Patient history:
"Mini and Muttern" are the world's first mother-daughter duo at the South Pole. After 55 days on expedition, Emma "Mini" Gyllenhammar and her mother Kathinka "Muttern" stood at the world's southernmost point.
- It was even more spectacular than I had imagined, says Emma.
Two years ago, she could barely walk. Now she has been walking 8-12 hours every day for over two months, with a sled of over 100 kilos behind her.
- How did the hip go? Very good, I didn't have a single pain.
A mental challenge
Emma thought the hardest part would be reaching the South Pole itself.
- I was sure that I was going to be exhausted and bored. But when we arrived, I actually felt really good. We were in a good flow.
The mental breakdown came earlier, around day 29, she says.
- We had been going for a month. Then it hit me: There are 45 days left. It was heavy. You count all the time – weeks, hours and round numbers. Fortunately, there are constant milestones, and it was incredibly nice to enjoy a time without everyday stress and things waiting for you. We had one goal, and that was to get to the South Pole together, and not least to have fun on the way. And we had that.
- Nothing surprised us. We had enough food, slept well and had warm enough clothes. Mum is extremely experienced and careful, and that has made me careful too.
55 days. No pain.
Just 18 months ago, Emma was lying on the operating table at CMedical after several years of intense pain. On such an expedition, the hip is particularly exposed when you pull a heavy sled day after day.
- It's really incredible that during 55 days I didn't have a single pain in my hip. I was prepared that it would hurt, and that I would have to do exercises along the way.
- It testifies to an extremely successful operation. It was the first time in many years that I could do what I wanted without it hurting. It was absolutely magical. I am so grateful that I met Kristian M. Warholm and the dedicated team at CMedical - they saw me, took me seriously and contributed to a treatment that has changed my life.
Antarctica is almost completely silent, and the trip consisted of both wind, whiteout and snowfall, but also sun.
- There were no disturbances. Just the two of us. There are many people who want to go on an expedition alone, but for me the greatest value was sharing the experience with my mother. We were so focused on the work tasks that the weather hardly mattered. I was just incredibly grateful to be there. It has taken me so many years – and hip surgeries – to get there. Also, there is nothing warmer than a mother's security.
When asked about one of her strongest memories, she highlights a completely "ordinary" day.
- We lay in the tent and drank cocoa after today's session. I just thought how lucky I was to be there. With mom.
The contrast is great. From barely being able to walk, to skiing 25 kilometers every day for 55 days.
- I saw how quickly life can turn around. It makes me appreciate it even more. Two years ago there was no guarantee that I would be standing there.
- Now I know that it is possible to come back.