Crohn’s Disease

[montyhiker]

Anyone have experience dealing with Crohn’s Disease or something similar while hiking the Camino? I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease about 16 years ago, and on top of that, I had kidney cancer that was dealt with. My current motto has been: “I have Crohn’s, but Crohn’s doesn’t have me”.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately as I get closer to my “go date” (April 22).
Any thoughts?

 

[J Willhaus]

Which Camino path will you be walking? Some have more infrastructure than others. I think stress reduction is possible once you get walking which may help, but you may also experience dietary changes which could impact as well.

Come prepared for a call of nature between communities and be prepared to spend a little money at stops for the privilege of using their facilities.

Don't let it stop you. Take it slow if you need to...

 

[montyhiker]

Which Camino path will you be walking? Some have more infrastructure than others. I think stress reduction is possible once you get walking which may help, but you may also experience dietary changes which could impact as well.

Come prepared for a call of nature between communities and be prepared to spend a little money at stops for the privilege of using their facilities.

Don't let it stop you. Take it slow if you need to...

I’ll be walking the Frances. I plan to walk from SJPDP to Compostela. I’m putting Faith above Fear. I’m in remission and am careful of what I eat. Luckily, eggs and potatoes are great for my diet, and I understand that a very popular dish is made of just that (tortilla, something). This is a large part of my “journey”. It’s part of the “calling” that I feel I must do.
I’m so excited and nervous at the same time. At 59, I’ve never had this yearning before in my life.

 

[sun is shining]

I frequently travel with a friend with Crohn’s and she makes a small card (think credit card sized, laminated) in whatever language is applicable in the given country. Briefly outlining what's going on and highlighting the immediate need for bathroom access. That card has frequently helped her gain access to staff bathrooms, get a key fast if bathroom is locked or - on occasion - use private bathrooms. Might be worth thinking about if you aren't fluent in Spanish (even if, it's more private).

Enjoy your Camino! It's a fantastic experience.

 

[montyhiker]

I frequently travel with a friend with Crohn’s and she makes a small card (think credit card sized, laminated) in whatever language is applicable in the given country. Briefly outlining what's going on and highlighting the immediate need for bathroom access. That card has frequently helped her gain access to staff bathrooms, get a key fast if bathroom is locked or - on occasion - use private bathrooms. Might be worth thinking about if you aren't fluent in Spanish (even if, it's more private).

Enjoy your Camino! It's a fantastic experience.

That’s a pretty good idea. Thanks!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Luckily, eggs and potatoes are great for my diet, and I understand that a very popular dish is made of just that (tortilla, something).

Tortilla. Sometimes made with onions in addition to potatoes. Most likely cooked, not raw.

 

[Mark Greenwood]

I also have Chrons though am told thats in remission. Have structured my bi-monthly infusions so that the 60 days between allows me 50 days to walk.

I plan to snack at breakfast an wait 1/2 hr before leaving, then nutribar snacks through the day unless theres somewhere nice with facitities I can use and im not in a rush. I will also take some Imodium with me just incase I have a stomach issue or bug.

Good luck and Buen Camino, the "Emergency Card" idea is brilliant, I will make sure that I carry one.

 

[t2andreo]

I’ll be walking the Frances. I plan to walk from SJPDP to Compostela. I’m putting Faith above Fear. I’m in remission and am careful of what I eat. Luckily, eggs and potatoes are great for my diet, and I understand that a very popular dish is made of just that (tortilla, something). This is a large part of my “journey”. It’s part of the “calling” that I feel I must do.
I’m so excited and nervous at the same time. At 59, I’ve never had this yearning before in my life.

In Spain, tortilla is a pie made from egg and potato. A tortilla España has some sort of ham or chorizo / sausage in it. Every cafe along the Camino sells this item. So, once you leave from your accommodations you can stop at nearly any cafe to buy a slice or two. It is very nutritious.

Many pilgrims walk with IBD or Crohn's Disease. Accommodations can be made. Plan for many 'pit stops.' sometimes you will find a cafe or other place where you can use the "bano." Other times, you will need to seek go foliage cover. Consider investing in a bottle-top bidet. The bidet part screws to a standard disposable water bottle. Search it on Google or Amazon. It will help. Practice at home before you travel.

Hope this helps - good luck!

Tom

 

[Mark Greenwood]

If it helps I produced this for my Camino.

 

[cher99840]

View attachment 162335 If it helps I produced this for my Camino.

That’s brilliant, and quick.

 

[montyhiker]

View attachment 162335 If it helps I produced this for my Camino.

Mark, where can I get something like this? I’m leaving next week and the nervous stress isn’t helping my chronic situation. I’m thinking this might be just what I need on the Camino. Thanks.

 

[henrythedog]

Mark, where can I get something like this? I’m leaving next week and the nervous stress isn’t helping my chronic situation. I’m thinking this might be just what I need on the Camino. Thanks.

I’m pretty sure you just grab the nearest teenager and get it copy, paste and printed credit-card sized, or larger. Any local copy-shop would then be able to plastic coat or laminate it.

 

[Mark Greenwood]

Mark, where can I get something like this? I’m leaving next week and the nervous stress isn’t helping my chronic situation. I’m thinking this might be just what I need on the Camino. Thanks.

Just copy and print on card if you can't print on plastic. If you feel the need you can get it laminated. Buen Camino