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Devastated

MaWinMex

New Member
Oct 20, 2014
19
58
Retired expat in Chapala, Mexico
Time of past OR future Camino
2016
I am devastated.
In preparation for my long-anticipated Camino pilgrimage, scheduled to begin from SJPDP 9 days from now, a month ago I was hiking 5+ miles a day, walking rapidly for maximum aerobic effect, with no problem, and feeling more fit every day.
Today I couldn’t walk from the bed to the bathroom without a total loss of breath. Putting on my hiking boots required a 10-minute recovery.
When I first started noticing these symptoms, I immediately entered a state of denial, which only ended this morning. I kept telling family, friends, and myself that everything was copacetic, no problem, good to go. As the symptoms became increasingly severe, I finally had to let my wife know what was going on. But I was still determined to soldier on, declaring that even if I had to walk 100 yards, rest, and repeat for 500 miles, then that's what I would do. This morning I finally gave up, and am waiting for a call from the Labor Day weekend on-call doctor to figure out what's going on and what to do. As I wait, I'm cancelling hotel, B&B, and flight reservations, each cancellation a fresh disappointment.
Whatever this turns out to be, and whatever the solution, I'm more determined than ever not to let the dream die.
 
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SYates

Camino Fossil AD 1999, now living in Santiago de C
Oct 15, 2012
7,853
19,377
Santiago de Compostela
egeria.house
Time of past OR future Camino
First: Camino Francés 1999
...
Last: Santiago - Muxia 2019

Now: http://egeria.house/
Sorry to hear that! Hope it turns out to be nothing serious! Hold your fire cancelling things until you have a clear idea what is going on and yes - Buen Camino (either this time or next!) SY
 
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A guide to speaking Spanish on the Camino - enrich your pilgrim experience.
Jul 18, 2014
13,978
57,964
Time of past OR future Camino
Yearly and Various 2014-2019
Via Monastica 2022
Oh, my. Your Camino has begun, but not how you might have thought.
I'm sorry this has happened to you @MaWinMex , but as @wayfarer said, far better at home than on the road...better for you and better for everyone around you.
May you have news soon, and great that you're taking this seriously: you need a healthy body to carry that dream! All good wishes and buen camino...on the patience road...
 
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jerby

Member
Jul 29, 2012
37
40
Co. Wexford, Ireland
Time of past OR future Camino
Fishermans Trail
I am devastated.
In preparation for my long-anticipated Camino pilgrimage, scheduled to begin from SJPDP 9 days from now, a month ago I was hiking 5+ miles a day, walking rapidly for maximum aerobic effect, with no problem, and feeling more fit every day.
Today I couldn’t walk from the bed to the bathroom without a total loss of breath. Putting on my hiking boots required a 10-minute recovery.
When I first started noticing these symptoms, I immediately entered a state of denial, which only ended this morning. I kept telling family, friends, and myself that everything was copacetic, no problem, good to go. As the symptoms became increasingly severe, I finally had to let my wife know what was going on. But I was still determined to soldier on, declaring that even if I had to walk 100 yards, rest, and repeat for 500 miles, then that's what I would do. This morning I finally gave up, and am waiting for a call from the Labor Day weekend on-call doctor to figure out what's going on and what to do. As I wait, I'm cancelling hotel, B&B, and flight reservations, each cancellation a fresh disappointment.
Whatever this turns out to be, and whatever the solution, I'm more determined than ever not to let the dream die.
Firstly, you health is your wealth and not just for you but your family.
Secondly, the Camino is going nowhere, so get your health sorted and start looking forward to your camino
 

Wokabaut_Meri

somewhere along the Way
Jan 1, 2015
1,003
2,993
South Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Francés 2015
Pilgrims Way 2018
Via Francigena #1 Canterbury-Dover 2018
@MaWinMex so sorry to hear of your circumstances. Devastated doesn't describe it really. As @Viranani says, you are already travelling your Camino but a very different kind to the one that you anticipated.

Buen, Buen Healing Camino. We'll all be thinking of you.
 

olgaeveraert

Olga Everaert
Jan 5, 2009
36
40
Ontario Canada
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances Sept/oct (1916)
I'm sorry to hear this but thankful it happened at home with family to help. I will be praying for you.
I agree with Mike. I empathize with you though, it must be difficult to remain at peace but try and embrace this trial. If you are meant to walk the Camino, you will. I wish you well and courage!
 
