Debra Garcia
The Garcias
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Plan to walk with my husband June 2018
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Sounds good, but how about something to lance blisters, and an antiseptic or alcohol wipes to clean the area.Hi All! Starting to put finishing touches to my pack to get ready to walk in May. Right now I am putting together a first aid kit. I want to take what I need but not carry more weight than I have to. Thinking about taking an ace wrap, one blister kit, few bandaids, small tube of neosporin,some ibuprofen, zofran, small spool of medical tape, small tube of hand sanitizer, small tweezers, few tablets of aspirin, an inhaler, Benadryl and a course of antibiotics. Any other ideas? Being a doctor it is hard to contain myself.
I love the humor in the first part of your post, but you're not really serious about a needle and thread for blisters are you??Sutures, scalpel, scissors, trach kit, gauze pads, bandage wrap, clamps, a couple of stents, just in case......oh, and an AED because you never know. Plus it can maybe charge your cellphone, in a pinch? Hand sanitizer can sterilize the operating field......, even help start a fire if someone needs warmth after going into shock. If there is a water purification system in your pack already, and if it has a pump, it can be used as a suction device, when needed.
But seriously, a needle and thread to help slowly drain blisters if they decide to show up. You know the drill. And maybe a small pair of scissors might be a good add.
What you need depends on where you are walking. In Spain, on the C. Frances, there are pharmacies every few miles that are mostly open. In France, there are pharmacies only in the larger towns, and they may be closed on Sunday, and Monday, and possibly Saturday afternoon, or another day of the week. In Germany and Switzerland, pharmacies are more regularly available. In the Czech Republic, I only saw pharmacies about once a week, in the cities.Any other ideas?
I hope you're not serious, Michelle? This 'drill' of 'threading' blisters is a dangerous myth that's caused many infections.But seriously, a needle and thread to help slowly drain blisters if they decide to show up. You know the drill.
Absolutely not a good idea .But seriously, a needle and thread to help slowly drain blisters if they decide to show up. You know the drill. And maybe a small pair of scissors might be a good add.
Being a doctor it is hard to contain myself.
Of course not. Remember, our thread host is an MD. She knows better.I love the humor in the first part of your post, but you're not really serious about a needle and thread for blisters are you??
Your sure about that .Of course not. Remember, our thread host is an MD. He knows better.
Hi All! Starting to put finishing touches to my pack to get ready to walk in May. Right now I am putting together a first aid kit. I want to take what I need but not carry more weight than I have to. Thinking about taking an ace wrap, one blister kit, few bandaids, small tube of neosporin,some ibuprofen, zofran, small spool of medical tape, small tube of hand sanitizer, small tweezers, few tablets of aspirin, an inhaler, Benadryl and a course of antibiotics. Any other ideas? Being a doctor it is hard to contain myself.
Of course not. Remember, our thread host is an MD. He knows better.
And I'm sure that your needle and thread is for repairing clothing, right?First camino I took the entire pharmacy. Never used a thing.
Next few caminos...took less and less. Still never used a thing.
Now only take 20 oz tube of Preparation H.....
Seriously, I take:
>small bottle sunscreen,
>hand sanitizer (small bottle),
>needle/thread,
>Compeed,
>my personal meds,
>Rx eye drops
>few antidiarrheal medicine capsules (from Spanish pharmacy)
Extra pair of glasses! Very important. If you wear them, take extra pair along. With copy of your eye Rx.
..... About it.
One thing I really enjoyed using, that I purchased in Spain, was ibuprofen cream that I would lather on my feet after taking my shower. We can't get this in Canada, so it was a real treat!! And speaking of treats, they sell ibuprofen in 600mg units over there, instead of the 200mg/400mg sizes you get here.
Buen Camino!!
A tick remover maybe worth packing - deer ticks seen on most routes. Know how to remove the little sods properly - pull don’t twist.Hi All! Starting to put finishing touches to my pack to get ready to walk in May. Right now I am putting together a first aid kit. I want to take what I need but not carry more weight than I have to. Thinking about taking an ace wrap, one blister kit, few bandaids, small tube of neosporin,some ibuprofen, zofran, small spool of medical tape, small tube of hand sanitizer, small tweezers, few tablets of aspirin, an inhaler, Benadryl and a course of antibiotics. Any other ideas? Being a doctor it is hard to contain myself.
I get your point although I must say I never "enjoy" taking a med but I see it as a necessity sometimes.
