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Lack of balance

Martin Phillips

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2018
I was training for the Camino and I was doing very well but I got a lack of balance after 9 miles. I recovered but later in the year when I was doing hill route the lack of balance returned. I was staggering like a drunk and I fell as darkness had fallen. A runner was on the trail and he helped me back to my car. That took three hours. Does anybody know of this problem. Needless to say I haven'd done the Camino as I stopped walking and I am now trying to restart the process. I'm 66 years old and I have Diabetes 2. Any advice?
 
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I was training for the Camino and I was doing very well but I got a lack of balance after 9 miles. I recovered but later in the year when I was doing hill route the lack of balance returned. I was staggering like a drunk and I fell as darkness had fallen. A runner was on the trail and he helped me back to my car. That took three hours. Does anybody know of this problem. Needless to say I haven'd done the Camino as I stopped walking and I am now trying to restart the process. I'm 66 years old and I have Diabetes 2. Any advice?

I am sorry to hear that you are having this problem.

The only reasonable advice is to work with your provider to rule out the myriad of medical issues that could be responsible for what you are experiencing. This could be anything to an ear infection, to intermittent middle ear issues related to the same cause as motion sickness, to a list of neurological conditions from ALS to MS to rabies.

Seriously, the last thing to do is to seek a consult for this issue on a Forum. I do wish you the best as you pursue this. And PLEASE, let us know how you are doing :)
 
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 was training for the Camino and I was doing very well but I got a lack of balance after 9 miles. I recovered but later in the year when I was doing hill route the lack of balance returned. I was staggering like a drunk and I fell as darkness had fallen. A runner was on the trail and he helped me back to my car. That took three hours. Does anybody know of this problem. Needless to say I haven'd done the Camino as I stopped walking and I am now trying to restart the process. I'm 66 years old and I have Diabetes 2. Any advice?
According to me, you have to concern with a doctor. At your age, it is sometimes difficult to do Camino.
 
Yes see your doctor, there can be many causes.
My mother had low blood pressure and would keel over. My friend keels over with low blood sugar and rising up quickly.
I suffer from vertigo (linked with Meniere's) but have learned to orient myself with visual cues, and rarely have an issue now unless there is complete absence of light. There are things I do to help myself, leave lights on if I know I'm coming home in the dark, or car headlights (note to self - do not collect firewood at night from under the house without the car headlights on). If I do have an issue walking fast helps me keep upright.
My sister who suffers much more has changed her diet and takes medication to assist.
Once the issue has been diagnosed, you can learn how to cope with/prevent.
 
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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.
Yes see your doctor, there can be many causes.
My mother had low blood pressure and would keel over. My friend keels over with low blood sugar and rising up quickly.
I suffer from vertigo (linked with Meniere's) but have learned to orient myself with visual cues, and rarely have an issue now unless there is complete absence of light. There are things I do to help myself, leave lights on if I know I'm coming home in the dark, or car headlights (note to self - do not collect firewood from under the house without the car headlights on). If I do have an issue walking fast helps me keep upright.
My sister who suffers much more has changed her diet and takes medication to assist.
Once the issue has been diagnosed, you can learn how to cope with/prevent.

Disagree with the comment relating to age! :) I am 81 and still contemplating my next bit of camino! I sympathise with the sufferer as I have Meniere's disease plus a severe balance problem left side. I agree with consulting medical profession who in my case said there is no cure. This is where you have to develop your own bag of tricks to cope plus a certain amount of honesty with yourself as to what you can and cannot do! You CAN do Camino but you may have to catch a bus or taxi now and then and give yourself "quiet" days! Godspeed and keep on truckin!

The Malingerer.
 
