Photo courtesy of Joe Stock

While climbing in Bolivia earlier this year, Global Rescue member James Kesterson suffered a painful toothache. Kesterson, a frequent traveler on expeditions with Stock Alpine, was concerned with how much worse the pain might get at a higher altitude, not to mention putting his team in jeopardy.

He recounts his experience and shares his thanks with Global Rescue:

“We had been in Bolivia climbing for about 10 days when I developed a toothache.  It was the first time in my life that I experienced that much pain. A doctor who was with us prescribed lots of ibuprofen but said that I probably should take an antibiotic.  We had some antibiotics with us but he was unsure of which to give me. We called Global Rescue.

“We were at 14,000 feet planning to head up to 21,000 feet.  Global Rescue doctors directed me to take neither antibiotic that we had since both were for stomach illness. Instead, Global Rescue directed me to get some penicillin. They assured me that, if I could tolerate the pain with the ibuprofen, I should be fine at a higher altitude.  No penicillin could be located where we were so we climbed on, doing well on our trip, although the ibuprofen seemed to make me very tired.

“Upon returning home, my dentist told me that something had upset my root canal and that amoxicillin should take care of it.  Of course, that’s basically the same advice that Global Rescue gave me.  It seems to have worked. I completed my prescription last week and have no pain now.

“Global Rescue did a great job at the time and in the follow up after I returned home.  By the way, one of my climbing friends had a small skiing accident last winter and Global Rescue was very responsive with his sprained wrist.

“I am very pleased with Global Rescue’s service. Thanks for being there.”