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  1. KJFSophie

    Any Advice about how to strengthen my knees for down hills.

    Best piece of advice I received was from a sports physical therapist...the trick is to not put blunt pressure on your knees to begin with . We tend to lock our knees in place to brace for a decent, akin to planting a stump on the pavement. This jars the joint. The idea behind reducing knee pain...
  2. KJFSophie

    First timer tips afterwards - blister

    The blister should drain with the thread wick overnight, then remove the thread in the morning. I recommend cotton white thread. I pull the thread in the morning ( make sure it was kept clean thru the night with a light sock or a breathable dressing ) and cover with a fabric bandage. It should...
  3. KJFSophie

    First timer tips afterwards - blister

    @perigina2000 A few things to consider when answering your question: 1) the liquid inside of the blister ( serum) is actually beneficial towards healing, so you don't want to completely drain, nor dry out the blister quickly. 2) opening up the skin opens the blister to infection, whereas...
  4. KJFSophie

    First timer tips afterwards - blister

    I’m a nurse and use the needle a thread method to wick drain the blisters instead of just piercing or cutting or pulling blister skin off. Infection can happen with any method and that is the part of blister treatment that requires the most attention. I wipe the threaded needle and thread...
  5. KJFSophie

    Advice needed: Am I getting enough hill training?

    The best training you can do aside from long distance walking and whatever hills are around you is climbing stairs. Find a stadium a public library/monument/ water dam with lots and lots of stairs and just walk up and down for an hour or so everyday. I do the local football stadium, climbing...
  6. KJFSophie

    Creams, sprays, ointments... AGGGHH!

    I use Compeed brand foot glide/antifriction stick to help stay off blisters between toes, and use Voltaren ( an NSAID ) gel for my knees , shoulders, and tops of feet when needed for sore joints/muscles. Both can easily be found in farmacias in Spain and Portugal if you need them. I also carry...
  7. KJFSophie

    Increasing protein consumption

    The egg debate in 2022...while most think that eating egg whites is the healthy way to go, research has debunked this notion that sprung up in the 70's. Gram for gram, the yolk contains much more protein than the whites. If you need a diet to include protein, including both whites and yolks is...
  8. KJFSophie

    Increasing protein consumption

    My family and friends call me a carnivore and though it isn't trendy or PC, I eat meat in shameful quantities for the protein and also to stave off persistent anemia. Everyone has a specific diet that suits their own physical/medical needs and I do find it most unhelpful for people to shame...
  9. KJFSophie

    Help with blisters!

    Two very reputable chiropractors that I've seen for my lower back both have extensive knowledge to evaluate the bones in the feet and ankles. They both prescribe various orthotics to correct foot position and posture overall. I'm not sure they would have any medical advice as to the skin of the...
  10. KJFSophie

    Help with blisters!

    I've got a few photos to match yours from my first Camino...it took months to heal properly. I since had been evaluated by an orthopedist who recommended shoes/hikers that take your weight in the heel,not toward the ball of the foot. ( think Altra or Zero ), I use Compeed foot glide generously ...
  11. KJFSophie

    Tips to handle severe fish/seafood allergies on CF?

    I'm sure you are aware that it is more than ordering something you can eat and avoiding the things you are allergic to....real allergies can be triggered if the same knife or counter or spoon is used from something to another ( fish and mushrooms are everywhere! ) The cooks should be alerted to...
  12. KJFSophie

    Transport of Prescription Drugs

    Get a print out from pharmacy which generally contains brand and generic name, strength, and dosing info as well as prescriber info. Scan onto your phone ( or copy onto lightweight airmail paper in your copier ). I've not had the need to tote the bottles as long as there is labeling of some type...
  13. KJFSophie

    Transport of Prescription Drugs

    I use small plastic pill pouches/baggies, but attach the label from the pharmacy. My pharmacy prints out sticky labels with the rx on the direction/use sheet. I also scan the rx info onto my phone. No issues.
  14. KJFSophie

    Tips to handle severe fish/seafood allergies on CF?

    You are wise to plan this out ahead. "they put tuna on everything" was my experience as well. Even when requesting 'sin atun', all they did was pick the tuna off of the top of the salad...not helpful for a real allergy! I've since created a small credit card sized laminated list of true allergen...
  15. KJFSophie

    Should I pack backup eyeglasses?

    After failed ( beginning of pandemic ) cataract surgeries with no proper follow up, my vision is awful. I can see better for distance, but can't even read large print close. I have bifocal contacts which are okay for short periods of time, so not helpful with entire day of wear, and they're...
  16. KJFSophie

    Morton's Neuroma Resolved

    I had a solid tumor in my knee that had been worked up extensively and the surgery was in the books. I had decided to walk the CP with the knowledge that I'd need extra time, lots of breaks and even lugging knee braces. When I returned home and met with the orthopedic surgeon to review the...
  17. KJFSophie

    Training for the Camino

    I live in the NE part of the USA and tend not to train outdoors in the winter months as the streets are treacherous from snow/ice and I choose not to risk any injury that would prevent my Camino from taking place. In those months before March I train at home with pilates and upper body weight...
  18. KJFSophie

    Training for the Camino

    When I've been asked how I train, I tend to include "Stadium Stairs" ...I go to local athletic complex outside and simply walk up and down stairs to strengthen the same muscles in legs/thighs/butt used for climbing...in addition, I've been in office buildings in inclement weather ...all free :)
  19. KJFSophie

    Second Opinion Update Anniesantiago

    Shout if you need to ! " What cannot be put to words, can not be put to rest", so if you need to say it out loud to make peace with it all...I, and many others are listening. I like your new second opinion. And I like your tentative plan of starving that beast then pulling it the hell out of...
  20. KJFSophie

    Health Issues ☹

    Not quite cardiac issues, but I've walked against sound medical judgement a few times. ( shhhh.don't tell anyone ! ) I'm not sure if your 'treadmill' events were pushing your physical limits or simply 'walking' . I know many with pacemakers and such who walk everyday with great health benefit...

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