I am aware of patients in their 50s able to resume ultra marathons after successful treatment.

[@bmbpdk]

Health and family comes first. When and how did you first notice that something was wrong? Each night and morning i appreciate the ability to take care of myself, to be able to walk, see and hear. Im not religious, i just appreciate the little and basic things in life. Im retired due to PTSD after deployment and that changes your view on life and your priorities. A person in my family one day reached out for the coffee, snapped something in his lower back and had to learn how to walk again.

[@paavoviuhko7250]

Thanks for this revelation. I will be turning 74 this July. I am still active tenting and enjoying the trees and birds but I can't do what I used to do ten years ago. Every year it gets less and less. But I find I don't need to go far to get the silence and the teaching of the birds and trees. I grew up in Finland and my parents decided to get us away from the Russian border so here I am in Canada surrounded by forest in northern Ontario. I don't have to go far to pay my obedience and my duty to my ancestral roots with the taiga pockets I have here. Thanks for your contributions to inspire the rest of us in our ventures.

[@buzzboykin9982]

At 79, I have had PVCs for over 25 years. Mine is controlled well enough by medication, so no Ablation, at least not yet. Medication is not perfect, because It affects your stamina. But I still hike and backpack, but over limited distances and terrain. Of course, some of that comes with being 79. So with today's treatments, you should do well. Any of your videos are a welcome break. Wishing well for you.

[@hkerc]

😱❤️ better hike with partner instead when you recovered. take care❤❤

[@OriginalAstroTard]

Erik, an observation here, It’s obvious you drink coffee, STRONG coffee, as did I, and never had any issues over the years. However, I suddenly began having a strange heart rhythm; skipped beats, would cause me to feel breathless at times; scary for sure. Went to the emergency room, they ran tests and said stop drinking coffee\caffeine. It was very difficult for the first week; bad headaches, irritable, but after about 2-3 weeks everything started to level off, and my heart rhythm returned to normal. Now, I hadn’t had a cup in 15-20 years and decided to start drinking it again, and I began having the same issue. Foolishly, I kept drinking it, telling myself, it wasn’t the coffee, but over a period of a year or more, it got very bad. So I stopped again, and everything returned to normal. As I said, it isn’t easy to stop (caffeine addiction), but I did and it’s well worth the effort…what do you have to lose. Thanks for all you do, my wife and I really enjoy your videos.

[@manuelilic9195]

So sad, to hear about this! But I hope, that you will recover soon by getting this operation, so you can hike again! By the way: "2:00 is a perfect example, how much you love nature! ❤Greetings from Pinsdorf near Gmunden in Upper Austria!

[@ceeejeee]

All the best Erik and take care! Life is fragile.

[@yveschabot2297]

Erik, it's a good way just to adapt. I love your sketches and even though your last videos are a bit smoother, I still enjoy the mood, the sounds, the quietness of the forest. Maybe you drink too much coffee! Joking... Good luck and take care. Looking forward to your next one..

[@bradlafferty]

You still provide a calming interlude with each video. I will send a prayer for your condition to be remedied if it can possibly be. You have the right mindset, though: it is life, these things. Thank you for telling us about yourself. Wishing for a positive outcome.

[@johnpotis7676]

Hi Eric I probably do not have the same condition as you but my heartbeat was quite irregular until I cut back on caffeine. I still have a few cups in the morning but nothing after noon. I enjoy peppermint or nettle tea in the afternoon now and my heart is as it should be. You have six months, and this option may ease your discomfort until your procedure. Cheers!

[@hifiwb]

I have the same issue with the heart - atrial fibrillation (not persistent). Having completed all the doctors demands, I visiting mountains (Caucasian, 2000-4000m) several times per year with no problem. If you have any questions regarding heart issue, don't hesitate to contact me unicast. Hope to see your hiking videos someday! Take care, Erik!

[@stugtretton]

Hiking, overnighter or making a cup of coffee, all good for me. Love your videos! Wish you the best, take care. Greeting from Sweden.

