How many more ways can my body fail me?

As if it isn't bad enough that I require 3 medications a day to control my migraines and chronic daily headache --and by control, I mean I still get maybe 6-10 migraines a month, sometimes daily for a week at a time, just less than before and fortunately less intense most of the time-- bad enough that I go through thousands of dollars' worth of prescription drugs for acute migraines and pain in general (thank god for health insurance), bad enough that I don't dare have more babies while on the meds I take due to potential harm to the fetus (which absolutely breaks my heart as I would love to have more children--I try and wean myself off the pills from time to time, but the headaches always get worse, and 3 neurologists have advised me to stick with them. I'm waiting to see a 4th neurologist to try out Botox migraine therapy...), bad enough I require treatment for ongoing bladder problems (a minor irritant in comparison to the migraines, but still)--in addition to all this we now add three additional problems: after a second infection in my left ear several weeks ago, I still can't hear properly (unless you count the very loud ringing sound), and am waiting for an appointment with a specialist who will likely have to surgically drain it (ew!); I recently went to the dentist and discovered not only that I need my wisdom teeth out, but that I have a load of cavities which may in fact be a side-effect of my medications; but last and best of all, last week I participated in a research study comparing bone density of "normal controls" to patients with multiple sclerosis. I was supposed to be one of the normal controls, when the researchers discovered that I scored in the bottom 3% for bone density, with a score putting me at high-risk for osteoporosis (the good news is I fell off my chair yesterday and did not break my hip). I have since been referred for additional testing and may have to take even more meds for the rest of my life. Great. I'm only in my 30s, what the hell?!! I take more drugs than most seniors, and apparently am developing a senior's body too.

As if to shame me further, everyone I go to university with runs, bikes, etc. Half the people in my class run marathons. Because I take beta blockers for the migraines, I don't do cardio or stairs very well, and my academic department is on the 4th floor. I'm the only one who takes the elevator (I refer to it as my private elevator)--but I always walk down the stairs.

So how can a woman with the health of a 70 year old be seriously contemplating a 3-4 month trip to Nepal, with its hills, mountains, poor health conditions, all the walking and climbing involved just getting around, even if you aren't there to trek? Because I refuse to be a slave to my failing health. I will not let my failing body get the better of me. I will visit Ayurvedic doctors, witchdoctors and any other Nepali medicine men that can offer me a snake oil cure for headaches. I vow to work on my weaknesses and prepare for the very challenging and different lifestyle we will be leading when we get there. I need to increase my yoga (Naomi likes it too!), and work on my walking/stairclimbing. I hate this wather, but as it warms up Michael and I promised each other we'd start hiking and walking more to get me ready. I need some support from him to do it too. I can be ferociously lazy. Delaying our trip may be a blessing in disguise, as it gives me the summer to get more active, in addition to the time we need to save and fundraise.