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Walking after knee surgery?

Time of past OR future Camino
Frances, Sept (2014)
Hi, my husband and I walked part of the Camino Frances in 2014 and found it to be one of the best experiences of our lives. The plan was to go back two years later and finish it. In the meantime I tore a meniscus in my knee at boot camp, had it repaired (was not a good job) and since have developed severe arthritis and am booked for a knee replacement in May. I am only 57 and am devastated that I need the surgery and am really worried that it will limit future walks for me. I'm aware that everyones experience is different but just wondered if there are others out there in Forum land who have had TKR's and have since walked the Camino successfully?
 
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Hi, my husband and I walked part of the Camino Frances in 2014 and found it to be one of the best experiences of our lives. The plan was to go back two years later and finish it. In the meantime I tore a meniscus in my knee at boot camp, had it repaired (was not a good job) and since have developed severe arthritis and am booked for a knee replacement in May. I am only 57 and am devastated that I need the surgery and am really worried that it will limit future walks for me. I'm aware that everyones experience is different but just wondered if there are others out there in Forum land who have had TKR's and have since walked the Camino successfully?

Hi. I had my first ACL repair in the 80s and had 6 subsequent surgeries then severe arthritis. I finally had TKR December 2016. We are booked to do the Camino in May but will delay because Ian is having an unexpected angiogram. The TKR wasn’t as bad as I thought considering the nature of the surgery (I am a theatre nurse). I walk 12 km with no problem and 20k with swelling and stiffness but good recovery the next day. I was advised to have TKR when l was 45, but had it at 60. My replacement knee is stronger and more stable than my other knee
 
Hi. I had my first ACL repair in the 80s and had 6 subsequent surgeries then severe arthritis. I finally had TKR December 2016. We are booked to do the Camino in May but will delay because Ian is having an unexpected angiogram. The TKR wasn’t as bad as I thought considering the nature of the surgery (I am a theatre nurse). I walk 12 km with no problem and 20k with swelling and stiffness but good recovery the next day. I was advised to have TKR when l was 45, but had it at 60. My replacement knee is stronger and more stable than my other knee
Thanks so much for replying. Did you mean that you were able to keep walking next day after 20 kms, or needed to have a rest and recovery day? Good to hear that it wasn't as bad as you thought, I'm a nurse too and some folk make it look easy while other younger patients make it look horrific!!! Hope Ian is ok and you are both able to get to Spain in May. Personally I think I will DRAG myself the rest of the way if I can't walk it in the future! Such is the pull of the Camino......Buen Camino
 
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Thanks so much for replying. Did you mean that you were able to keep walking next day after 20 kms, or needed to have a rest and recovery day? Good to hear that it wasn't as bad as you thought, I'm a nurse too and some folk make it look easy while other younger patients make it look horrific!!! Hope Ian is ok and you are both able to get to Spain in May. Personally I think I will DRAG myself the rest of the way if I can't walk it in the future! Such is the pull of the Camino......Buen Camino

We walked 20km, then 12km the next day. The swelling subsided overnight and I walked the stiffness out. I carried 4km, but I certainly felt the weight. This week we also did 12, 7, 12 back to back and I did a 11 hour shift in between, with good recovery the next day. My knee is stronger today than it was last week. We did a walk in New Zealand 270 steps down then up. I’m apprehensive, confident, hopeful and scared all at once. But one thing I do know, thanks also to the advice of many on this forum, is that I have to listen to my body. I am 62 years old
 
Hi, my husband and I walked part of the Camino Frances in 2014 and found it to be one of the best experiences of our lives. The plan was to go back two years later and finish it. In the meantime I tore a meniscus in my knee at boot camp, had it repaired (was not a good job) and since have developed severe arthritis and am booked for a knee replacement in May. I am only 57 and am devastated that I need the surgery and am really worried that it will limit future walks for me. I'm aware that everyones experience is different but just wondered if there are others out there in Forum land who have had TKR's and have since walked the Camino successfully?

Hello, I too, walked part of the Camino; from SJPD, to Sansol in 2014; and yes, it was a wonderfull expeirience, with a plan to return a couple of years later to do another third, or maybe even finish. In the mean time, an accident led to the development of arthritis of the knee, and lower spine; I am 60, and as a result of the accident, don't think I would make it now on foot. As an alternative, I am returning this year, to cycle the Camino to Santiago, then Finistere; I seem to cycle ok, and I intend to give it a good go. My Daughter, who walked with me, is joining me in September, to cycle too. We mainly camp along the way, so, this time, it will be panniers to carry the load, rather than a rucksack. Good luck.
 
I have a TKR in my right and a partial in my left, 2 screws and a plate in my back so I understand your concern. I am on the Camino now, in Pamplona. My advice to you after surgery is to do both PT and time at the gym doing light weights and elliptical machine. A TKR is only better and easier if you make an effort. Still playing soccer, skiing, and hiking the Camino. Cheers!
 