I was training for the Camino and I was doing very well but I got a lack of balance after 9 miles. I recovered but later in the year when I was doing hill route the lack of balance returned. I was staggering like a drunk and I fell as darkness had fallen. A runner was on the trail and he helped me back to my car. That took three hours. Does anybody know of this problem. Needless to say I haven'd done the Camino as I stopped walking and I am now trying to restart the process. I'm 66 years old and I have Diabetes 2. Any advice?
I have a balance disorder which hugely impacts my walking. Narrow trails, ledges, rocks, anything with a drop to one side (esp the left side), stream fording, etc are all a nightmare for me & take a long time to negotiate. Also if I walk too long (more than 25kms) I start doing the drunk, staggering thing you describe. I haven't got to the passing out stage because I know & understand my condition & adjust my actions accordingly. I am the most awkward & least sure-footed walker you can imagine & therefore lack confidence on any surface other than road or substantial trail.
A crucial element for me is using one walking pole to 'steady the ship'. Also I often look for alternative routes more suitable for my issues.
Despite my disorder, I have walked thousands of kilometres on a variety of trails. I'm currently walking the full Via Francigena & have been on the trail over two months with a month to go. Long walking days through France, mountain sections in Switzerland, etc have all posed problems but they can be overcome.
Go & see a Dr/Specialist, get a proper diagnosis, then you can work around your condition & get on with your Camino...once you know exactly what you're dealing with, you may just have to go your Own Way.
Best wishes.
👣 🌏
 
If you know you are diabetic then testing your blood sugar fequently will tell you if your blood sugars fall too low, but apart from that, what they all said, go talk to a doctor.
 
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I was training for the Camino and I was doing very well but I got a lack of balance after 9 miles. I recovered but later in the year when I was doing hill route the lack of balance returned. I was staggering like a drunk and I fell as darkness had fallen. A runner was on the trail and he helped me back to my car. That took three hours. Does anybody know of this problem. Needless to say I haven'd done the Camino as I stopped walking and I am now trying to restart the process. I'm 66 years old and I have Diabetes 2. Any advice?

Advice as mentioned before would be to see your doctor and take it from there.

Meanwhile you might check your basics:
did you rest enough?
drink enough water?
eat enough to prevent low blood sugar levels?

If this only happened while you were training for the camino, and not in your everyday life, then these basics may have something to do with it. You are out of your comfort zone and you probably never get out that far in your everyday life. I get all giddy when I have to climb (or go down) long stairs. After 30, 40 steps or so, my feet start to refuse and the rest of my body follows. No such stairs in my everyday life, so it is a problem that I am usually not aware of but for instance hills, caves and castles do have them. I evade those stairs if there is no place to take a break.
 
I was training for the Camino and I was doing very well but I got a lack of balance after 9 miles. I recovered but later in the year when I was doing hill route the lack of balance returned. I was staggering like a drunk and I fell as darkness had fallen. A runner was on the trail and he helped me back to my car. That took three hours. Does anybody know of this problem. Needless to say I haven'd done the Camino as I stopped walking and I am now trying to restart the process. I'm 66 years old and I have Diabetes 2. Any advice?
Are you on Blood Pressure medication?
If so, it might need adjustment. See a doctor and get checked out
 
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I agree with all the above, just check first whether it is a medical issue. I also get dizzy spells and now knowing that it is nothing serious, just plain old vertigo, I take a homeopathic medicine called Vertigoheel, and it really helps me straight away, as long as I catch it early, being homeopathic it cannot harm and it might give you some relief and confidence to tackle your training. Don't give up hope, you will do your camino.
 
I was training for the Camino and I was doing very well but I got a lack of balance after 9 miles. I recovered but later in the year when I was doing hill route the lack of balance returned. I was staggering like a drunk and I fell as darkness had fallen. A runner was on the trail and he helped me back to my car. That took three hours. Does anybody know of this problem. Needless to say I haven'd done the Camino as I stopped walking and I am now trying to restart the process. I'm 66 years old and I have Diabetes 2. Any advice?
Why are you asking us? I was a pharmaceutical rep for many years and people always asked my advice. I was a rep for Actos. I am pretty sure you know this drug as you have Type 2 Diabetes. I will tell you what I tell everyone. Go see your doctor immediately. IMMEDIATELY! If your diabetes is monitored by your Endo and not your family doctor go see him too! Diabetes is part of Metabolic Syndrome as you well know. Never ask laymen for advice. It is like asking a six year old to explain String Theory. I did not read all of the comments here but I doubt any medical professional is going to venture a diagnosis without a face to face examination, tests and having your medical history in front of them. GO TO YOUR DOCTOR PLEASE!!!!!
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I was training for the Camino and I was doing very well but I got a lack of balance after 9 miles. I recovered but later in the year when I was doing hill route the lack of balance returned. I was staggering like a drunk and I fell as darkness had fallen. A runner was on the trail and he helped me back to my car. That took three hours. Does anybody know of this problem. Needless to say I haven'd done the Camino as I stopped walking and I am now trying to restart the process. I'm 66 years old and I have Diabetes 2. Any advice?
Why are you asking the Forum, rather than you doctor?!
 
