Medical conditions

[Philla]

Just wondering if anyone has walked the camino after having heart/kidney transplant new hip knee or having suffered a stroke or heart attack or any other medical conditions ? (Not bunions or verrucas)

 

[GlenysP]

I have allergies to antibiotics, local anaesthetics, antihistamines, pain relief. I'm talking anaphylaxis. I wear a medic alert necklace with vital information inside.
Whenever I go overseas, (particularly each, of two Caminos because so rural and I only speak limited Spanish, and there for weeks at a time) I also take a printed translation re allergies, medic alert etc in the languages of any countries (stopover cities on route also). I had copy in a waterproof plastic bag, in my backpack, and with my passport and in 2011, my partner also carried a copy in his pack. Luckily I've never had to use it.
Also, 2015 my partner and I walked to raise awareness about young people diagnosed with Dementia because he was diagnosed in his 50s. He became unwell with chest infection but I was cautious about what 'complimentary' products to give him in the early days, that I could feel confident wouldn't be contraindicated with his medication. I took a copy of his scripts with us, and I had enough Spanish to ask pharmacist in Astorga (and showing scripts) if he could take something that I carried for me. The pharmacist got online and brought up the product, in English explaining the concerns that she had. So language wasn't a barrier in a potentially serious situation.

 

[Tincatinker]

Just wondering if anyone has walked the camino after having heart/kidney transplant new hip knee or having suffered a stroke or heart attack or any other medical conditions ? (Not bunions or verrucas)

Interesting question @Philla I trust that you yourself do not tick too many of those boxes. The answer is yes, lots. And you can add cancer, bereavement and heart-break to your list just from stories that have been posted in the last couple of weeks.

Me I walk with a partial occlusion of the anterior artery of the heart; a +/-1 cm displacement in my sacroiliac and a tendency to grumpiness possibly attributable to nagging sciatic pain. But then I spend my life with these conditions so how could I walk the camino without them.

 

[jirit]

Hi Philla

There are numerous stories of people and various members of this forum that have walked the camino with various medical conditions.

These include pilgrims recovering from recent heart attacks, and dealing with other heart conditions, or serious respiratory conditions and recent survivors of cancers.

Or those with recent hip and/or knee replacements, or worse waiting for hip or knee replacements, and bad backs or back injuries, to those with diabetes, celiac disease, etc.

And finally those with Parkinson's, and those confined to wheel chairs, and those that need mobility assistance, etc.

 

[J F Gregory]

I have had heart bi-pass surgery and my wife had her knee replaced last year. We have had very little physical issues on our training hikes other than the normal aches and pains of hiking 20-25K and being in our 60's.

 

[Philla]

Hoping to do my first Camino in September and feeling a bit unsure if i can actually walk 15 mile plus for 30 odd days so when fellow pilgrims say they have walked it with this and that ailment it gives me encouragment in if they have the courage and guts to do it why not me ?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

feeling a bit unsure if i can actually walk 15 mile plus for 30 odd days

Don't wait to be on the Camino to find out!! Work your way up on the distance and successive days to see how you do. If you cannot reach your fifteen mile goal for three days on a long weekend, you may be over-matched by the Camino. I suggest that it is a good idea not to discover anything new on the Camino except scenery, people, and food. There should be no equipment, footwear, or endurance discoveries.

 

[Lmsundaze]

Hoping to do my first Camino in September and feeling a bit unsure if i can actually walk 15 mile plus for 30 odd days so when fellow pilgrims say they have walked it with this and that ailment it gives me encouragment in if they have the courage and guts to do it why not me ?

I know at this point I cannot walk 15 mile days for 3 days, and possibly never will be able to do so. SO.... I am planning a Camino with more days and shorter walks, and will see what happens. Maybe I will get stronger, maybe not. SO I am skipping the Pyrenees, planning days of about 15K, and hoping to enjoy the experience.

 

[johns]

good for you girl

 

[Susan Moeckel]

I know at this point I cannot walk 15 mile days for 3 days, and possibly never will be able to do so. SO.... I am planning a Camino with more days and shorter walks, and will see what happens. Maybe I will get stronger, maybe not. SO I am skipping the Pyrenees, planning days of about 15K, and hoping to enjoy the experience.

I trained to 13 miles but my downfall was I didn't train on hills! It felt like Spain was all uphill-- Once we started our pilgrimage , I couldn't walk more than 8 hours. We walked from Sarria to SdC. Our luggage went ahead of us, so that meant we had to go 13 miles to get to our hotel... It took me 4 taxis and a bus-- but I made it!
Next year I'm training for hills, but more than that we will take 10 days to leisurely walk that same distance and enjoy the sights more without the help of taxis!

 

[Franco]

Hi all I start my camino on 26th April from sjpp. I am an insulin depentant diabetic since 1971. It will certainly be a challenge for me.I am taking all my meds with me and I have to ensure I have lots of food on me at all times. My younger brother who was also a diabetic passed away in Spain some years ago whilst we were on holiday so for me it's a pilgrimage in his memory so it will be quite an emotional time. I am determined to conquer the camino. If u see a man with a grey osprey pack wobbling about don't forget to help!!! I have trained plenty in the mountains of Wales were I live doing lots of mountain walking and descents .Don't know how my body will hold up but I intend to take rest days if I need them.
Buen camino to all from Franco