I had to Leave Everest Basecamp Trek Because of Altitude Sickness

[@Spudhockey]

I freaking love your honesty and passion. You're such an inspiration to me, a half broken soldier. I've had 32 surgeries in order to keep my legs, and fuse back together my cervical spine. I lost so much from my military injuries, a lot of that loss was my hobbies. Things I loved to do ski, run, bike..... we're gone forever. About four years ago one of my physical therapist in the Veterans Administration Hospital I was in, brought me a camera and a laptop opened to your KZbin Channel. She knew how much I loved the outdoors, and knew how much I was hurting thinking that part of my world was gone. You have no idea and I can't tell you with mere words, how much you inspired me to start to learn and love photography like I do today. And now I spend seven months of the year living on the road in my travel trailer with my service dog, photographing beautiful places. Places that I know I never would have gone to see let alone live within and capture with my camera. Obviously everyone can see the disappointment you have from your altitude sickness in this video. But please know you bring so much to so many, and we are grateful. Thank you, happy and safe travels with beautiful light throughout the new year.

[@russellb6370]

Troy Blevins You sir, are an inspiration to us all.

[@anildamodaran]

What a powerful story ... Hats off to you sir!

[@skidchowder2433]

A hero is anyone who can make you thankful for all the joy you experience in life. Hats off to you...Thank you for being the rock so much is built upon.

[@kevinharding1181]

Truly a heartwarming story Troy. It is so true that photographers get to see so much more of the beauty of this world. Safe travels !

[@garygalt4146]

Dear sir good luck to you I’m laying in bed now with my dog beside me. I had a small hairline fracture off my neck and base off my spine and skull. That night while sandbag so that I was stopped from moving. I thought that if I ever walked again I would turn my hobby into a career. I was lucky in so many way’s marrying one of my nurses. Walking but never able to run. And being taken on as an apprentice at the largest advertising and commercial studio in Liverpool. It gave me a wonderful career of 40 years. I now have a disease which leaves me weak and bed bound at times with no cure other than stopping my immune system. I miss not having a camera in my hand. Hence I enjoy watching toms videos. I hope the work gives you a wonderful life. It did for me. Ps my brother has a sight for me to shoot some black grouse from his car. So i am building my strength up to go when we get a flurry of snow. As long as I keep the missus sweet. But I’ve built up a lot of brownie points over the last 35 years. All the flowers when I done nothing wrong add up.

[@hrishikesh12341]

you know Thomas I've been trekking in the Himalayas for the last 8 years, and I got AMS on my 1st trek, and I couldn't go for the summit! The trek lead told me then,"Don't worry, the mountains will be here and you can always come back". So, don;t worry you'll come back stronger :)

[@johnchngg]

that consolation would immediately make me bawl like a baby

[@hrishikesh12341]

@@johnchngg well, its still better than risking ones life honestly.

[@superjfbm]

...the ams medication (starts with D, and rhymes with box) isnt working for me. what is an alternative way to condition my body for the altitude? i liked the town of Leh, but would like to see the others; and it is such a bummer to be feeling dazed and tired while moving about.

[@hrishikesh12341]

@@superjfbm this normally happens if you fly from a low altitude to a high altitude, as the body is suddenly exposed to an environment with less oxygen. Imp is to 1. Rest the complete day, without doing any activities on the day of arrival and following day 2. Drink plenty of water, i used to drink 4-5 liters 1 week before going and during there 3. Diamox is good but its better to let the body acclimatise naturally

[@superjfbm]

@@hrishikesh12341 thank you. will be more prepared the next time.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

I've learned it's not an adventure before something goes wrong... Happy for you, you got that shot of Everest!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

True that Mads!

[@Richard_OKeeffe]

Thomas, sign of a true leader is to take the tough decisions especially ones where they put the team first by not putting the team at risk because the leader will not admit / accept they might put them at risk

[@Pocketbassist]

Richard O'Keeffe this!!!

[@ronboe6325]

Took the words out of my mouth. You have to take care of injured folks in your group - even if that turns out to be you. Now on the up side, as you get older your body will find new and scary ways to let you down. So cheer up, more crap to come! :^) This is also a good video for other trip leaders, have a partner that can take over all duties if one has to bale due to illness/injury. Props.