I also have diabetes (type 2) and after some miles or so I find that my blood sugar has dropped. Hate to ask the obvious but did you check your sugar when you were dizzy. I solved my problem my stopping every 5 or 6 K and eating a half energy bar (basically consume about 50-80 calories and my problem doesn’t occur.
I don't have blood pressure problems. I had to retire 7 years ago following a fall down stairs at work. I had been doing extensive walks for nine months - 12 to 20 miles a day, usually for 5 or 6 days per week. When the imbalance struck I wasn't dizzy, just weak from the knees down. Thanks to everyone for their help. Seeing my doctor is pointless. Perhaps I need to be more aggressive with him.
 
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I have asked the doctor but he makes no diagnosis. He just tells me to get back walking and charges me €50. I am re-training in a smaller way and I find in difficult over 4 to 5 miles but I will endure.
Endocrinol
Go see your Endocrinologist. Maybe an ENT, but I would highly recommend you get a new family physician. He is not listening to you he is one of those physicians that has a diagnosis 30 seconds after you start speaking.
 
I am not sure the medical process in your country but endure does not sound useful
as other have said, seek another medical second opinion or get / ask for a referral
some of the myriad of causes can be chronic and managed, some better than others, some can involve progressive disease for a few years that can be serious and still need to be addressed in a timely fashion
You deserve to enjoy life and not lose the walking you are obviously committed to and you NEED to be safe while doing it
 
I have slight vertigo related issues, mostly after laying down, then moving my head side to side as I turn. It stops after a few seconds and comes and goes. I've been diagnosed with Benign Positional Vertigo, BPV. It can be a little annoying at times, but is harmless and doesn't interfere with exercising or walking.
 
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Finding a new doctor isn't always easy. Perhaps for the time being someone could go with you? It is a lot more difficult to wave two persons goodbye.
Telling you to go back to walking wasn't a bad advice btw, rather basic, but good in a limited way. Obviously you need more.
 
As one who is in the health care professions, I would day that state of health differs widely and there are some who would be considered reasonably healthy people who wouldn’t and/or shouldn’t do the Camino. The author did reference that “sometimes” it isn’t possible for one to do a Camino. Bless all that are able— they have much to be thankful for! I’be heard and seen a few in their 90s who were able to do it, and some in their 50s who can’t yet would go on to live into their 90s. Let his physician make the call on this one. And let’s not all forget that the spirit of the Camino is not limited to the physical trail. Buen Camino to everyone, on or off the trail.
 
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I have a balance disorder which hugely impacts my walking. Narrow trails, ledges, rocks, anything with a drop to one side (esp the left side), stream fording, etc are all a nightmare for me & take a long time to negotiate. Also if I walk too long (more than 25kms) I start doing the drunk, staggering thing you describe. I haven't got to the passing out stage because I know & understand my condition & adjust my actions accordingly. I am the most awkward & least sure-footed walker you can imagine & therefore lack confidence on any surface other than road or substantial trail.
A crucial element for me is using one walking pole to 'steady the ship'. Also I often look for alternative routes more suitable for my issues.
Despite my disorder, I have walked thousands of kilometres on a variety of trails. I'm currently walking the full Via Francigena & have been on the trail over two months with a month to go. Long walking days through France, mountain sections in Switzerland, etc have all posed problems but they can be overcome.
Go & see a Dr/Specialist, get a proper diagnosis, then you can work around your condition & get on with your Camino...once you know exactly what you're dealing with, you may just have to go your Own Way.
Best wishes.
👣 🌏
Thank you so much for commenting and sharing Kaz. It’s quite comforting to know I’m not the only hiker with these problems. I too am doing everything I can to not let it prevent me from walking. I head off to the Via DeLa Plata in a few months.
 