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As you already had surgery I can’t help you. 10 years ago I was in hospital for knee surgery but on my surgeon ordered a new scan and refused to operate. Told me to get walking and I was in sjpdp 2 months later and now 23 caminos and over 10000km later No Problem. Keep the faith
 
My wife has a knee replacement and before she left the hospital set her sights on the Camino as a goal to look forward too. One year and two months later we walk from SJPDP to Finisterra. She has been walking since that time. Our first walk was in winter, our next walk next October is going to be the Norte.
 
My wife has a knee replacement and before she left the hospital set her sights on the Camino as a goal to look forward too. One year and two months later we walk from SJPDP to Finisterra. She has been walking since that time. Our first walk was in winter, our next walk next October is going to be the Norte.

That is awesome. How long did you take and what, if any, was her daily average. Thank you
 
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That is awesome. How long did you take and what, if any, was her daily average. Thank you
We walked from SJPDP to Finisterra in 36 days and return to Santiago by bus and stayed there 3 more days. We walked an average of 25 km per day depending on the terrain and the weather. We had a lot of snow , hail and rain and only 6 days of sun. That is why we are looking after September. We like cooler weather and less pilgrims.
 
I walked from SJDP to Santiago in 2016 with M.S. an d two wonky knees. A week after returning home I dislocated my hip waterskiing. When I let go of the rope the left hip snapped back in so violently it destroyed both hips. The having to wait and convince a surgeon to do replacements at 53 finished my knees do to compensating for the hips. I’ve just had my right knee replaced on February 16th. I’m scheduled to have the other knee and both hips replaced hopefully every 4-6 months. We had hoped every 3-4 that’s not looking likely. Anyway I reminded the surgeon just before he put me under in the operating room. Do an awesome job because these joints are going back to walk the Camino ASAP. NEVER GIVE IN OR GIVE UP
 
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I walked from SJDP to Santiago in 2016 with M.S. an d two wonky knees. A week after returning home I dislocated my hip waterskiing. When I let go of the rope the left hip snapped back in so violently it destroyed both hips. The having to wait and convince a surgeon to do replacements at 53 finished my knees do to compensating for the hips. I’ve just had my right knee replaced on February 16th. I’m scheduled to have the other knee and both hips replaced hopefully every 4-6 months. We had hoped every 3-4 that’s not looking likely. Anyway I reminded the surgeon just before he put me under in the operating room. Do an awesome job because these joints are going back to walk the Camino ASAP. NEVER GIVE IN OR GIVE UP
You are such an inspiration. Thank you
 
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I had my first knee replaced in my 50s and the second one done in my 60s. With the replacements, we have walked from Le Puy to Santiago, Porto to Santiago, Leon to Oviedo (San Salvador) and hope to walk the primitive this May. My advice: 1) Remember that everyone is different! 2) Make doing your exercises/physical therapy your new religion and do it, do it, and continue to do it. 3) Give yourself time to recover (I needed a year to be fully back each time). 4) Know that some people never fully recover but most of us do well. I have put 1000s of miles on these knees, enough that I needed a "revision" of one of them (which required another long recovery).
 
Hi, my husband and I walked part of the Camino Frances in 2014 and found it to be one of the best experiences of our lives. The plan was to go back two years later and finish it. In the meantime I tore a meniscus in my knee at boot camp, had it repaired (was not a good job) and since have developed severe arthritis and am booked for a knee replacement in May. I am only 57 and am devastated that I need the surgery and am really worried that it will limit future walks for me. I'm aware that everyones experience is different but just wondered if there are others out there in Forum land who have had TKR's and have since walked the Camino successfully?


Hi, just wanted to say that I had both knees replaced in 2015 and walked from Viana do Castelo to Santiago in 2016 and Barcelos to Santiago in 2017, carrying full backpack, with no problem. At the moment I am planning to walk approx. 200klms of the Camino Del Norte in September and looking forward to it.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Thanks to the hopeful posters. I tore the meniscus in my right knee on the VDLP. Limped into Orense and had to end my Camino there. After trying everything else I got my knee replaced in January. Although I am walking pretty well and getting steadily better, it's pretty hard to imagine returning to the Camino. You give me hope.
 
I cycled Cf in 2014 and walked it in 2015. Since that time have had 2 TKR's ( a year apart) feel really well now and am looking forward to walking my 3rd Camino in the not too distant future.
 