[@1337Jogi]

Absolutely this. A good leader knows when to stop. Even if he has to stop himself. By putting yourself at risk you are also putting others at risk because at the end of the day they will try and help you if you are in a bad condition. Safety goes first in high altitude regions. Things can turn very ugly very fast. Just imagine getting severe AMS and before the helicopter arrives weather turns. Now you are stuck and you need the help of alot of others to get down at all and save your life. They would have to stop their trip and bring you down. AMS is nothing that can be influenced really. There are people who have sumitted 8000m peaks but got AMS the next time in basecamp already.

[@johnsmith1474]

Not really the case here.

[@johnsmith1474]

@@dvk2photographer - You are the troll, and I'm not biting.

[@apostolosmargiolis9036]

Absolute legend. The fact that you got emotional for not being able to go any further shows how much passion some photographers put on their craft. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewleman3106]

Apostolos Margiolis That was my thought too. You could tell how hard it was for him to film this and talk about missing part of the trek. Still got an awesome shot of Everest though so he should be extremely proud of that!

[@apostolosmargiolis9036]

@@andrewleman3106 totally agree with you. I also liked the shot that he got of Mount Everest.

[@GaryGough]

Better safe than sorry Tom. My heart sunk when you got emotional. You did the right thing and I’m sure everyone in the group totally understood. Cracking video, thanks for sharing.

[@Chronos5618]

So often in these videos, I am left admiring a beautiful photograph. With this video, I'm left admiring your character. Making the right choice and walking away from your dream of Everest basecamp takes a lot more strength than you give yourself credit for. As a doctor, I've seen the risks motivated, high achieving people like yourself take to reach their goals, and it so often ends in tragedy for them and their loved once. I'm very glad you're safe, and the fact you stayed so positive and energetic, and continued making such fantastic content for us despite how gutted you must have been is hugely appreciated.

[@jasonfitzpatrick5630]

Ed Viesturs said it best, "Getting to the top is optional. Getting down in mandatory." You absolutely made the right decision. As always thanks for sharing.

[@anisab9506]

“Going up is optional, coming down is mandatory “ - Ed Viersturs Mountaineer. Only the greatest leaders do what you did, by putting health and safety first and thus not jeopardizing anyone! What a humble exercise in courage, trust and vulnerability! I raise my hat! Bravo. I really wish i could join one of your trips one day, but they’re always sold out by the time I get the info. True tribute to you.

[@wojtekw6040]

"Better a good decision quickly than the best decision too late" You should be proud of who You are, how great photographs You take where You are and not about how many meters that is. I am proud to be Your subscriber and really honored to see Your true story. Best 2020!!!

[@flixtorres]

[@keessonnema]

Don't ever listen to people telling you "You should never leave the group, you coward". Health is the most important thing in life, take care of yourself Tom.

[@Hrishi1970]

Dearest Tom, This is a poignant moment on your channel that truly reflects the toils and provocations of landscape photography. They don't call it the "Mighty Himalayas" without a reason! Thank you so much for being yourself and doing what you do best!

[@chriskirby70]

I have been to nepal 8 times to a max of 6000m. One thing I have learnt is everytime you go to altitude its a new adventure. Nepal isnt going anywhere. It just means you will have to go back again. Once is never enough in the Himalayas mate.

[@lesliepeck4124]

Thomas, you absolutely made the right choice. You have many more epic journeys ahead ... and many more epic photos to take. It's disappointing now, but you got much farther than many others would have ... and your family will be glad that you're okay. Thank you for being you, and for bringing us along.

[@robstammers7149]

You brought me to tears Tom, I really felt for you man, your at a place many can only dream of, I can see your heart is somewhat broken, but at least you are safe and sound and that is the main thing for all your followers. Take care Tom.

[@toddcdavid]

In my 30's I did a lot of high altitude mountaineering. I know the disappointment and the emotion. But you ABSOLUTELY did the right thing. Period. Responsible decision for you and the group. Anyone who understands the fickle nature of how your body responds to extreme altitude, understands this. Love your channel for it's genuine and sincere content. You're an invaluable resource to me in so many ways. Keep up the great work, Thomas! Be safe and keep trekking toward contentment. It's out there somewhere. I can assure you.

