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+blessings & prayers...may your steadfast faith guide each of your steps to Santiago... ¡buen camino y benditate!Hi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I think perhaps I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming.
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Hey Elisha,Hi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Hey Elisha,
Probably not much I can say right now to alleviate the fear or doubts you're having especially now that you're comcerned a physical injury is going to cut things short before this dream has really begun for you.
But I feel that I can understand to some degree where your concern for your Camino comes from. Last year in St JPD 2 days before beginning my journey I was struck with a severe case of gastro. I too thought it was all over for me before I'd started. I walked the first day through the Pyrenees quite weak and sick still. It took a lot out of me and my body was extremely fatigued for the following days to Pamplona where I thought I was just about done.
But I rested in Pamplona for a day and I made the decision that no matter what I wasn't going to give up because I had dreamt and planned too long of the day I set foot in Santiago de Compostela.
You will have your friends to help and support you along the way when things are tough and totally awesome! There will be plenty of places for you to turn if you need to seek medical attention for your foot too.
This is going to be an experience of a lifetime for you. So embrace the fear and doubt and allow it to help power you forward on your way. It's going to be brilliant!
Enjoy the way and remember to stop and turn around to look back every now and again. I learned to do that. You appreciate how far you have come, see things you might have missed or maybe just see things from a different perspective.
I wish you the absolute best on your journey.
Buen Camino
Dear Sad PilgrimHi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Try to relax . Don't worry so much . Take a deep breath and know that you will be taken care of . Trust in yourself and the universe . The Camino will look after you. Don't be afraid ok . You will be ok . Take careHi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Hello Elisha,Hi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Hi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Hi Elisha, sometimes our mind is so affraid of not knowing what we are going to live, that it creates a defense (sabotage), it is a real pain you are feeling, but try to make an exercice of controling your fear, may be it will work !!!!Hi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Hi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Do not worry -- setting out on such a big journey always seems impossible at first. For the foot, I recommend kinesio tape; I used it for my knees on my Caminos and it did wonders (I've had previous knee surgeries, so I knew going in they would likely give me trouble)..
This is great advice. You can make it work, as long as you don’t get hung up on that old ideal of being a “true pilgrim.” One thing I would add is to get yourself some of that higher percentage ibuprofen gel to rub on the painful area. That stuff works great. I had some tendinitis in my left knee and that gel cream dId the trick.Hi E, I have a few thoughts. 1 use walking poles. 2 it is very easy to send your backpack ahead each day if you need to lighten your load.3 vehicle transport is usually readily available; you can go by car or bus while your friends walk and simply organise a place to meet at the end of the day. When you start to improve you can recommence walking. 4 there are health professionals in many of the towns along the way.5 my son suffered shin splints but with the help of a local Physio was able to walk thru them.
I have always thought of the Camino as a leap of faith; maybe that is a good approach for you at the moment.
Buen Camino
Hi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Hi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Brilliant post!OK Elisha you have been planning this wonderful journey for 2 years, and you're now on the cusp of departure ... & as many pilgrims will tell you, all sorts of everything goes through your head as the date gets closer. I'm not denying you have some kind of 'injury' there, but it seems to me you've decided you're going, so what you have to do is stop focusing on the damn thing. Start thinking of all the lovely people you are going to meet; the incredible experiences you will encounter; & last but not least, all the hard work and sacrifices you have made over the last 2 years to do this. Now is the time ... & IF it keeps niggling you, there are some lovely places & people on the Camino, who will advise you where to go. You may need to 'rest up' for a day or two, ... but you are 'on your way'. I write 'positive stuff' on my FB page (GG's Nest) sometimes, & I think you might like this one:
'Trust is believing that there is a 'Higher Power' that always has your back.
Trust is knowing, that once you believe, you will be guided on 'the right track'.
Trust is a feeling of 'hope', and once you have it, ... you will never doubt again!'
So on you go Elisha ... '& may the road rise with you; & the wind be always at your back'.
You got this.
Buen Camino!
Hi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
I hope you get a reliable diagnosis, but …I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
best of luck Elisha. i really hope it works out for you. im leaving from Brisbane on 25th and also having some ankle trouble. fingers crossed. buen camino.I’m truly grateful to you all for taking the time to respond with your heartfelt messages & support; right now it’s sincerely means a lot. I just got into bed, alarm is set for 5 hours time so I can catch my flight from Sydney to London at 6am.
