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Hello My Wonderful Camino Family

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I have added a new earlier post to the mix referring to John Sikora's remarkable Camino Frances video series.

It was because of John that I wanted to post about some things that have been happening, and to slowly and gently re-join the Forum. I miss you all so very much.

I received an email from John several days ago which included the new uploaded YouTube video footage I made of walking over the Pyrenees via the Route Napoleon. My previous post talks all about it.

I received John's email while in hospital recovering from 4 surgeries over a 9 day period to deal with long simmering complications from my inguinal hernia surgery which some of you may recall my posting about late last year. This latest round of surgeries had to do with hydrocele removals, a large infection which is now thought to be caused by Fournier's Gangrene and the genesis of the hydroceles, massive IV infusions of the newest generation of antibiotics.

The infection, and a rather large loss of blood during surgery number 4, apparently made things touch-n-go, according to the marvelous surgeons and my wife, Jill. Pain, being bedridden which made the smallest of independent functions incredibly difficult, medications fogging the brain, boredom, etc. made things a touch gloomy.

Then the email from John arrived.

Viewing the linked video of my edited footage, which was done prior to all the rhubarb encountered later, was like the sun peeking out from a heavy fog. As I watched the video, it brought back remembrances of the excitement, commitment, and sheer joy of starting on my second Camino pilgrimage.

I finally arrived home two days ago. Visits by my children, the care and nurturing that is being given by my wife, and the ability to seemingly re-engage in positive thoughts about the Camino have made a huge positive impact on my psyche and spirits.

I have been reading through the personal PMs and responses to my last posts. What can I say that can match the caring your postings have shown? I am without the adjectives to express my gratitude and love for you all. Even to those who posted their honest feelings which took me to task, theirs were welcomed messages which helped provide some needed balance to what I was feeling: thank you!!

Having gone from being in what I regarded as good physical shape and health, to nearly succumbing to that over which I was helpless to control, and now needing to scratch my way up from the bottom to slowly regain that which I lost, I am grateful that I have what many never had: a chance to begin again.

I have no idea how my energy levels will be with regard to being back on the Forum; I am not about to push myself on anything ahead of my ability to carry on with. I will say this though, my current goal is to do another through hike of the Colorado Trail during September of 2019. :D If I manage to put myself back into shape to hike that 480 miles of the Rockies, it will be evidence to me of God's Grace through all of this nasty stuff.
 
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Hola @davebugg
WOW, you really have "been in the wars". Not to make light of it, but I think you and wife have had your Christmas present arrive a few days early. Best wishes for a speedy and total recovery.
Hopefully you will be back on the Camino sometime soon. Cheers ;)
 
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So sorry to hear of all this additional adversity you have been through in recent months. I hope your Faith has been seeing you through some of the physical and emotional hardships you have experienced.

One of my sons walked the majority of the Colorado Trail in 2017. He chose to start from Breckenridge rather than west of Denver. His photos were very beautiful. I will think of you on that route come September!
 
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Welcome back. I want to wish you a great recovery from your surgeries. Fournier's Gangrene is incredibly dangerous. I am glad that you are still with us.

Take it slow. Remember your own advice to others about doing the Camino (which is really just a metaphor for life). Take it slow. Listen to your body. Do it at your own pace.

All the best, and Merry Christmas!
 
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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Hi Dave
You were definitely missed.
You must be hearing this echo a lot.
I’m so happy you’re able to log on now and feel more comfortable to be taking it all with small steps to start - Sending my positive thoughts for your continued recovery.
Welcome home
and
Feliz Navidad

Annie
 
So good to see you back, @davebugg !! Wow, you really have been through the wringer - so glad to hear things are heading in the right direction. All the best to you and your family - may 2019 be a year of feeling-better-and-better-every-day and we'll be looking forward to hearing more about your Colorado Trail plans!

Buen recovery Camino y feliz navidad!
 
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Words fail me, Dave. What a trial by fire.
Adding my voice to the chorus of "So Glad You're Back" - and to add that it's a relief that your close shave was only that and not much worse.
Your indomitable spirit shines through! Well done.
May you heal quickly and completely, and may you soon have boots on the ground again.
We are all cheering for you.
 
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Bienvenido Davebugg, I'm so sorry to hear about the medical problems and am glad things are improving. Although it's been said, many times, many ways...take it easy, friend. The Colorado Rockies await and the Camino is always here. You, otoh, are irreplaceable. Be well.
 
My heart jumped for joy at seeing your name at the top of your post.... and then I read further - My goodness, you have had a time of it, haven’t you? I’m so grateful that you made it through and are on the healing and recovery side of things. What better time of year to look forward and relish that first spark of light, life, and inspiration which heals the body and the spirit? The warmest of wishes to you and your family ...
 
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@davebugg , like so many others, I am very happy to see you back on the forum. I wish you all the best for your recovery. May you soon be able to walk some wonderful trails again!
And thank you for recording your hike over the Pyrenees. I thoroughly enjoyed reliving this wonderful experience step by step. Thanks to @John Sikora , too, for his great editing!
 