[@weschilton]

You should never feel bad for leaving the group, AMS is no joke and can be life threatening. You did the only safe thing by descending. I'm glad you are ok and were able to meet back up with the group... not to mention capture some gorgeous images of your own.

[@MauroPoggi]

Hi Thomas. You definetly took the right decision. First cause of mountain disasters is the failure to decide to give up despite your body is lauching clear signs to do it, just because your goal appears to be so close to be reached. I know it's hard (I myself had to give up once in Ecuador, climbing to the Chimborazo, 6.300 mt, at only 100 mt from the summit), but by this decision you demostrated much more courage than keeping going on. And cleverness, of course! So, congratulations - and thanks a lot for your reportage, which made me relive the wonderful trek I did.

[@bluelife1538]

Most people/youtubers would have just said "let me film that again", but you, just chose to share those sad moments with us, your audience. Thank you for that. That is why we continue here, faithfully being your subscribers. You will have more opportunities to go to Everest and do the things you dreamt of.

[@samwilson1021]

Difficult but right decision. I have had severe mountain sickness and nearly lost my life.....it was horrid. But I love how great images so often arise from painful experiences - great image Thomas!

[@LuigiNespeca]

Hey Tom, I am sending hugs. Be proud, you're doing the best journey exploring your state of mind and I can tell you that showing emotions is the highest summit you could ever reach. Thanks for sharing. peace.

[@farahtamkin1365]

You made the right decision, I had the same issue in ACircuit. Altitude's really hard. Your photos anyhow are really amazing.

[@pressendforspanish]

I feel for you brother. I started to tear up just listening to your heartbreak. Keep your chin up because you have still seen and done more than most ever will. Count your blessings.

[@ericaelisabeth6904]

Perfectly worded. ❤

[@mirekdz8131]

Health and life are more important than photographs, even the best!

[@mountainman8211]

Several years ago, I climbed the 12 Munros on the Isle of Skye with a guide, the leader of Skye Mountain Rescue team. When asked what is the best mountain advice he could offer, he replied, "Know when to turn back - the mountains will always be there". You did the right thing, Thomas.

[@BjørjaBear]

You took the right decision. That is real professionalism.

[@restartafterfailure]

Hi Thomas. Just came across your channel via Google reference. Only someone who has been there in September last year and experienced high altitude sickness severe can understand your plight. I made it to base camp eventually but I have never been as ill and shattered as this. Although 60 wife and I were in top,shape with many hikes before. When I returned to Gorakshep from base camp I had one of the most mighty bouts of nausea with all that goes with it. That night I woke up with a heart rate through the roof and a headache second to none. That was my third day without eating. . Going up one pass I could literally walk 20 yards and rest 30 seconds. None of my meds worked. The headache eventually became under control with meds someone gave me. It is a humbling experience but makes us stronger. I am going back again December 2021 :)

[@perrytaylor6388]

Raw is real. Never apologize for living life’s highs and lows. Shame on anyone who would say you were not up to it. AMS is not a choice. It can happen to anyone.

[@BillSmithBSartist]

Catching up on old stuff. Feel good knowing that 3yo vids still reach fans. As others have said, seeing your emotion was touching. But knowing that you could have edited it out but didn’t is very admirable. That’s why I love your videos. You bring us into the experience. Not just teach photography.

[@cookfred281051]

As I used too say to my students when out doing adventure training in the Scottish highlands and the weather stopped us climbing, the mountains will always be there for another day. Good decision, no photo is worth gambling with your well being.

[@robertstephens1868]

Thomas, I’ve only just now got to my iPad. For you I have the highest admiration for tackling such a challenge with determination. And likewise I am especially impressed by your courage in giving an such a personal & honest report to you subscribers. I haven’t as yet seen what others have said, but I’m sure all hold you in highest regard. No doubt your photos will mean so much more to all of us. I look forward to your next video, which I know will be 100% authentic.

[@h34p]

Hey Tom, People die from this, keep your head up - was the right decision - can´t buy health. Bad Comments? - They wouldnt even be able to even go half way what you have, so.. ;)

[@PhotoPills]

Man! Glad you're feeling much better. You have a much better color for sure. This is a true adventure and there'll be many more. Keep pushing. Love you!

[@johnstarkey4959]

It’s your life To , you did the right thing man , it’s easy to sit on the sofa and mock , good luck Tom.