I don't have blood pressure problems. I had to retire 7 years ago following a fall down stairs at work. I had been doing extensive walks for nine months - 12 to 20 miles a day, usually for 5 or 6 days per week. When the imbalance struck I wasn't dizzy, just weak from the knees down. Thanks to everyone for their help. Seeing my doctor is pointless. Perhaps I need to be more aggressive with him.
My doctor sent me to a neurologist. After MRI’s we’re now onto Nerve Conduction Studies. We’re ruling everything out. I too look like a drunk lady sometimes. It’s very unsettling but keeping positive and I’m still walking.
 
As one who is in the health care professions, I would day that state of health differs widely and there are some who would be considered reasonably healthy people who wouldn’t and/or shouldn’t do the Camino. The author did reference that “sometimes” it isn’t possible for one to do a Camino. Bless all that are able— they have much to be thankful for! I’be heard and seen a few in their 90s who were able to do it, and some in their 50s who can’t yet would go on to live into their 90s. Let his physician make the call on this one. And let’s not all forget that the spirit of the Camino is not limited to the physical trail. Buen Camino to everyone, on or off the trail.


This may come as a shock to some and a liberation to others.

Looking at the training schedule that @Martin Phillips describes, he has already walked the distance of a entire Camino Frances a few times over and he would have easily finished within 8 weeks (with weekends off on top of that).

It all comes down to what you consider a camino. If you must start in St Jean, must cross the Pyrenees, must hike at least 20 kms a day or even the Brierley stages.... there is no obligation, these are all self-imposed criteria. 5 kms a day will get you to Santiago. It will only take more days, some planning and a few taxis or a bus. That's all. You don't have to do it all at once either, many Spaniards walk one week and return the next year for the next week. The King of the Belgians has been walking the CF for some years now, one week at Easter, with all his family. I don't know where he started or when, perhaps one day he said to the Queen let's go for a walk and they left their Palace in Brussels and began following shells.
 
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Finding a new doctor isn't always easy. Perhaps for the time being someone could go with you? It is a lot more difficult to wave two persons goodbye.
Telling you to go back to walking wasn't a bad advice btw, rather basic, but good in a limited way. Obviously you need more.
The Health System in Ireland is chaotic. We have ill patients waiting on stretcher beds in all our hospitals in full public view. Our economy looks good but it isn't. My doctor is a nice guy but I think he is blocked by a disastrous system. I have private insurance but it makes no difference.
 
This may come as a shock to some and a liberation to others.

Looking at the training schedule that @Martin Phillips describes, he has already walked the distance of a entire Camino Frances a few times over and he would have easily finished within 8 weeks (with weekends off on top of that).

It all comes down to what you consider a camino. If you must start in St Jean, must cross the Pyrenees, must hike at least 20 kms a day or even the Brierley stages.... there is no obligation, these are all self-imposed criteria. 5 kms a day will get you to Santiago. It will only take more days, some planning and a few taxis or a bus. That's all. You don't have to do it all at once either, many Spaniards walk one week and return the next year for the next week. The King of the Belgians has been walking the CF for some years now, one week at Easter, with all his family. I don't know where he started or when, perhaps one day he said to the Queen let's go for a walk and they left their Palace in Brussels and began following shells.
My plan is to start at Burgos. I am working on the Brierley book but I can alter that. I would hope to get to Santiago in 21 days plus 4 days resting.
 
And we always hear such good things about the health care system in the EU and UK.. I paid $550 US per month for myself for 5 years straight in the US before I retired. I thought that was a rip off...that was even on my job in a group plan!
 
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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.
Chris, you were fortunate. For several reasons I retired early, my health insurance was $1500 a month and I am healthy! I could not afford to use it. Enough of that.

Martin, are you set that you are going before too long? When? You do not have to walk long days, even 4-5 miles a day will get you there. Personal experience is that there will aways be people who will help you when you might need it.
 