Also general warning...the max dosage for daily use is 1200 gr of Brufen so twice the spanish 600 gr.
I saw some pilgrims getting stomach issues because of taking too much...
There's also a risk of kidney damage with the regular use of Ibuprofen.Yeah, I am fearful about anything that should have a specific upper limit on dosage and the imprecision of a squeeze tube...
Also, I read in a medical journal recently that there is a relationship between long-term, regular use of ibuprofen (as many do on Camino) and the development of chronic hives. That may be what happened to me -- or I may just have an autoimmune disorder (as I'd had chronic hives earlier in my life). Now I take a monthly injection of omalizumab to control my immune system. It's a very expensive treatment, so best to avoid it if you can by staying well in the lower limits of ibuprofen use.
Women also should be careful about ibuprofen as a regular thing because it can cause bleeding gut, which exacerbates women's vulnerability to iron deficiency anemia.
Yes, you can - e.g. Voltaren gel. Might not be as strong as that in Spain.We can't get this in Canada,
Hi All! Starting to put finishing touches to my pack to get ready to walk in May. Right now I am putting together a first aid kit. I want to take what I need but not carry more weight than I have to. Thinking about taking an ace wrap, one blister kit, few bandaids, small tube of neosporin,some ibuprofen, zofran, small spool of medical tape, small tube of hand sanitizer, small tweezers, few tablets of aspirin, an inhaler, Benadryl and a course of antibiotics. Any other ideas? Being a doctor it is hard to contain myself.
Voltaren is diclofenac, similar function but different base to Ibuprofen gel. We bought some last year and did not want to use it. found something else again, but don't like that either. Finally found some ibuprofen gel. Only used sparingly and carried in case of need, also preferable as gel to taking pills which can have the bad side effects already entioned. Putting it direct on the skin is a better option, but it is still absorbed so is part of the daily dose IMO.Yes, you can - e.g. Voltaren gel. Might not be as strong as that in Spain.
There's also a risk of kidney damage with the regular use of Ibuprofen.
And I'm sure that your needle and thread is for repairing clothing, right?
Be careful with the different types of NSAIDs. Normally are available over the counter:
Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, Excedrin) Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) Naproxen (Aleve), etc.
Talked about lots on this board. Danger of liver damage and other problems.
Consult with your doctor or at least read label and follow directions.
Really bad news about this stuff:
https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/201...ws-about-ibuprofen-naproxen-and-other-nsaids/
Thanks for the clarification.Voltaren is diclofenac, similar function but different base to Ibuprofen gel.
Thought it was danger of liver damage. Not kidney.
Despite all the warnings??? Including many warnings in this thread alone?I take them for blister healing.
Hello Humbertico,As a Surgeon myself who will be doing the Camino Frances in September have thought of taking a small first aide kit but since I am traveling with my backpack to keep in overhead compartment I am worried about having scissors or tweezers or metal instruments for fear that Homeland Security or custom will make me take it out and they keep it. I plan on buying it in France or Spain and not risk it. Same as trekking poles.
Buen Camino
Humbertico
I love Salonpas patches ...... does anyone know if you can buy them in Spain?Hi All! Starting to put finishing touches to my pack to get ready to walk in May. Right now I am putting together a first aid kit. I want to take what I need but not carry more weight than I have to. Thinking about taking an ace wrap, one blister kit, few bandaids, small tube of neosporin,some ibuprofen, zofran, small spool of medical tape, small tube of hand sanitizer, small tweezers, few tablets of aspirin, an inhaler, Benadryl and a course of antibiotics. Any other ideas? Being a doctor it is hard to contain myself.
Sounds good, but how about something to lance blisters, and an antiseptic or alcohol wipes to clean the area.[/QUOTE
so true! Good adviceYeah, I am fearful about anything that should have a specific upper limit on dosage and the imprecision of a squeeze tube...
Also, I read in a medical journal recently that there is a relationship between long-term, regular use of ibuprofen (as many do on Camino) and the development of chronic hives. That may be what happened to me -- or I may just have an autoimmune disorder (as I'd had chronic hives earlier in my life). Now I take a monthly injection of omalizumab to control my immune system. It's a very expensive treatment, so best to avoid it if you can by staying well in the lower limits of ibuprofen use.
Women also should be careful about ibuprofen as a regular thing because it can cause bleeding gut, which exacerbates women's vulnerability to iron deficiency anemia.