[@krisweyers6248]

I am so sorry that you had a difficult time on this trip. I am humbled by your raw emotion. It take a real man to show them to your followers! Thank you!

[@bahlaouiy]

A lot of courage to publish this video of you in such a condition. Not everyone can do this. And yeah... health first as my father used to say. So don’t apologize. Wise people will understand your decision.

[@meshas_dad]

Unless you've hiked at 5000m plus, it's hard to explain the effects of altitude sickness and the stress it puts on your body. I took my very 1st DSLR camera (D3300 + 35mm) to EBC/Kala Patthar and took my favourite photo at sunset. Not because it actually came out quite well but what it took to get there, that's the memory that will stick with me. Kudos Thomas.

[@pps22001]

Who else got emotional when you saw TOM get emotional?

[@huwalban]

Yup, was as gutted as he was :( Ultimately though the right decision. To try and lead a group in a location like that when you are not firing on all cylinders is dangerous to everyone.

[@JitendraJha2009]

It was really tough to watch. But no doubt a right decision.

[@waynestead1943]

Get a grip. He’s out of his depth. This is a major problem with Everest and all these remote places. Just because you walk a few rugged trails around the uk doesn’t qualify you to put so much stress on you attempting to do these kind of places. That why people are dying and being left on the mountains. Underestimated the environment. Doomed to failure from the beginning

[@terryrees8574]

@@waynestead1943 Seriously? And how do you know if your body can handle it unless you try? Have a little compassion.

[@waynestead1943]

Like I said. Get a grip. He obviously couldn’t handle it. It’s not the Peak District. And just to double down. ‘Toms’ videos are getting seriously depressing of late. I used to look forwards to them but now I can’t listen to it. People train for years for these type of excursions into rugged wilderness. No hospitals for hundreds of miles. No I don’t appreciate the dangerous situation he put himself into. You are welcome to your opinion. This is mine.

[@SeanTaylorPhotography]

Ah man Thomas I really felt for you in this video mate. Your passion is what brought people to your channel, and your honesty is what kept people coming back. Your shot of Everest was cracking, too, and I guess it represents that difficult decision which is what makes it all the more powerful. Thanks for the videos!

[@Emerson_-vv8vr]

Always making the most out of every situation, never conceding. This is what sets you apart from the rest. Awesome content as always, loving these videos👌

[@emilyzeiders2975]

You did the right thing, Thomas. Don't look back, just forward! Your spirit--indomitable, even now!

[@MrCochise71]

Thomas you rock man. Your health is everything. Life always has challenges. You're the man.

[@allynscott1983]

That was really heart-wrenching to see you have to go through that, but I so admire your courage to show your vulnerability like that. The fact that you are such a good, down to earth person is why we are on this journey with you. Thank you for sharing.

[@Pocketbassist]

Health first, leader 2nd. Get better man! I believe in you!

[@janetruggiero2244]

You absolutely made the right decision. You and your health is the most important thing and will keep you around inspiring the rest of us!

[@forgedfromfreedom]

Don’t let it bother you. Your health is paramount to everything else. This is an opportunity to go back again.

[@wendyarthur3941]

Thanks for sharing this heart touching video. And yes I became emotional when I saw your disappointment (as mentioned in an early comment). I'm sure everyone who follows your channel agrees that you made the right decision. At least you were not rescued so you could meet up in 3 days' time. That was so nice of your group to make a video for you. Enjoy the rest of your trip and I look forward to seeing more.

[@huexley]

There is no price tag on chasing your dreams, you will come back some day. Wishing you the best for 2020.

[@PMCN53]

That was a fantastic episode Thomas, your disappointment is is RAW ( no pun intended LOL). The images you captured are fantastic and the message to you from your team must have been very encouraging. There is no one that can do what you do so well. It looks like it was more of an adventure than you expected. Love your work TH!

[@onerty1]

Take good care mate, nothing is more important than being healthy.

[@martinhall2593]

To be honest, the first 7 minutes of this video are the best minutes i have watched from all of your videos. I subscribed here a while back for 2 reasons. Reason 1: Thomas Heaton. Reason 2: Photography. Reason 1 was in true spirit today and still gets his awesome Photo in of Everest. Can feel your disappointment mate, but still you inspire. Thankyou.