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lindam

Active Member
Apr 5, 2015
449
784
Barcelona, Spain
Time of past OR future Camino
Fr, VDLP, Invierno, Port, Madrid, Ingles, Aragones
I am devastated.
In preparation for my long-anticipated Camino pilgrimage, scheduled to begin from SJPDP 9 days from now, a month ago I was hiking 5+ miles a day, walking rapidly for maximum aerobic effect, with no problem, and feeling more fit every day.
Today I couldn’t walk from the bed to the bathroom without a total loss of breath. Putting on my hiking boots required a 10-minute recovery.
When I first started noticing these symptoms, I immediately entered a state of denial, which only ended this morning. I kept telling family, friends, and myself that everything was copacetic, no problem, good to go. As the symptoms became increasingly severe, I finally had to let my wife know what was going on. But I was still determined to soldier on, declaring that even if I had to walk 100 yards, rest, and repeat for 500 miles, then that's what I would do. This morning I finally gave up, and am waiting for a call from the Labor Day weekend on-call doctor to figure out what's going on and what to do. As I wait, I'm cancelling hotel, B&B, and flight reservations, each cancellation a fresh disappointment.
Whatever this turns out to be, and whatever the solution, I'm more determined than ever not to let the dream die.
Devastating, yes, but you will hopefully return to good health soon and can continue to make plans for your Camino. While reading the description of your symptoms, I could not help but to be reminded of my husband's sudden episode with pulmonary embolisms last year. This is a very serious condition but can be easily treated with the proper medical attention and continued medicine. It would be my suggestion that you not wait for the on-call doctor to visit but that you instead seek immediate attention at the nearest hospital. All the best for a speedy recovery and your upcoming Camino trip.
 
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Jakke

Active Member
Jul 10, 2016
240
223
Finland
Time of past OR future Camino
Several in Poland, Finland, Portugal and Spain
I am devastated.
In preparation for my long-anticipated Camino pilgrimage, scheduled to begin from SJPDP 9 days from now, a month ago I was hiking 5+ miles a day, walking rapidly for maximum aerobic effect, with no problem, and feeling more fit every day.
Today I couldn’t walk from the bed to the bathroom without a total loss of breath. Putting on my hiking boots required a 10-minute recovery.
When I first started noticing these symptoms, I immediately entered a state of denial, which only ended this morning. I kept telling family, friends, and myself that everything was copacetic, no problem, good to go. As the symptoms became increasingly severe, I finally had to let my wife know what was going on. But I was still determined to soldier on, declaring that even if I had to walk 100 yards, rest, and repeat for 500 miles, then that's what I would do. This morning I finally gave up, and am waiting for a call from the Labor Day weekend on-call doctor to figure out what's going on and what to do. As I wait, I'm cancelling hotel, B&B, and flight reservations, each cancellation a fresh disappointment.
Whatever this turns out to be, and whatever the solution, I'm more determined than ever not to let the dream die.

That is too bad.... Right decisions, though. Both to see the doc and to hold on to your dream. I pray all will be okay with you soon on your get-better-camino!
 

maytebaos

New Member
Aug 14, 2016
12
6
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino primitivo (2015) Camino portugues (2017)
I am devastated.
In preparation for my long-anticipated Camino pilgrimage, scheduled to begin from SJPDP 9 days from now, a month ago I was hiking 5+ miles a day, walking rapidly for maximum aerobic effect, with no problem, and feeling more fit every day.
Today I couldn’t walk from the bed to the bathroom without a total loss of breath. Putting on my hiking boots required a 10-minute recovery.
When I first started noticing these symptoms, I immediately entered a state of denial, which only ended this morning. I kept telling family, friends, and myself that everything was copacetic, no problem, good to go. As the symptoms became increasingly severe, I finally had to let my wife know what was going on. But I was still determined to soldier on, declaring that even if I had to walk 100 yards, rest, and repeat for 500 miles, then that's what I would do. This morning I finally gave up, and am waiting for a call from the Labor Day weekend on-call doctor to figure out what's going on and what to do. As I wait, I'm cancelling hotel, B&B, and flight reservations, each cancellation a fresh disappointment.
Whatever this turns out to be, and whatever the solution, I'm more determined than ever not to let the dream die.
I hope
is nothing serious,I will keep you on my prayers, maybe is not the perfect time for you to do it, take it easy! ;-) Maybe next year! We had to postponed ours for 10 years for one reason or other,and now,planning our second Camino , everything happen for some reason , don't hesitate !! You will do it !!! Keep your faith ! Buen Camino
 