[@bikingviking6688]

It always sucks when you get sidelined by health issues from the things you truly love. You'll be back Erik! We're all praying for you.

[@Exduper]

I hope you get some favorable news soon my friend. I have enjoyed your videos for years and do thank you for sharing your nations woods with us. God bless. 👍

[@mrakl3]

Thumbs up, Erik -- keep the same spirit that we all know you need when you go into hard places in the mountains...but I'm sure that you know this... Tusen takk for alle.

[@eugenemcgloin6780]

I am sorry that your diagnosis is preventing you from doing the things you would like to be doing and hope that your surgery goes well and that you have a quick and full recovery. I fully understand your frustration as I had broken one of my legs, pretty badly, in Feb. 2022 and haven’t been able to ski or backpack yet. It is what it is and nothing in this life remains the same for long.

[@EtherealLightPhotography]

Our hearts go out to you. We are getting older and dread the day when we can no longer take to the hills. Sharron nearly died of diverticulitis and peritonitis last March, so we hear your pain. Take it easy, my friend, and we hope you will get the treatment you need to recover and return to full health!

[@gennarocamper]

hello Eric, get well again and just start slowly. Everything will be fine... everything from the beginning I admire your positive nature and strength. Best regards to my absolute favourite country

[@cliffordwright342]

Hope you heal soon. I’ve not done a lot outdoors since my cancer just short day trips also. We do what we can. All the best Eric

[@lesnyk255]

I've never done the kind of serious overnight hiking that you've done - I like sleeping in my own bed. But I've always enjoyed day hiking until about 2 yrs ago, when arthritis in my left hip put an end to it. I had the surgery in late 2021, and was on my way back when the right hip decided it was time to go. I had the surgery for that one some 4 months ago, and while I've pretty much recovered, the muscle mass I lost during the recuperative periods is making for a long and slow return. I'm 73 now, and accept that I'll likely never climb the local hills I used to, but hope that once the ice & snow retreat, I'll be able to work my way back up to at least a few miles a day. As you say - it's about acceptance, and finding another way. My best to you for your recovery, and may we both soon be back in the wild places we love. (Love your videos!) (from New England, USA)

[@1enediyne]

Sorry that you have some health challenges. Ablation is a good surgery. My friend had to have it for fast heart rate. It worked. In the meantime, your videos are still beautiful and appreciated!

[@alexonthemountain8343]

I know how you feel Erik. On my end, I’ve found out I damaged both of my hips last year and can’t go backpacking very far… Like you said you need to make adjustments. Much love and wishing you all the best. Alex

[@smedleybelkin19]

My friend had the same issue and had the ablative surgery, unfortunately for her it didn't work first time, but she's on the way to a full recovery. All the best Erik, best wishes from Hessle, UK.

[@RhawiDantas]

Sorry to hear about this Erik. Hopefully you get the treatment you need and, maybe, we share a cup of coffee in the mountains in Sweden. Krya på dig.

[@danvanderwoude4446]

Erik, I am praying for you. For God to reveal His true character of mercy, compassion on your life. That He will heal and restore your body so that you can return to what you love. In the mean time keep doing what you are doing! You do not need to go far to enjoy and share with us your passion for the outdoors. Much Grace and Peace in Abundance.

[@surfingonmars8979]

At your age I experienced a severe myocarditis, and had intermittent irregular heart beats. It took about a year to get it regulated, but 50 years later I am going strong. The cardiologists can do miracles now. Stay calm and carry on. I am sure you will be ok, with patience and perseverance….. 6 months for you, now, seems so long, but in retrospect, 50 years in on my ‘recovery,’ I assure you it will go by like an augen blik.

[@andyclarke6174]

Hi Erik, I hope you can find a way to get back to the hiking you love. I have a small understanding of your frustrations, although we are all different, as I have a heart problem and suffer with fatigue. This is as a result of two major sicknesses over the last twenty years and in both cases it took much time to find a way to hike and climb again, in some cases years of small adjustments. I, like many, have enjoyed you videos for many years and hope you find a route back to your passions but in the now enjoy the mini adventures they can help the mental health so very much.