[@petersim1589]

When I was doing the Everest Base Camp trek we only had sunrises for shooting Everest. All the sunsets were clouded - you are very fortunate to have so many sunset opportunities for photography!

[@BRCPres1]

So glad you are safe and hopefully fully recovered. Your health is most important. Congratulations are deserved.

[@johnsmith1474]

14:29 very interesting piles of inscribed rock panels against the homes behind Heaton.

[@thomasmorrison8011]

It's so hard to make the right decision sometimes. Kudos for you for being smart and for sharing your thought process. That humility is precisely why I like to watch your channel.

[@AlexanderWeixelbaumer]

Doing hard thing takes courage, admitting failure takes even more.

[@QuarkCharmed]

The light is magic at around 4:00. Light on your face and shadows on the background mountains. You're making a great foreground interest!! It's sad you had to interrupt the trip but the health is much more important, who on earth would blame you for that.

[@BillHoward3]

Love it. The ending made that whole video Tom. Can't wait to see the next one.

[@thatlady8037]

My heart goes out to you. Tough decision but as someone who works in aiding emergency evacuations I can absolutely tell you that things could have very quickly become dire. Seeing your ‘favourite’ image brought a few tears. Congratulations it’s absolutely beautiful! I hope the remainder of the trip was all you’d hoped for.

[@stigmata77]

I was thinking "what about Thomas in Nepal?" just a few minutes ago. And here comes the video. Wonderful... well, no: stunning.

[@hugosantiagohernandezlimas9085]

So Glad you are ok. It was the right decision Thomas.

[@J4Photo]

Ignore the people who give you a hard time. I can't imagine how difficult it was to turn away from the goal.

[@petermalone7869]

Love your authenticity, passion, and compassion. I am sure all of your fellow hikers understand and I appreciate you for what you value!

[@tompetersphotography]

Oh mate, I’m so gutted for you I really am, I can only imagine how hard it must of been to make that decision! But what a shot of Everest! I to only dream of going to Everest bass camp! Amazing

[@WildPhotoShooter]

A friend of mine got up to base camp and he said you can't actually see Mt Everest from base camp.

[@larissalahtinen7802]

@@WildPhotoShooter but you can see Everest from Kala Patthar

[@WildPhotoShooter]

@@larissalahtinen7802 Yes, is that higher than base camp ?

[@mingmarlama7987]

@@WildPhotoShooter yes it is higher ... you have to hike for a short period to the top

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Fair play, Thomas. Glad you were safe and sound in the end.

[@DannyFyffe]

Tom: You nearly broke my heart when you turned to shed a tear. When you went hiking after that you did not look well there either. I hope you recovered and got to stay with the group that you missed so badly. I know you did the right thing by going down. Health is more important than anything. I'm glad you did get all the good times and photos you did capture.

[@akbc3247]

I've been following you since you had like 4 videos in your channel and you went on that fantastic hike/camping in Lake District, what I love the most about your videos is the dedication and work you put into your craft which I always find very inspiring, and I can honestly say this Nepal series has been no different, bc it takes a lot of bravery, courage and will to do what you did, and I'm glad you took the best decision and put your health first. It was not the moment to reach that summit but I'm sure life will give you the chance to go for it in the future

[@tony_r_pierce]

Thomas, if you plan another trip going high, you might try a prescription for Diamox, which can assist you in acclimatization. Glad you survived and made the best of your trip.

[@frauleindaniela]

Tony Pierce Not every normaldoctor is willing to prescribe that to you because the side effects can be massive. Mine didn’t want to give it to me. But I know some people on my trip took it when they noticed a slight case of altitude sickness.

[@christiandebney1989]

couldnt agree more, start taking it when you arrive in kathmandu

[@tony_r_pierce]

Fräulein Daniela That’s true. Luckily I had no side effects but had to make sure to drink lots of water.

[@Debneyink]

@@tony_r_pierce neither did I... though i did have high altiude retinal hemoraging at 7000m on the north ridge of everest... which made taking shots a bit trickier! Of course the main way to play it safe is to double the time you spend gaining altitude... take it slow and steady instagram.com/christiandebney/

[@mario7027]

Diamox/Acetazolamide can be bought over the counter without prescription in pharmacies in Kathmandu

[@jimschmidt7303]

You made the tough, hard, and correct decision. I found your videos a month ago and have been absorbing them like a sponge. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@aliaswave]

You have already done more than I have or could ever afford to do.

