Doing the Camino Frances with Fibromyalgia

[Jimliz83]

Hi ill be doing the Camino at the end of April through May 2020 with my wife, I suffer from Fibromyalgia and was wondering if anyone else has done it with the same illness? Any info on how they deal with it, sleeping walking on the way and how they have coped would be helpfull, iv done the west highland way twice in 4 years but i struggled near the end last year i put this down to the weather wet boots and socks. But looking back it may have been more to do with pushing on when i should have rested.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Sorry to hear of your ailment, Jim. I've known a few people who share the same syndrome. You are a trooper and with your attitude you will most likely be able to cross the finish line...don't give up!
Wish you well!

 

[Jimliz83]

Thank you Chrissy I'm going to give it a good try.

 

[JAMM]

Go for it! I have only done very short versions twice: once from O Cebreiro and once from just after Sarria. Fibro varies a lot from person to person, of course, and flare up triggers vary a lot too... but I admit walking was easier than dealing with the fibro at work and 'normal' daily life in a busy big city. I carried only basics, as pretty much everyone does (sleeping bag, change of clothes, small towel, light flip flops), and managed the weight ok. Some days were better than others and sleeping in albergues did not make for the most restful nights but then, I often have poor rest in my own comfy bed at home anyway. Pacing yourself as much as you can, not pushing too much beyond what you think is reasonable for your body and other usual coping strategies for the condition will hopefully get you through. Best of luck!

 

[Jimliz83]

Go for it! I have only done very short versions twice: once from O Cebreiro and once from just after Sarria. Fibro varies a lot from person to person, of course, and flare up triggers vary a lot too... but I admit walking was easier than dealing with the fibro at work and 'normal' daily life in a busy big city. I carried only basics, as pretty much everyone does (sleeping bag, change of clothes, small towel, light flip flops), and managed the weight ok. Some days were better than others and sleeping in albergues did not make for the most restful nights but then, I often have poor rest in my own comfy bed at home anyway. Pacing yourself as much as you can, not pushing too much beyond what you think is reasonable for your body and other usual coping strategies for the condition will hopefully get you through. Best of luck!

Thanks for the advice JAMM, yes i only intend to carry the basic needs as you said, i also find it a bit easier out walking than in work etc. Hopefully if i don't push to hard ill be fine i to don't always get a good sleep in my own bed at times never mind in albergue, I'm more concerned about waking others up if i find i need to get up etc, ill see how this goes and maybe if needed i will try and get a private room when i can thank you.

 

[JAMM]

Thanks for the advice JAMM, yes i only intend to carry the basic needs as you said, i also find it a bit easier out walking than in work etc. Hopefully if i don't push to hard ill be fine i to don't always get a good sleep in my own bed at times never mind in albergue, I'm more concerned about waking others up if i find i need to get up etc, ill see how this goes and maybe if needed i will try and get a private room when i can thank you.

People have to get up in the middle of the night for all sorts of reasons so please do not worry about it; just be as quiet and as considerate as you possibly can and nobody will ask for more. Albergues are inevitably noisy places. In terms of the overall journey, look after yourself, hope for the best and be prepared for the worst. Enjoy your planning!