I have to say the kit isn’t for me and my husband but also would really feel bad to see someone in need and could benefit from something simple I had. Could also point them in the right direction at the pharmacy.however I am not sure exactly what you can buy in the pharmacies in Spain in terms of prescription meds without a script there@Debra Garcia I think most people here have given enough opinions... but I can't restrain myself. Is this first aid kit for yourself? Or were you thinking you might be helping others along the way.
I did bring blister care items, and a few over the counter pain killers, including ibuprofen to help reduce menstrual bleeding (yes, dear readers, that is an approved use of ibuprofen I was delighted to discover!), iron supplements etc. Most of it I didn't use, but was glad to have. I did buy various creams and lotions, and other bits and pieces along the way. The only thing I found somewhat stressful when buying products was that almost everything is "behind the counter". At home, most pharmacies have the majority of their products on display - only prescription medication and some other regulated products are behind the counter. That meant some time with Babbel on my phone.
In Santiago de Compostella, I cut myself on some metal in a bathroom stall. Not exactly an auspicious place to cut oneself. But I asked the hospitalero if they had a first aid kit. They did not have a formal kit, but they did let me rummage through the giant box of leftover first aid material left behind by other pilgrims. I did not get an infection.
If there is a particular brand of something you are used to getting at home, and wish to make sure you have access to on your way... bring it with you.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Paracetamol) can cause liver damage, especially if combined with alcohol. Continued use of high doses of Ibuprofen can cause kidney damage - I learned this the hard way after several episodes of back pain. I can't take any NSAIDs now. I didn't take (or need) a single pain reliever on either of my Caminos.
Despite all the warnings??? Including many warnings in this thread alone?
Antceptic powder, tell me more!Sounds comprehensive, I'd make sure the plaster/tape is the type you can cut to whatever length you like, plus scissors to cut it with. I didn't take a needle, the point of my scissors (small needlework ones) were sharp enough to pierce skin.
What we did find good, but bought in Spain was antiseptic powder, which was great for helping blisters to dry out.
The only first aid I ever used was for blisters, and mainly not even my own. Plus cream for bedbug bites, received after the Camino was finished.
Yes, you can - e.g. Voltaren gel. Might not be as strong as that in Spain.
I get your point although I must say I never "enjoy" taking a med but I see it as a necessity sometimes.
Also general warning...the max dosage for daily use is 1200 gr of Brufen so twice the spanish 600 gr.
I saw some pilgrims getting stomach issues because of taking too much...
I think that you need some basic first aid supplies until you can get to a farmacia or an albergue.To me, all of that is unnecessary.
There are first aid kits in the albergues.
To me, all of that is unnecessary.
There are first aid kits in the albergues.
Although by the time you reach the albergue that hot spot from 5kms back may now be a rather large blister!
I think that you need some basic first aid supplies until you can get to a farmacia or an albergue.
Sutures, scalpel, scissors, trach kit, gauze pads, bandage wrap, clamps, a couple of stents, just in case......oh, and an AED because you never know. Plus it can maybe charge your cellphone, in a pinch? Hand sanitizer can sterilize the operating field......, even help start a fire if someone needs warmth after going into shock. If there is a water purification system in your pack already, and if it has a pump, it can be used as a suction device, when needed.
But seriously, a needle and thread to help slowly drain blisters if they decide to show up. You know the drill. And maybe a small pair of scissors might be a good add.
???
This is an April Fools post, right?
Compeed is very good, if you are experienced and know what you are doing.Yes, and a simple piece of Compeed the minute you felt the hotspot would have remedied this....
FYI - found the 600mg tablets not enteric coated so can be hard on your stomach.One thing I really enjoyed using, that I purchased in Spain, was ibuprofen cream that I would lather on my feet after taking my shower. We can't get this in Canada, so it was a real treat!! And speaking of treats, they sell ibuprofen in 600mg units over there, instead of the 200mg/400mg sizes you get here.
Buen Camino!!
I agree. Just a route for infection. Prevent the blisters.Absolutely not a good idea .