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Thank you so much for commenting and sharing Kaz. It’s quite comforting to know I’m not the only hiker with these problems. I too am doing everything I can to not let it prevent me from walking. I head off to the Via DeLa Plata in a few months.
Unfortunately, I know the problem all too well Lindy Lou; other walkers hop, skip, jump & are off into the distance in no time while I'm still there 20 mins later trying to negotiate a tree root or rocky steps...
I really have to scrutinise all paths; the VF has put me in some precarious positions despite assurances in the guidebook a section is 'straight-forward'...for some/most maybe, but not for all.
I tend to navigate my own way these days & am happy to deviate, for example, in favour of walking cycle paths instead of tracks...if a road bicycle can go there, I generally can!
I wish you all the very best for your VdlP from Salamanca in Sept. I'm planning to combine the VdlP & Camino Mozarabe next year. I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know if you come across any sections you found challenging for conditions such as ours.
Of course, feel free to ask me about any trails I've done you may be interested in (listed under my profile).
I'm sure, like me, you have your own way of dealing with trail problems but if all else fails...there's always the good ol' backside method! 😄
👣 🌏
 
Chris, you were fortunate. For several reasons I had to retire early, my health insurance was $1500 a month and I am healthy! I could not afford to use it. Enough of that.

Martin, are you set that you are going before too long? When? You do not have to walk long days, even 4-5 miles a day will get you there. Personal experience is that there will aways be people who will help you when you might need it.
I hope to go in 2020 due to financial issues. I am now doing 4/5 miles per day with no problems to date. Thank you for your advice.
 
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I was training for the Camino and I was doing very well but I got a lack of balance after 9 miles. I recovered but later in the year when I was doing hill route the lack of balance returned. I was staggering like a drunk and I fell as darkness had fallen. A runner was on the trail and he helped me back to my car. That took three hours. Does anybody know of this problem. Needless to say I haven'd done the Camino as I stopped walking and I am now trying to restart the process. I'm 66 years old and I have Diabetes 2. Any advice?
I am currently undertaking Camino Primitivo. A few days before I left England I would get out of bed and feel very dizzy. After a few days this subsided but I want to UK doctor before my flight. She checked blood pressure, heart and reassured me I wasn't having a heart attack or stroke. Her diagnose a virus. The day of flight to Oviedo I woke up feeling dizzy again but this eased by time I took flight to Oviedo. We had a couple of days there but day before we were due to start Camino I felt really dizzy and sick. It was raining and I went for a walk in the street I could barely walk straight as if I had drunk too much alcohol and room spun when I lay flat on my back in bed. My brother yo took me to the medical centre and the doctor was excellent. She repeated what UK doctor did and a lot more. Her diagnosis was I was suffering from Vertigo and she explained that the stones in my ears weren't in balance. I have previously had an operation in middle ear for cholestearoma was always worry for ear infection and this balance issue. Vertigo sounded better than a brain abscess infection! Any way she gave me an injection and some tablets, which I am taking and they are doing the trick. First few days Camino started feeling dizzy but walking clears up issue throughout day. I am now feeling more like myself and don't leap out of bed and take a bit longer. Suggest you visit medical centre if you are in Spain and ask them to explore all your concerns properly. In my case, looking back with initial diagnosis dismissal of my dizziness as a virus is worrying. I very nearly abandoned my Camino before I started and was researching flights home. Tomorrow is day 8 on Camino. I hope you feel better and can proper assessment for correct treatment and reassurance.
 
Hi, Do visit to your PCP doctor about your balance issues & explain how they are interfering in your activities. Do you have low blood pressure? Are you managing your blood sugar levels properly? With protein, so your sugar level doesn't drop like a rock? Also, ask for a referral to see an ENT specialist (Ear nose & throat doc) for a consultation & an examination regarding your balancing problems. You are a fall risk so your doc shouldn't deny your request to see a specialist! My mom has vertigo problems from crystals in the inner ear that becomes dislodged and floats around similar to a snow globe. This can easily be corrected. You might have a medication problem with side affects. Make sure you tell your doc about all the OTC drugs, vitamins & herbs!!! They can cause a lot of problems and can interact with other medications in a negative way! Also, medications may interact with each other which may cause side effects like balance issues. There may be vestibule issues or problems with other balancing systems in your body. The ENT doctor is your best bet. They can run you through some balancing tests to see where the problem may be. If it is a physical problem, ask to see a Physical Therapist. They too can see how you are moving, walking...and give you balance tests to see what the problem is and give you exercises to correct the problem. Good luck. Insist on a diagnosis and ask about treatments. I teach Fall Prevention to seniors and there can be a variety of causes.
 