Only time will tell what will happen but all your advice is invaluable. I certainly have poles packed & hopefully that will help, as you all said, lighten the load. I genuinely hope that at least most of it is emotional & that once I start walking it’ll fade into the background & become irrelevant. The mind can be a powerful thing. On the flip side, I am willing to consider all options to make this happen & if some of those options include renting a bike, having multiple rest days or seeking medical treatment, then I’m definitely all in on exploring my options.
I’ll absolutely keep you posted & update my progress while I’m enroute; I start walking/hobbling from SJPDP this Thursday. I have 3 days in London prior, so if that means forgoing adventures in London for more couch rest, then so be it.
Elisha
Hi ElishaHi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
I’m truly grateful to you all for taking the time to respond with your heartfelt messages & support; right now it’s sincerely means a lot. I just got into bed, alarm is set for 5 hours time so I can catch my flight from Sydney to London at 6am.
Only time will tell what will happen but all your advice is invaluable. I certainly have poles packed & hopefully that will help, as you all said, lighten the load. I genuinely hope that at least most of it is emotional & that once I start walking it’ll fade into the background & become irrelevant. The mind can be a powerful thing. On the flip side, I am willing to consider all options to make this happen & if some of those options include renting a bike, having multiple rest days or seeking medical treatment, then I’m definitely all in on exploring my options.
I’ll absolutely keep you posted & update my progress while I’m enroute; I start walking/hobbling from SJPDP this Thursday. I have 3 days in London prior, so if that means forgoing adventures in London for more couch rest, then so be it.
Elisha
Elisha,Hi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Hi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
ElishaHi Fellow Pilgrims,
So amazingly, the past 2 years of planning for my first Camino have gone extraordinarily quickly & the time has come to jump on a plane tomorrow morning at 6am, bound for the Camino Frances. I start walking with 2 friends on Thursday & instead of being excited, I'm absolutely terrified & it feels awfully unfair.
Unfortunately for me, in the past week I've developed an awful pain in my right inner ankle that seems to be radiating up into my shin. The pain is dull, it aches & I’m wondering if maybe it could be shin splints? The first 3 days I wrote it off as a niggle, the day after the pain increased tenfold, I got scared & made a flurry of appointments to try & have it seen to. Sadly time has run out, I haven't been able to have it scanned & all I've achieved has been an appointment with a podiatrist & a sports massage therapist to no avail of my pain. I've tried everything; I've spent hours icing it, keeping it elevated, resting it, taking prescription anti-inflammatories, pain killers... all the while, trying not to cry while I have visions of my first Camino being over before it even starts.
I'm 35, I've never had ankle issues before & there was nothing that's happened that should have caused me to be in pain. I can still walk without limping, it doesn't hurt to walk per say, but the more I use it, the more the ache increases throughout my lower leg & remains. It's definitely an ache rather than a sharp pain & I have absolutely no idea how it's going to react next week when I start walking. I've just never had anything like this before & it's awful.
I know I have options on the Camino in terms of luggage transfer etc, but I'm guessing that if it doesn't improve once I get to Pamplona then I'm going to be left to make a really difficult decision. I've used all my annual leave at work to do this, flights are booked, people are relying on me & the Camino is my dream; the thought of not being able to walk it makes me feel physically sick.
I know there's nothing anyone can do for me at this point, time is going to tell and my leg is going to do, what it's going to do. I've kept reminding myself what a difference a week makes, but after a week & with the pain only increasing, it's starting to feel like empty hope. I suppose I just need to vent because the burden of it with leaving tomorrow feels so overwhelming
A sad pilgrim
E
xx
Are you checking this forum on the way, or already back after your adventure?
Hi everyone,
I’m here in London now reading your messages and they’ve been incredibly touching & lovely. I’m extremely grateful to everyone who’s taken the time to offer me their advice & support.
Unfortunately after a day of wandering today my ankle is absolutely terrible. It’s far worse than it was in Sydney & it’s now hurting me immensely to walk. My heart is heavy, broken & I’m starting to feel like my Camino is now impossible. I’m contemplating going to the local hospital here tomorrow & just having it looked over & X-ray’ed incase there’s anything that needs immediate addressing.
