[pct-l] First aid and prescription medications

[Bob Bankhead]

Yes. Talk to your doctor. Tell him what you will be doing, where you're
going, and any risk factors associated with your trip. Just because you are
going to 10,000 feet does not mean you automatically need Diamox. Giardia
from the waters along the JMT/PCT is quite rare, but food poisoning is not.
You probably don't need Tinidazole unless you've had a proven case of
Giardia in the past and are abnormally susceptible to it. Ask him to suggest
and give you the relevant prescriptions, based on possible need and your
health. 

More important than having these prescriptions is knowing how, when, and
when not to take them. Remember too that unless you are a physician, it is
illegal (and can be very dangerous) for you to give your prescription(s) to
someone else on the trail.


A word of advice: Unless you're going into the real backcountry wilderness
(and neither the PCT nor JMT fall into this category) where help can be a
week or more away if you're lucky, don't try to carry your own personal drug
store "just in case".


In all likelihood, a few band-aids, a half dozen alcohol wipes, and MAYBE a
small tube of triple antibiotic ointment are all you'll ever need.