[@martinmoss317]

Thanks for sharing. we are all human and shit happens. Your videos have helped ne on the days when I needed it.

[@campfirediaries2349]

Get well soon Eric, and in the meantime keep enjoying nature, that's what's most important.

[@nickday7381]

Hey Eric, I sincerely hope you are doing ok. I hope your recovery is going as well as possible. I miss you videos and input into the media world. We miss you as you miss the mountains. Big loves from a huge fan. 😊👍 X

[@richardneidhardt6536]

I sympathize with your plight. At 80 years old, I too can't do what I once did because of numerous knee surgeries, ankle surgery, a bad back and asthma. The engine is still good (except for the asthma), but the suspension is worn out!. But do what my body will allow, and live vicariously through other, younger and fitter people. I hope you will be able to resume your hiking, so that I may continue to live vicariously through your videos as well.

[@trevorblohm2189]

Thanks for the answer and the wise words. I had a friend with the same condition, it took two procedures, but he is back to his old self. Take care.

[@finnmozhiking]

Thank's for sharing. Big thank's for all videos untill now, and the many to come! I'm confident that a good future will ly ahead!

[@chrishowie882]

So sorry to hear your news, Eric Hope you get your Cardiovascular procedure done soon and the queue moves quickly. Stay strong 💗😊

[@Marquardt2510]

All the best, Erik! I am glad to hear there is treatment to your condition. I enjoy all your videos and especially the recent ones with (even more) focus on sketching and the quiet, detailed observation of nature I find truly artistic and so inspirational. They make one grab the notebook and sketchbook!

[@erik_normark]

Thanks Dieter. That is great to hear! All the best

[@johanngerell]

My wife did that very same heart procedure almost 20 years ago and fully recovered. Heard it was considered a routine procedure already back then, and even more so today when the medical advances done since

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

Sad news, here's hoping you'll have the operation soon!

[@holmenadventurecamp]

Overnight, camping, hiking or coffee in the forest, you make good videoes. Much love, best wishes from your nextdoor nabour country. Holmen.

[@SchwarzeBieneOutdoor]

Erik take care of you.

[@puppasdotcom]

Ta hand om dig själv och inte minst pumpen Erik. Drakar stiger i motvind sägs det, du ska se att det ordnar upp sig framgent 💪🏻 Allt gott /A.

[@MATEJKA55]

Greetings from the Czech Republic.😊 I had a problem with cardiac arrhythmia in 2008 and 2019. Tachycardia - 140 beats per minute. They fixed it for me with an electric shock. I was only in the hospital for 3 hours! I had peace of mind for 10 years..Tachycardia again in 2019. Again leveled with electric shock. So far so good I go on treks. I ride a kickbike. I am 68 years old😂Don't worry, everything will be fine😊👌👍

[@suebrown3465]

Not matter what you do in your videos , it’s always relaxing and enjoyable to watch There are a lot of hiking and overnight camping videos to catch up on watching on your channel if someone is new Take care and happy bird watching and making coffee! 🇨🇦❤️

[@kokopelau6954]

I understand. I am 75, have heart, knee, and back issues. I go out when i can for what I can. hope you get it fixed and I will continue to watch whatever you do.

[@published1789]

It is always a pleasure to "share" a coffee with you. Best wishes to you, for health and recovery. And thank you for sharing the beautiful locations and moments, whether nearer or farther.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

God bedring Erik!

[@lars-goranabrahamsson7356]

Tråkigt att du fått problem med hjärtat. Men med dagens sjukvård kommer man säkert att lösa detta på bästa sätt. Var rädd om dig och ta hand om dig på bästa sätt. Krya på dig. Mvh Lars-Göran

[@michaelcapeless3268]

I'm thinking of you, Erik. And wishing you the best with the situation of this condition. The treatment is very routine these days. Be patient. We'll be waiting for you. And cheering for you.