[@carljarvinen1189]

Thomas, I feel for you and loved this video. Thanks for being so "human", being willing to show your emotions to so many shows takes a lot of guts. Just read your book a few days ago, I think you need to add a new chapter in an updated version. Glad you got your "shot", definitely a keeper...

[@georgeotoole8581]

No point beating yourself up over this - health comes first.

[@WildPhotoShooter]

Thomas is rare, only 1% of people get altitude sickness above 4000m. So not every Tom Dick or Harry gets it.

[@bryceacd]

Thank you for sharing your very difficult but smart decision to alter your journey. Being a brilliant photographer doesn’t make you super human. Sharing your emotional decision with those of us that are complete strangers to you is to be admired. Thank you so much for this video. I always enjoy learning from you....

[@hoovboy14]

I'd guess that for someone with as little high altitude experience as you, you did pretty well. I'd have been way sicker way sooner.

[@LordArioh]

yeah, you kinda have to spend couple years preparing yourself for the top of the top.

[@Echinacea53]

Thomas, you're a very brave and strong man! I am proud to have such photography teacher. Health and your life is first, everything else can be many times. I have no doubt, that one day you will do it. Thank you so much for an amazing photos, for your emotions, for the video. Take care of yourself and wish you good luck.

[@jamesscarborough9545]

Well, At 60 years old it looks like the only way I'll see this pass is on You Tube.

[@Ralph7D]

Don’t say that. A couple of days ago i met a man from Afghanistan that was 63 and he was raging around in the gym like a teenager.

[@5cords]

I did this route on my 60th, my first Himalayan trek. If you want to do it age isn't a problem. I could have been fitter, but if you're fit enough to manage Scottish hills for say a week of consecutive days and preferably have some experience of altitude, it's doable.

[@suzetteanthony5181]

I was just mentioning to a friend that I really like your videos because you show the struggles of how a landscape photograph can go. While photographing in Iceland my friend took a fall and broke her hand later requiring surgery and a metal plate. I was initially worried that you were going to say you just found out that you were fatally sick. I am so glad you are alive and well. Yes, we all have our mountains to climb but sometimes we are given another path. I love the two photos. I especially like the first foggy image. It represented the thought that this mountain top was a dream, there but not there, like a lady dancing with veils, disappearing and appearing. The second image gave you the perfect shot, yet as we all know nothing is perfect. It said you are exactly where you need to be, alive.

[@bobincdas]

I'm not crying, you're crying :'(

[@theraphman]

Get well soon. It was a hard decision you had to make! This shows real character. Thanks for sharing this because it is true and honest. Thats the content I like on KZbin. Thank you so much Thomas.

[@robertbidochon4980]

The issue here is you're doing a workshop in conditions you've never met. You've never been that high, have never experienced these conditions, so it was a risky move to organize a workshop this high. There seems to be workshops you do in places you know like the back of your hand, and other workshops you do counting on a guide, with local knowledge. Don't plan the next workshop in a tropical country during the rainy season only to realize you can't handle the heat and humidity =) At least experience it first, you owe it to your customers, they're not supposed to pay for your vacation to a location you've never been to, you're supposed to provide them with knowledge of the place you're visiting. Sorry if I'm being too blunt, but I wished pro photographers realized this when they're doing these workshops in locations they barely know. Of course it was the right thing to do to leave the group and think about your health, but it was definitely not the right thing to do to organize a workshop this high when you've never even been above 3500 m yourself.

[@mjmdiver1137]

I agree about scouting a location for a workshop leader, but in the case of altitude sickness, you do not know that just because you have been to 4800M previously that AMS will not strike you the next time you go. You may discover with trials that you should never go over a certain elevation, but the truth is that a negative result is not a guarantee for a negative result the next time. AMS is unpredictable that way.

[@brianrudolph2456]

I can relate - I got flown down from Dingboche with high altitude pulmonary edema and spend three days in a Kathmandu hospital after ignoring mountain sickness symptoms and pushing on and acclimation ascent of the peak behind the village. Best to listen to your body and minimize the costs! Beautiful photos and video of an amazing area!