Hi, my husband and I walked part of the Camino Frances in 2014 and found it to be one of the best experiences of our lives. The plan was to go back two years later and finish it. In the meantime I tore a meniscus in my knee at boot camp, had it repaired (was not a good job) and since have developed severe arthritis and am booked for a knee replacement in May. I am only 57 and am devastated that I need the surgery and am really worried that it will limit future walks for me. I'm aware that everyones experience is different but just wondered if there are others out there in Forum land who have had TKR's and have since walked the Camino successfully?
Everyone heals differently....I try to honor my body for all it's been through! My total knee replacement was at age 59 after decades of pain, etc with hiking. My recovery went well, I followed my therapy recommendations, of course, and have happily had many years of hikes, including the Camino Francais from SJPdP to Santiago when 65. I'm planning another walk in a year...at age 69. So, there are Camino after knee replacements I'm happy to report!
I do "honor" what my body has been through by using hiking poles, really good hiking boots, occasionally walking only a short distance ( hey, that way you get to explore another village!), and a loving massage to my knee before turning in. I just listen to my body and luckily, since I'm retired, plan a little longer to "take the scenic route" - my euphemism for slowing my stride to take it all in.
Good luck with your surgery. There's nothing like Camino dream for your rehab goal!
PS. I have also had a foot rebuilt, complete w bone grafting....all before my Camino! Go for it!
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I walked from SJDP to Santiago in 2016 with M.S. an d two wonky knees. A week after returning home I dislocated my hip waterskiing. When I let go of the rope the left hip snapped back in so violently it destroyed both hips. The having to wait and convince a surgeon to do replacements at 53 finished my knees do to compensating for the hips. I’ve just had my right knee replaced on February 16th. I’m scheduled to have the other knee and both hips replaced hopefully every 4-6 months. We had hoped every 3-4 that’s not looking likely. Anyway I reminded the surgeon just before he put me under in the operating room. Do an awesome job because these joints are going back to walk the Camino ASAP. NEVER GIVE IN OR GIVE UP


Hi everyone
Well I had my Right knee replaced February 16th, My right hip on July 12th...and I’ve just been put on the short surgical waiting list for the left knee before Christmas. I’m hoping to finish with the left hip in February/ March 2019.
.....still holding on to my dream to return......hopefully...2020
.....Buen Camino my friends ❤️
 
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Hi, I just got back one week ago from the CP - Senda Litoral starting in Porto. I have two TKR's, one done this last January and one done last April. As others have said, your knees are not like any others and you need to be sensitive to them. In my case I was very interested in doing more Camino's and for that reason I took very seriously the physical therapy treatment post surgery. That was the hard part. It was painful and somewhat depressing and everything else but as I said to everyone, my healing was slow but steady, not so much noticeable day to day but more so week to week.
I did great on my Camino this month, 5 months from my last TKR. My motto along the way was "not too far, not too fast." I used 1 hiking pole but I brought two. I was very deliberate with my foot placement and it has taken me some time to learn patience in this compared to a lifetime of hopping around like a rabbit. I took 800 mg of Ibuprofen each morning and really had no knee pain. My challenge was re-establishing muscle tissue and strength in my legs and core. Knee surgery can cause muscle atrophy quickly and in my case it has been a struggle to rebuild. Part of the reason I went on this recent camino was to do some intensive muscle development, so........while my knees felt great on this trip my leg muscles and also my core to some extent got very tired. By the end of the trip though there was very noticeable improvement. You will know when its time to get your TKR. You will also know when you are ready for another Camino. Listen to your body and WORK HARD EARLY in your recovery. I'm sure you'll be out there before you know it. By the way, I'm not an ideal candidate for recovery. I'm 63, and 80 lbs overweight but I'm active daily and determined, and planning next summers walk.
 
Hi, my husband and I walked part of the Camino Frances in 2014 and found it to be one of the best experiences of our lives. The plan was to go back two years later and finish it. In the meantime I tore a meniscus in my knee at boot camp, had it repaired (was not a good job) and since have developed severe arthritis and am booked for a knee replacement in May. I am only 57 and am devastated that I need the surgery and am really worried that it will limit future walks for me. I'm aware that everyones experience is different but just wondered if there are others out there in Forum land who have had TKR's and have since walked the Camino successfully?
I had a TKRin May 2015 which was bad. Had the revision in another hospital in November 2017. I skied 29 days this last winter, hiked 17;peaks with my novio this summer and am on the. Camino. I had to search for an expert on revisions as it is a very risky surgery and ended up going to the hospital where my husband graduated from many years ago. It feels great! Just search and be confident with your choice..take longer to look if you need to. It’s worth the time! Buen Camino.
I cannot say enough about PT. Important to have strength BEFORE surgery and being really anal about rehab. I have a bike on a trainer in my bedroom using it every morning. 3-4 yoga classes weekly. Plus walking, hiking etc. doing all with care. Definitely 2 pokes to hike, they take a lot of stress off the knees. Buen Camino
Orford Girl
 
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Hi Oxford girl
I’ve always been active all my life. This has been the worst. Because of so many joints effected it prevents the activity I want. A constant battle of what needs to be rested and what needs to be worked. Withe the labral tears or shredding to both hips even upper body workouts are effected. Doing all I can to be all I can be ...each and every day.....Buen Camino
 
Hi Oxford girl
I’ve always been active all my life. This has been the worst. Because of so many joints effected it prevents the activity I want. A constant battle of what needs to be rested and what needs to be worked. Withe the labral tears or shredding to both hips even upper body workouts are effected. Doing all I can to be all I can be ...each and every day.....Buen Camino
Hi Penny, you have been an inspiration to me since we met in 2016. I know that you will get through this. My prayers are with you. I look forward to meeting you again on the Camino.

Phil
 
Hi Penny, you have been an inspiration to me since we met in 2016. I know that you will get through this. My prayers are with you. I look forward to meeting you again on the Camino.

Phil
Thank you Phil
You're very sweet....I'd love to meet again on the Camino
 
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