My doctor sent me to a neurologist. After MRI’s we’re now onto Nerve Conduction Studies. We’re ruling everything out. I too look like a drunk lady sometimes. It’s very unsettling but keeping positive and I’m still walking.
This would happen to my Mom, turned out it was simple dehydration from her meds. Hope your answer is something this simple and easy to fix. I’m your age and did Sarria to Santiago last fall. Headed for first stage in mid September. Buen Camino!
 
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I was training for the Camino and I was doing very well but I got a lack of balance after 9 miles. I recovered but later in the year when I was doing hill route the lack of balance returned. I was staggering like a drunk and I fell as darkness had fallen. A runner was on the trail and he helped me back to my car. That took three hours. Does anybody know of this problem. Needless to say I haven'd done the Camino as I stopped walking and I am now trying to restart the process. I'm 66 years old and I have Diabetes 2. Any advice?
Are you taking any Rx eye drops? My OP drops gave me vertigo. I was in PT for imbalance for 5 months until I figured out it was the eye drops. After I stopped taking them, my vertigo went away in about a month.
 
I was training for the Camino and I was doing very well but I got a lack of balance after 9 miles. I recovered but later in the year when I was doing hill route the lack of balance returned. I was staggering like a drunk and I fell as darkness had fallen. A runner was on the trail and he helped me back to my car. That took three hours. Does anybody know of this problem. Needless to say I haven'd done the Camino as I stopped walking and I am now trying to restart the process. I'm 66 years old and I have Diabetes 2. Any advice?
I am so sorry! I am starting the Camino Frances (my first Camino!) on Sept 11 - I will have turned 68 ... I don't think age per-se is a detriment. Nor are all health issues! I know several people who have walked a Camino with health issues - but they have made sure they were fit enough and cleared by their doctor. And my husband who is several years older is joining me. We are just going to go at a much slower pace than the young ones!
I was having some serious dizziness, shortness of breath, etc a couple years ago- turned out to be bleeding ulcers (obviously I had ignored somehow!). Now I am just dealing with sore toes and sciatica but am plugging along with my training!
Get to a physician and good luck to you!
 
You should ask your doctor for a Rx for PT for imbalance. I learned a lot of tricks and exercises to help me stay on my feet. But be sure to analyze your prescriptions, search for the side effects.. vertigo may be one of them. My first symptom began not long after starting the ocular pressure drops. I was walking a steep incline and were it not for my poles, I would have fallen down. I complained to my 2 eye doctors for months before they finally listened to me and then both admitted that the eye drops I was taking could cause vertigo (also sharp pain in my ears) especially in women over 60. I turned 62 walking the CF. I’m hoping to return to complete the segment I missed due to 2 eye surgeries I needed in Pamplona. Even with my depth perception problem, I do believe I can still do a slow Camino. Hopefully my knees won’t give out! Wishing you the best and a marvelous Camino!
 
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I am now doing 4/5 miles per day with no problems to date.

That's a good thing.
One thing nobody has mentioned, so I will: are you getting enough salt?
Or, another thought: if you stop and rest for a few after 4 miles, are you then good for another 2 or 3? 6.2 miles is 10 km after all. If you stop for a cuppa manzanilla (no sugar) about 3 miles into your day, can you then walk for another 4 miles and stop for lunch? Then another 2 or so before calling it a day? That's a respectable day's walk on the Camino!
Sticks are my friend, but I still managed to get "road rash" twice on the same knee while walking the Norte. Lots of us wobbly folks are out here with you!
 
That's a good thing.
One thing nobody has mentioned, so I will: are you getting enough salt?
Or, another thought: if you stop and rest for a few after 4 miles, are you then good for another 2 or 3? 6.2 miles is 10 km after all. If you stop for a cuppa manzanilla (no sugar) about 3 miles into your day, can you then walk for another 4 miles and stop for lunch? Then another 2 or so before calling it a day? That's a respectable day's walk on the Camino!
Sticks are my friend, but I still managed to get "road rash" twice on the same knee while walking the Norte. Lots of us wobbly folks are out here with you!
I'm not an avid salt user. I never add it to any meals. At one stage when my calf muscles were getting stiff and painful I used diotalite for calf cramps and it worked wonderfully. I haven't used it for a long time. I only drink herbal teas and camomile is one of them as well as 3 pints of water a day. 18 months ago I was walking 12 to 18 mile per day (5/6 days per week) and I didn't have any problems until the lack of balance set in. It hit me on two occasions and the second one scared me. I got down from the hills with the help of a a guy from the Republic of Georgia. My daughter wanted to call the local mountain rescue. tI was a difficult time but I have only started walking again recently - 4/5 miles each session. I know I can build myself back up to 10/12 miles in 5/6 day week but I must be mentally prepared for this.
 
