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... However, I can get those trekking poles, I can go slowly, I can bring my medicine, I can at least try and see what happens right?...
I have Ankylosing Spondylitis, Sjogrens, and SLE with Antiphospholipid Syndrome.
Such a lovely, lovely, positive and affirming response....Camino Hugs.Hello Angel, this just hit home to me, as life with autoimmune is challenging, but does not need to become our only focus. I also have multiple autoimmunes, including sjogrens, but in addition to that, that I am an active adventurous lady who enjoys a good challenge. I have never travelled before, yet this last July headed off to Paris on my own, and then the camino, starting at SJPP in July. My plan was to cycle the camino, hoping that the joint jarring would be less painful. I had the most wonderful eight days of my life until my body flared up in every way. I was sad to stop my journey, but soon discovered that this was part of my journey. I sought treatment at the hospital, and then rested and did a "real slow" camino on the bus. There were plenty of other people on the bus with various ailments...and the camino made room for all of us. EVERYONE is just out there doing what they can! I know that some would say that this is not a "real" pilgrimage, but my experience was real. I was blessed to meet wonderful people, to eat crazy good food, to walk through churches and historic sites that just touched my soul. I still lurk on this forum to listen for that feeling from fellow pilgrims, to relive a bit of the heaven that I found on the camino.
When I sought medical treatment, the doctors were well informed about the conditions, we conversed using google translate, I never had a moments doubt or fear with the treatment. As I set out on my journey I also thought... what if other people notice my limitations, or what if I get sick. It is a gamble, but so is not going.. what if you miss an amazing experience? Plan to be sick... find out where hospitals are, have a plan b in your back pocket... I got to spend three glorious days at a monastery in Sarria sleeping, eating and resting. One night, another lady actually tucked me into bed! When was the last time that you had that experience. I will treasure it forever!
With my face fully inflamed... see below... I danced in front of the cathedral at night with all of the other pilgrims... hands in the air, not thinking about what my face looked like. Then I noticed the streetcleaner staring at me... and he said I was beautiful! He rose to the challenge of looking further than my face... and you have the challenge of looking further than your ailments. They are a part of you, but not the entirety of you. They will limit how you do things, but you will choose what things to do. You are required to check with your doctor... to ensure that you have your plans ready... and then you will decide what part of this journey will be yours! Buen Camino. I look forward to future posts from you dancing in the square at santiago! And I will dance here in my house thinking of you..
With my face fully inflamed... see below... I danced in front of the cathedral at night with all of the other pilgrims... hands in the air, not thinking about what my face looked like.
What a beautiful offer, and thank you for the encouragement.What lovely, brave people you all are.
I am very allergic/asthmatic with unknown triggers. Not so severe as you all, but scary enough. I have done multiple caminos, and I live along the Frances. Please consider my house a refuge if you have a flare-up. I am not a medical professional, but I have a clean, private room where you can rest and recover, about half way -- give me a call or note, and get the bus or train to Sahagun.
I believe in what you are doing. God gave you the call. The courage is up to you!
What a beautiful offer, and thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you for starting the thread and allowing people to consider what limitations they have to live with and what limitations can be negotiated...honestly it is very affirming to revisit limitations that I place on myself that I may not need to when I speak to others about possibility. So thank you for the conversation.I just want to say thank you again to all of you, and especially normandog for sharing this lovely story. You've really inspired me and made me feel like I can do this. When my husband asked me (again) "so you really think you could do this?" I replied "I don't think I can, I am telling you that I am going to do it. As soon as the doctors tell me I can go I am going." He thinks I am insane, but he always supports me, he will come around. He's just afraid. It's been a terrible year, healthwise. I am sure that in another year things will be better, and I will do what I can and what I can't do I won't.
Thank you.
Just get your plan b in your back pocket... and get travelling! Find out where bus stations are all along the camino so that you have an out at any time.
I would love it if he did join me! He would really enjoy this too I think, but I'm not sure of we can make it happen, and he hasn't expressed any interest at all in going. I think it's really odd, because he likes to go hiking and stuff, but this seems to not be grabbing him like it is me.What about inviting your husband to join you... going at your own paces but meeting up for overnights or dinners or whatever... show him what you've got.
I am very much planning on continuing to lurk here... and hope in the next couple of years to see your dancing face on a post!!
Has anyone done the walk with systemic autoimmune diseases? ... What have been your experiences?
I'm going again in April and have no concerns... hope this helps ease a afew worries
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