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vgen5122

Active Member
Aug 2, 2012
226
491
Vacaville , CA, USA
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances (August 19-sept 30,2013) (8/2017)
I am devastated.
In preparation for my long-anticipated Camino pilgrimage, scheduled to begin from SJPDP 9 days from now, a month ago I was hiking 5+ miles a day, walking rapidly for maximum aerobic effect, with no problem, and feeling more fit every day.
Today I couldn’t walk from the bed to the bathroom without a total loss of breath. Putting on my hiking boots required a 10-minute recovery.
When I first started noticing these symptoms, I immediately entered a state of denial, which only ended this morning. I kept telling family, friends, and myself that everything was copacetic, no problem, good to go. As the symptoms became increasingly severe, I finally had to let my wife know what was going on. But I was still determined to soldier on, declaring that even if I had to walk 100 yards, rest, and repeat for 500 miles, then that's what I would do. This morning I finally gave up, and am waiting for a call from the Labor Day weekend on-call doctor to figure out what's going on and what to do. As I wait, I'm cancelling hotel, B&B, and flight reservations, each cancellation a fresh disappointment.
Whatever this turns out to be, and whatever the solution, I'm more determined than ever not to let the dream die.

I hope you are feeling better soon. Do whatever you have to do to return to health and don't rush it. The Camino is patient. The road will wait for you and the hills will still be there ready for you to climb them. Buen Camino.
 

trevorcc

Active Member
May 26, 2013
587
1,085
74
Melbourne, Australia
Time of past OR future Camino
SJPD to Santiago 2013,2014, Camino de Levante Sept. 2016, Frances March 2018, planning 2020
Sorry to hear but it may have been a blessing in disguise as the temp. Down here in Valencia and most of Spain are experiencing a heatwave. So you made the right decision there will always be another time Buen Camino.
 
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Kitsambler

Jakobsweg Junkie
Aug 7, 2008
2,345
3,942
Seattle WA
kitsambler.wordpress.com
Time of past OR future Camino
SJPP 2023
... I'm cancelling hotel, B&B, and flight reservations, each cancellation a fresh disappointment....
Shortness of Breath is a severe medical symptom that bears careful attention -- ignoring it could prove fatal. So you've done the right thing in consulting a physician.

Sometimes the Universe reschedules our Camino for us. There is no logical explanation for this; it just seems to fit our life better the way it actually turns out. We only perceive this wisdom in the rear view mirror, though, at a distance of some months. In the moment, we only experience the frustration of our immediate plans.

(TL;DR -- One of the major lessons of the Camino is that we are not in control. Sometimes this lesson starts before the walking does.)
 
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Debra Dunsmore

New Member
Feb 22, 2016
13
6
Time of past OR future Camino
June 2017
I am devastated.
In preparation for my long-anticipated Camino pilgrimage, scheduled to begin from SJPDP 9 days from now, a month ago I was hiking 5+ miles a day, walking rapidly for maximum aerobic effect, with no problem, and feeling more fit every day.
Today I couldn’t walk from the bed to the bathroom without a total loss of breath. Putting on my hiking boots required a 10-minute recovery.
When I first started noticing these symptoms, I immediately entered a state of denial, which only ended this morning. I kept telling family, friends, and myself that everything was copacetic, no problem, good to go. As the symptoms became increasingly severe, I finally had to let my wife know what was going on. But I was still determined to soldier on, declaring that even if I had to walk 100 yards, rest, and repeat for 500 miles, then that's what I would do. This morning I finally gave up, and am waiting for a call from the Labor Day weekend on-call doctor to figure out what's going on and what to do. As I wait, I'm cancelling hotel, B&B, and flight reservations, each cancellation a fresh disappointment.
Whatever this turns out to be, and whatever the solution, I'm more determined than ever not to let the dream die.
I am so very sorry to hear this. I hope you find out what is wrong and that you get it taken care of quickly. I will be praying for you. May God bless you as you continue to plan and finally walk your Camino.
 

smj6

Siempre hay que ver el positivo
Jun 24, 2014
373
509
Haute Savoie, France & Umbria, Italy
Time of past OR future Camino
Oct/Nov 2016 (Via Podensis/ Frances)
Oct 2018 (Via Francigena stage)
What's the saying about if you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans?
It's very sad that you've had to postpone your long awaited Camino, but I pray that you'll soon be on the mend & can reschedule.
Take care, our health is so important.
Suzanne :)
 
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