[@frankkranktrangtmohammedny807]

I'm kind of surprised this video didn't get more views, given the fact that the majority of Erik's viewers subscribed because of his camping videos.

[@nimrod2550]

Man måste tänka positivt on sådana saker. Det kommer bli bra. Sköt om dig Erik.

[@jamesgray1544]

Dear Erik I hope your wait is not too long for you. I too have had heart surgery recently following a heart attack requiring by-pass surgery. Your videos helped me immensely during my convalescence of 16 weeks to a very good recovery and i am now back to work full time. "Skol"

[@jodyconrad3855]

A friend of mine had the same procedure for the same issue. It worked and he’s back cycling and running at full strength. Sending good energy your way for the same outcome. Thanks for what you do.

[@RJBeacon]

Erik, good luck to you …. I’m not an expert by any means, but have worked in Healthcare… and there have been great successes with cardiac ablation especially in younger people such as yourself. I’m sure you’re aware, but go to a surgeon who has done many, many of these procedures and who has had excellent outcomes. Best wishes to you and hopefully a successful procedure will result in an extremely positive outcome for you.

[@peterhabel]

Thanks for sharing... hope the procidure will fix your issue. Take care

[@johnhetherington2667]

Erik, stay strong my friend, I am sure the treatment will be successful and you will return to full health. Your Videos are masterpieces and give me a sense of your country as I watch them all the way from New Zealand. Photography and Art will add to your enjoyment of the mountains. I used to be out in the NZ mountains for 10 days at a time but my age 76 and health, surgery have curtailed what I can do. I am never happier than when in the mountains. You have a huge following, we all wish the very best for you. John in NZ

[@ajda1947]

Take so sorry to hear about your heart Eric. The waiting is the hard part, believe me, I understand. Wishing you patience for the next six months, and maybe you’ll pick up some new interests.

[@paularuotsalainen979]

Tack att du berättade, det var säkert inte lätt. Sakerna ordnas alltid, på ett eller annat sätt. Önskar dig sköna och soliga vårdagar, och all lycka med din hälsa 👍💕

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Sorry you are experiencing this. I know several people with arrhythmias. One takes medication to control it, another had the ablation. Both are active again, maybe not as fast, but still can get out. I hope you find a solution soon and glad you can still enjoy nature no matter what.

[@victorlaszlo4874]

Health is the most important thing! You are a Fighter Erik and I know for sure everything will be okay.. 🍀

[@AlexK-vy3tt]

Hej Erik! Jag önskar dig god hälsa. Att vandra i naturen hjälper alltid, om inte missbrukas. Med vänlig hälsning, Alexander

[@Glyn69]

Take care as best you can , good luck 👍

[@Cydsdad]

Take Care

[@prairiesky1144]

You give us the beauty of nature and bring such enjoyment and relaxation! You and your creativity are a treasure. Wishing you a full recovery after the cardiac ablation.

[@keithfletcher5788]

Take Care Erik.Best regards from the Wirral, U.K.

[@nanton-ul3wr]

Hi Erik, I hope you will recover soon. Watching your channel helps me find peace of mind when I am stressed or depressed. You make a difference. Thank you for that!

[@tomkeller6982]

Hello Erik. Tom here in Cincinnati. Always love watching. Sorry about the heart matter. God knows and governs over our affairs for good. I'll be praying for your days ahead. Take good care.

[@sneakersadventures4520]

Take care of your self Eric, we will be here when you get back. Have a full recovery. Wishing you all the best.

[@anthonybarrett2342]

Hi Eric.I just had a great experience.By taking just 1 magnesium tablet for 2 days my energy and strength have improved.Then I came across this video which explains why.Please watch this it is very informative.

[@tomsteffes6344]

hope to see you on net soon, Erik. I live in the farm belt of the USA where corn fields rule, so at the day's end the peace and solitude of your work is a welcome respite as my day comes to a close.