At this point my only other option I think is to attempt starting my Camino with basic forarm crutches. My friend who I’m staying with has some here that she’s happy to gift me & I’m willing to try it before I succum to giving in completely. Even if I can get through the first 2 weeks using crutches so that I can give my ankle time to rest. Just curious what you’re thoughts might be about that? Do you think it’s possible? I’m just so desperate.
Elisha
Hi everyone,
I’m here in London now reading your messages and they’ve been incredibly touching & lovely. I’m extremely grateful to everyone who’s taken the time to offer me their advice & support.
Unfortunately after a day of wandering today my ankle is absolutely terrible. It’s far worse than it was in Sydney & it’s now hurting me immensely to walk. My heart is heavy, broken & I’m starting to feel like my Camino is now impossible. I’m contemplating going to the local hospital here tomorrow & just having it looked over & X-ray’ed incase there’s anything that needs immediate addressing.
At this point my only other option I think is to attempt starting my Camino with basic forarm crutches. My friend who I’m staying with has some here that she’s happy to gift me & I’m willing to try it before I succum to giving in completely. Even if I can get through the first 2 weeks using crutches so that I can give my ankle time to rest. Just curious what you’re thoughts might be about that? Do you think it’s possible? I’m just so desperate.
Elisha
Hi @Elisha - sorry to hear the latest. I don't know if it is suitable but just a thought - a few years ago I broke my ankle. It was not a major fracture and I was given a special boot to wear for 6 weeks, until it healed. It was held in place with velcro straps, and kept my ankle rigid and aligned. It had a heel built in, and I and was able to hobble about using it. Which was for me much better than crutches. I'm wondering if you can get something similar to try in the UK.
8km and she can't walk in LondonThe walk out of SJPDP on the route Napoleon is all on a minor road so doable. There is one section you can go off the road, but no need. If you can make it to Orisson
Are you booked there
but aren’t all of us Camino nuts a bit loco?
I feel so I overwhelmed & lost. Regardless, I’m going to fly into SJPDP with my friends on Thursday & try. If that means on crutches, or any other form of transport that allows me to walk, then so be it. I know using crutches is not ideal but is it possible if it came to that?
Do it Elisha , worse will happen in your life , no more crying just get into it.
Your spirits will lift when in St JPP
Your mates are there with you but i would love you to AVOID the crutches at all cost.
You are looking @ 9 hour days minimum to Pamplona with those wicked things.
/QUOTE]
But just a thought - a few years ago I broke my ankle. It was not a major fracture and I was given a special boot to wear for 6 weeks, until it healed. It was held in place with velcro straps, and kept my ankle rigid and aligned. It had a heel built in, and I and was able to hobble about using it. Which was for me much better than crutches. I'm wondering if you can get something similar to try in the UK.
I did meet a pilgrim two years ago who did the last 100km on crutches.
Anyone know what the going rate on horse rental is on the Camino?!
Just quickly before I go to sleep, I think might have thought of a more realistic Plan B. Nothing has changed & I don’t feel that waiting around here in London is going to be too helpful either. I’m going to go attempt the first day with my friends, if it’s no good I’ll bus to Pamplona which will cut out the Pyrenees for me, rest for a few days & then rent a bike. I’ve found a company that offers a great package deal which would still see me complete my Camino.... maybe not the way I wanted to but right now that’s not important.
https://www.cycling-rentals.com/camino-14-day-touring-pack.html#.WtZmehbHiaM
I haven’t read anything about cycling the Camino, how difficult it is or how long it takes because it was never part of my plan. If anyone has any advice or can help with any suggestions, I’d be extremely grateful.
You are still a flight and a train away from StJPP so lets see how you wake up and please NO decisions until sitting in a coffee shop on the path in under the arch.
Hi Elisha,
Just take it one step at a time, literally.
In 2015 I could barely walk just prior to my first Camino.
Throwing on my full pack in Paris was the first time I had worn it in about 6 weeks due to back injury.
I barely made it walking 500 metres to my Hotel.
This was not going to be easy
But I was on my way and elated.