[@AndrewWilsonOz]

Thanks for sharing. Very brave of you to share your plight, warts and all, as it were. Glad you are better, and can still get something out of it. Well done.

[@jeffmaronphotography]

Oh my goodness Tom, after watching this video I feel so bad for you. I admire your honesty and openness to all the viewers. Again I feel so bad. I know this is a couple of years later that I'm commenting but that still doesn't change my feelings as I watch this.

[@scottmilholland176]

Hey brother, hang in there. AMS is awful and out of your control. As a paramedic, I can tell you that you did the right thing. I am sure that the only person you let down is yourself and everyone else is just glad you're taking care of yourself.

[@gilesbryant7153]

A very brave decision. And even more so for being willing to be so vulnerable in sharing your experience. I hope your video serves as example for anyone else watching this who finds themselves in a similar situation. Be proud of yourself!

[@jamesjohnston6765]

Rule number uno, your health and survival always comes first. Glad you made it through the experience Thomas. It broke my heart seeing how emotional it made you. That consolation image was breathtaking! (See what I did there?)

[@NickandRachel]

Man that place is beautiful! Thanks for sharing your experience with us

[@joshuagow3150]

I've always appreciated the honesty in your work. This must have been devastating for you, but to have the courage to take the tough decision and then to share that all with us just shows the strength of your character. Keep up amazing work!

[@MrKrupp42]

Thomas, the second photo is absolutely fantastic and almost worth all the pain! Thanks again for all the effort, you've made my day !!!

[@keithdickson8364]

Don’t beat yourself up. You’re in a place some of us only dream about. Great job.

[@tomchambers8686]

Hi Tom, I climbed Kilimanjaro in Sept 2019 and nobody should underestimate the effect of altitude. Unless you have walked at altitude nobody can appreciate how debilitating it can be. Whilst I was fortunate not to suffer AMS, others did and had to descend. Several died the week after we were there which hit home how tough climbing at altitude is. Well done for making the right decision, there will be other chances and your health is more important than photos. Loving these videos and keep them coming.

[@edwardlee4032]

Thomas, your safety and health is the most important thing. I'm sure you will find interesting places to photograph were you are resting. Best wishes for a speedy recovery

[@adavalle]

You did the right thing without a doubt. I appreciated your honesty and admire your determination to make your art even while being extremely disappointed. It's the mark of a very good man (as my father would have said).

[@davesaunders59]

Tom you 100% did the right thing. I have trekked in this area and understand the awful effects of altitude. I've seen people, even a local returning from time in Kathmandu get hit hard with AMS. Great images and honesty from you. Look forward to the next video.

[@Poverello2001]

It’s unfortunate that you were ill, but don’t beat yourself up. Make the most of the rest of your trip. I’m looking forward to seeing your photos of the rest of the trip.

[@JimSollows]

Thomas, I can relate! I’ve been in that situation. I was once a very active climber and was struck down with AMS on an expedition. People cannot relate when they haven’t experienced it!

[@Ricky_Desch]

You made the right decision. You will be back, Thomas.

[@pointandshootphotos7647]

I feel for you, I really do, but I also applaud your rational here, not only that, but for having the confidence and courage to speak in front of the camera, on something that is very clear to see, very hard for you to talk about. You have not let anyone down, not one bit, quite the opposite, watching your channel, along with the other 380K viewers, you have inspired not just myself, but many others to get out and do things, that they perhaps wouldn't have gone and done. Keep doing what you do, because it keeps people like me doing it also! :D

[@MrsMajorHoff]

My heart broke for you. It's always so hard to make those tough decisions, but it was the smart one, and I'm glad you were able to recover. It was so nice to see the video of Everest and your picture is amazing!!!!!!!!

[@yogeshphatak9975]

Hi Thomas, good to know you are human and by showing us that you are ... you became my super hero.... Salute .... and cheers... Hope to meet you someday!!

[@Rodney-of8qi]

Thomas, don’t beat yourself up. You been higher and to a more exotic and extreme destination than many of us will ever get to. Well done! I’ve been a Canon shooter for many years but in 2018 bought into the Fuji system so have been enjoying your Fuji images and experience of using this mirrorless system. Keep up the great work.