Or commonly known as nettles.The only other thing I would consider taking (by experience) is some cream to treat the rash from Ortiga (Latin Urtica) and it depends on the season. The Ortiga grows next to non-poisonous plants (I think from the same family) and it will penetrate light hiking pants. Early Spring it will grow too close to the foot paths and you could touch it as my wife did. Or you can just grin and bear it until the next Pharmacy
Sutures, scalpel, scissors, trach kit, gauze pads, bandage wrap, clamps, a couple of stents, just in case......oh, and an AED because you never know. Plus it can maybe charge your cellphone, in a pinch? Hand sanitizer can sterilize the operating field......, even help start a fire if someone needs warmth after going into shock. If there is a water purification system in your pack already, and if it has a pump, it can be used as a suction device, when needed.
But seriously, a needle and thread to help slowly drain blisters if they decide to show up. You know the drill. And maybe a small pair of scissors might be a good add.
I hope you're not serious, Michelle? This 'drill' of 'threading' blisters is a dangerous myth that's caused many infections.
Can you not simply sterilize the thread as you would a needle with a lighter
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/not-a-serious-thread.51692/Can you not simply sterilize the thread as you would a needle with a lighter
Can you not simply sterilize the thread as you would a needle with a lighter
I agree. All anti inflammatory medication needs to be taken on a full stomach. I found it quite unusual that no one complained of gut problems. Especially with such a high dosage. In my experience and knowledge a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen is very effective. Provided the dosage, strength and frequency and cautions are adhered to, including the medical historyFYI - found the 600mg tablets not enteric coated so can be hard on your stomach.
Here you go, from a podiatrist :Is there a good, authoritative, clinically proven source for blister care info? Something from a professional association of emergency room physicians or sports medicine docs, maybe?
Here you go, from a podiatrist :
https://www.blisterprevention.com.a...ter-prevention-about-the-author/#.WsowVWFlA0M
I always travel with "blister" scissors that have disk like ends instead of points. They are small, brilliant for safely cleaning up excess skin on dried healed blisters and are always allowed through in my carry on luggage when checked at security all around the world (we only travel with carry on luggage for efficiency). They can cut strapping tape, paper, thread and are worth the occasional check.As a Surgeon myself who will be doing the Camino Frances in September have thought of taking a small first aide kit but since I am traveling with my backpack to keep in overhead compartment I am worried about having scissors or tweezers or metal instruments for fear that Homeland Security or custom will make me take it out and they keep it. I plan on buying it in France or Spain and not risk it. Same as trekking poles.
Buen Camino
Humbertico
Pharmacies can be identified by a green cross.
That goes for Oregonians, Washingtonians and Californians.Note: For the Pilgrims from Boulder and the Colorado Front Range...the "Green Cross"...means pharmacy...and not legalized marijuana sales.
Needle and iodine for blisters. Something for bites, I often get bed bug bites which can be itchy, and most importantly sun cream, especially for your lips.Hi All! Starting to put finishing touches to my pack to get ready to walk in May. Right now I am putting together a first aid kit. I want to take what I need but not carry more weight than I have to. Thinking about taking an ace wrap, one blister kit, few bandaids, small tube of neosporin,some ibuprofen, zofran, small spool of medical tape, small tube of hand sanitizer, small tweezers, few tablets of aspirin, an inhaler, Benadryl and a course of antibiotics. Any other ideas? Being a doctor it is hard to contain myself.
Just a bit of humor--how about that needed operating table!!Hi All! Starting to put finishing touches to my pack to get ready to walk in May. Right now I am putting together a first aid kit. I want to take what I need but not carry more weight than I have to. Thinking about taking an ace wrap, one blister kit, few bandaids, small tube of neosporin,some ibuprofen, zofran, small spool of medical tape, small tube of hand sanitizer, small tweezers, few tablets of aspirin, an inhaler, Benadryl and a course of antibiotics. Any other ideas? Being a doctor it is hard to contain myself.
I cannot believe I am saying this, my mama would be so proud… add Vicks… OMG, I can hear my mom saying this was the cure for just about everything -Hi All! Starting to put finishing touches to my pack to get ready to walk in May. Right now I am putting together a first aid kit. I want to take what I need but not carry more weight than I have to. Thinking about taking an ace wrap, one blister kit, few bandaids, small tube of neosporin,some ibuprofen, zofran, small spool of medical tape, small tube of hand sanitizer, small tweezers, few tablets of aspirin, an inhaler, Benadryl and a course of antibiotics. Any other ideas? Being a doctor it is hard to contain myself.
And they are never open when you need them.Ah, but they only sell gloves in quantities between 100 and 500, and bandages in boxes of 30 or more, or in one long roll with no scissors. Ask me how I know this...;0
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