So so lovely to see you back on the forum Dave Bugg....my goodness me, you certainly Have been through the wringer these past few months.....I only hope and pray that your recovery will continue on its upward spiral.....so hard to have to rely on others for every small assistance, especially when one has been such an independent and strong person. Love and Camino Blessings dear Dave Bugg and hoping to see more of you on here when time and energy permit. Susanawee
 
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Wishing you speedy recovery Dave.........didnt know about the video so I'm looking forward to watching it this afternoon with a glass of vino tinto!
Wishing you, Ivar and all on Camino forum a very happy Christmas and good health and walking feet for 2019!
 
Sad to hear of your recent medical problems, though I'm very glad to hear that you're finally getting over that spot of Camino funk -- can't help but wonder about whether the former might not have been the root cause of the latter, my own mood certainly goes into freefall when I'm ill, but anyway, happy to hear of the improvements on both fronts !!

Starting my own mad Camino in a few weeks ...
 
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Hola @davebugg
WOW, you really have "been in the wars". Not to make light of it, but I think you and wife have had your Christmas present arrive a few days early. Best wishes for a speedy and total recovery.
Hopefully you will be back on the Camino sometime soon. Cheers ;)
Saint Mike....you certainly have a way of saying it how it is.....I always love reading your responses to posts....Blessings.
 
Hel
Hola, Davebugg!
You've been such a blessing to so many pilgrims.
We're glad you're back with us and those who follow will be equally blessed for your return.
Blessings for a Merry Christmas and a bright 2019 of hiking!

lo DaveBugg.....you most certainly have been 'put through the wringer' as they say here in Aust. Loving your honesty and your humour......I really hope and pray tHat your health continues to improve now and, that you are back soon to doing those things which you love. Love, hope and friendship....susanawee
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
I have added a new earlier post to the mix referring to John Sikora's remarkable Camino Frances video series.

It was because of John that I wanted to post about some things that have been happening, and to slowly and gently re-join the Forum. I miss you all so very much.

I received an email from John several days ago which included the new uploaded YouTube video footage I made of walking over the Pyrenees via the Route Napoleon. My previous post talks all about it.

I received John's email while in hospital recovering from 4 surgeries over a 9 day period to deal with long simmering complications from my inguinal hernia surgery which some of you may recall my posting about late last year. This latest round of surgeries had to do with hydrocele removals, a large infection which is now thought to be caused by Fournier's Gangrene and the genesis of the hydroceles, massive IV infusions of the newest generation of antibiotics.

The infection, and a rather large loss of blood during surgery number 4, apparently made things touch-n-go, according to the marvelous surgeons and my wife, Jill. Pain, being bedridden which made the smallest of independent functions incredibly difficult, medications fogging the brain, boredom, etc. made things a touch gloomy.

Then the email from John arrived.

Viewing the linked video of my edited footage, which was done prior to all the rhubarb encountered later, was like the sun peeking out from a heavy fog. As I watched the video, it brought back remembrances of the excitement, commitment, and sheer joy of starting on my second Camino pilgrimage.

I finally arrived home two days ago. Visits by my children, the care and nurturing that is being given by my wife, and the ability to seemingly re-engage in positive thoughts about the Camino have made a huge positive impact on my psyche and spirits.

I have been reading through the personal PMs and responses to my last posts. What can I say that can match the caring your postings have shown? I am without the adjectives to express my gratitude and love for you all. Even to those who posted their honest feelings which took me to task, theirs were welcomed messages which helped provide some needed balance to what I was feeling: thank you!!

Having gone from being in what I regarded as good physical shape and health, to nearly succumbing to that over which I was helpless to control, and now needing to scratch my way up from the bottom to slowly regain that which I lost, I am grateful that I have what many never had: a chance to begin again.

I have no idea how my energy levels will be with regard to being back on the Forum; I am not about to push myself on anything ahead of my ability to carry on with. I will say this though, my current goal is to do another through hike of the Colorado Trail during September of 2019. :D If I manage to put myself back into shape to hike that 480 miles of the Rockies, it will be evidence to me of God's Grace through all of this nasty stuff.
Dear Dave Bugg, I was glad to see your name on the Forum today. I am not sure that you were aware of how much I valued your wise and generous advice as I prepared myself for walking the Camino earlier this year. In the first weeks of September, as I progressed from St Jean PP towards Santiago de Compostella, I often had occasion to reflect on that wisdom (esp re: foot care and socks). Then, early in October, a day after I received my Compostella, I read your post describing the encounter and your decision to pull back for awhile. I had so many emotions reading that post, not least because of my status as an American who has lived outside the USA for many years. And, because I suspect that you and I are of a similar age, with (perhaps) some similar life experiences. I was dismayed at what happened to you and, selfishly and illogically, felt bereft at your decision to "leave". But, even then, I was impressed at your ability to describe so clearly your reasons for taking your own path, in your own time. So - I was glad to see your name here again. And, impressed again at your resilience and I know you will recover from this challenge. I just wanted you to know that my making it to the Cathedral on Oct 3rd was, in some way, thanks to you.
 

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