Suggest you visit medical centre if you are in Spain and ask them to explore all your concerns properly. In my case, looking back with initial diagnosis dismissal of my dizziness as a virus is worrying. I very nearly abandoned my Camino before I started and was researching flights home. Tomorrow is day 8 on Camino. I hope you feel better and can proper assessment for correct treatment and reassurance.

This is pure brilliance. Make it part of your Camino, @Martin Phillips. Go see a doctor in Spain before you start. Look up the terms of your Irish insurance, big chance that they will cover this.
You don't have to wait until it happens again. You don't have to solve the problem before you go on the Camino, visiting a doctor on the Camino may help solve the problem instead.

I hope you are doing fine @jostony ! :cool::cool:
 
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This is pure brilliance. Make it part of your Camino, @Martin Phillips. Go see a doctor in Spain before you start. Look up the terms of your Irish insurance, big chance that they will cover this.
You don't have to wait until it happens again. You don't have to solve the problem before you go on the Camino, visiting a doctor on the Camino may help solve the problem instead.

I hope you are doing fine @jostony ! :cool::cool:
Feeling alot better, thanks. Just completed day 10 to A Fonsagrada. Loving the Primitivo pleased I stayed to do it and didn't go home. Still taking the last of my medication. If I bend down/get up suddenly still get a little woozy. When I complete Camino and get back to UK to seek another appointment with ear specialist at hospital to get a review and further check up.
 
I am currently undertaking Camino Primitivo. A few days before I left England I would get out of bed and feel very dizzy. After a few days this subsided but I want to UK doctor before my flight. She checked blood pressure, heart and reassured me I wasn't having a heart attack or stroke. Her diagnose a virus. The day of flight to Oviedo I woke up feeling dizzy again but this eased by time I took flight to Oviedo. We had a couple of days there but day before we were due to start Camino I felt really dizzy and sick. It was raining and I went for a walk in the street I could barely walk straight as if I had drunk too much alcohol and room spun when I lay flat on my back in bed. My brother yo took me to the medical centre and the doctor was excellent. She repeated what UK doctor did and a lot more. Her diagnosis was I was suffering from Vertigo and she explained that the stones in my ears weren't in balance. I have previously had an operation in middle ear for cholestearoma was always worry for ear infection and this balance issue. Vertigo sounded better than a brain abscess infection! Any way she gave me an injection and some tablets, which I am taking and they are doing the trick. First few days Camino started feeling dizzy but walking clears up issue throughout day. I am now feeling more like myself and don't leap out of bed and take a bit longer. Suggest you visit medical centre if you are in Spain and ask them to explore all your concerns properly. In my case, looking back with initial diagnosis dismissal of my dizziness as a virus is worrying. I very nearly abandoned my Camino before I started and was researching flights home. Tomorrow is day 8 on Camino. I hope you feel better and can proper assessment for correct treatment and reassurance.
Good on you for sticking with the Camino and ruling out possibilities.
 
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I'm not an avid salt user. I never add it to any meals. At one stage when my calf muscles were getting stiff and painful I used diotalite for calf cramps and it worked wonderfully. I haven't used it for a long time. I only drink herbal teas and camomile is one of them as well as 3 pints of water a day. 18 months ago I was walking 12 to 18 mile per day (5/6 days per week) and I didn't have any problems until the lack of balance set in. It hit me on two occasions and the second one scared me. I got down from the hills with the help of a a guy from the Republic of Georgia. My daughter wanted to call the local mountain rescue. tI was a difficult time but I have only started walking again recently - 4/5 miles each session. I know I can build myself back up to 10/12 miles in 5/6 day week but I must be mentally prepared for this.
Good on you for sticking with the Camino and ruling out possibilities.
Thank you Lindy Lou. Buen Camino.
 

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