Somehow I would make this work.
I had an advantage that I knew what the injury was, and knew what and what not to do.
So I do make sure to get Xrays and ultrasound if you can.
I resolved to enjoy at least one day!
I was only ever trying to make it through Today.....every day.
I made my pack as light as possible, just rain jacket, pants, fleece and water.
Orisson was the first day target. With an EB Pickup to take me back to St Jean.
I prayed before setting out. "Just let me make it through the day, just give me this 1 day on the Camino"........
I was the slowest one on the Hill that day, but so elated to make it after 'just' 3 1/2 hours.
I had taped my achilles, took pain killers and anti-inflammatories, added extra heel supports for the climb, stretched, and stretched again every few hundred metres as required.
On reaching Orisson I iced, raised my feet, stretched, relaxed laying out on the deck. And gave a prayer of thanks for having made it to my day 1 goal.
That was my every day........
Goal, make it through another day. Same routine.......... I had 3 great massages along the way that helped and visited 3 awesome physios who helped assess how I was going and showed me different taping and stretching methods.
I never expected to make it all the way...... And never really thought I would till the last 150 kms or so, By the final 100 kms, I was down to 10 kms a day, the tendonitis was just getting much worse. It took me 40 days.
But the medical advice I sought before starting and along the way, gave me the confidence that I wasn't actually causing permanent damage. (though the tendonitis originally caused through training, is a chronic condition)
I was never able to carry much more than an ultra lite pack, having to ship a large zip nylon bag ahead every day. The extra weight on my Achilles was just too much.
I've just hoisted my full pack this morning. We fly out tomorrow.
I know that feeling in my feet. I won't be able to carry the full pack againAt least not at first.
But I have my routine and I know what lies ahead. And maybe by the time I reach Pamplona I'll feel able to carry the full weight (8 kg). It would be nice to have that 'freedom'.
But if I can't so be it. I'll be there, on the Camino again!
And I know there will always be lots of Plan Bs if things get worse. Bus ahead, take a couple of days off, hire a bike for a few days. Who cares. I'll be there! I just need to make sure I hit the Farmacia in Sarria to stock up enough tape and meds for the final 100 kms. I'll probably be held together my tape by then................but with a huge smile on my face
Do what it takes Elisha. But be sensible. Get advice, and if the 'wheels fall off', rest up somewhere a couple of days and reassess. If it comes to the worst, you'll still have amazing experiences and you can come back another time.
Good Luck .............thinking of you
'Aussie Aussie Aussie' !
Hi E, I have a few thoughts. 1 use walking poles. 2 it is very easy to send your backpack ahead each day if you need to lighten your load.3 vehicle transport is usually readily available; you can go by car or bus while your friends walk and simply organise a place to meet at the end of the day. When you start to improve you can recommence walking. 4 there are health professionals in many of the towns along the way.5 my son suffered shin splints but with the help of a local Physio was able to walk thru them.
I have always thought of the Camino as a leap of faith; maybe that is a good approach for you at the moment.
Buen Camino
This message means everything to me Robo, I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am that you took the time to share your experience. I know every situation & every injury is different but like you, if I can just take the fear out of it by offering myself one day at a time it might help. I just wish that I had a diagnosis, it would help to know what I’m dealing with & how best to manage it but I think time may have run out for that. I fly to SJPDP tomorrow, to start walking on Friday. Regardless, I’m going to give myself that first day; I’ll have my pack sent to Orisson, buy a staff & just allow myself one day. I just hope the decision making process once I’m on the Camino feels a lot easier than it is right now.
Thanks again Robo
oi...oi...oi...supporting you from afar...whatever you decide to do.Aussie Aussie Aussie' !
This message means everything to me Robo, I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am that you took the time to share your experience. I know every situation & every injury is different but like you, if I can just take the fear out of it by offering myself one day at a time it might help. I just wish that I had a diagnosis, it would help to know what I’m dealing with & how best to manage it but I think time may have run out for that. I fly to SJPDP tomorrow, to start walking on Friday. Regardless, I’m going to give myself that first day; I’ll have my pack sent to Orisson, buy a staff & just allow myself one day. I just hope the decision making process once I’m on the Camino feels a lot easier than it is right now.
Thanks again Robo
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