Pilgrims with Multiple Sclerosis on the Camino

[turkeyneck]

I'm planning to take my pilgrimage to Santiago next year. Currently, I walk with a brace and sometimes need the assistance of a cane. My partner is on her second Camino and provides me with much wisdom on the nuts and bolts of the Camino. However, I'm tired of being on the sidelines. I know, with effort, that I can make 8-10km per day. Plus, I really have to go when the weather is cooler - not hot. If there is any other person on this forum who is familiar with these types of issues, please reply.
Timeline: Late March through May.
I've been in the military and have had to carry heavy loads over long distances. Additionally, I was a power-lifter and trained for a marathon (that's when MS hit me).
Mentally: Military veteran, avid Zen practitioner.
Dealing with pain is not an issue for me, however, I would like to know if someone in a similar situation has done this. I know someone has and more than once. Thank you for your replies.

 

[Penny Kingma]

Hello Turkeyneck
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in June 2015. I decided to walk the Camino from SJDP to Santiago from May 28th 2016. I did so completing in its entirety in 35 days. We sound very familiar in personalities. I’m a happily married mother of 5 and grandmother of 6. I was a fitness competitor up until my health plummeted after a shoulder dislocation in 2005. I carried my pack each and every step of the way. I rarely prebooked...I found the days I did the hardest because then I had to walk that far. I found it best to STOP when my body told me to not when my mind planned me to. I rested several times per day...walked slow...started early to beat the afternoon heat. Removed my sandles and socks to rest my feet several times per day...and took advantage of cold streams to soak them every time I could.
Buy two walking sticks and use them....ALWAYS it saves the knees...
Most emportantly, enjoy yourself, talk to everyone, smile, laugh and take an MP3 player with great upbeat music to get you through the rough times....and there will be. My hubby filled mine with a crazy mix. I was in so much pain with no towns in sight...it was hot and I was tired....then If I had a million dollars sung by the Bare naked ladies came on ...I just started laughing and forgot the pain....Only problem was I then craved Kraft Macaroni and cheese ( if you don’t get that listen to the song). And SMILE no matter how much it hurts....The Worlds a better place when you lead with a SMILE....and you just feel better.
Good Luck...and Buen Camino

 

[turkeyneck]

Hello Turkeyneck
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in June 2015. I decided to walk the Camino from SJDP to Santiago from May 28th 2016. I did so completing in its entirety in 35 days. We sound very familiar in personalities. I’m a happily married mother of 5 and grandmother of 6. I was a fitness competitor up until my health plummeted after a shoulder dislocation in 2005. I carried my pack each and every step of the way. I rarely prebooked...I found the days I did the hardest because then I had to walk that far. I found it best to STOP when my body told me to not when my mind planned me to. I rested several times per day...walked slow...started early to beat the afternoon heat. Removed my sandles and socks to rest my feet several times per day...and took advantage of cold streams to soak them every time I could.
Buy two walking sticks and use them....ALWAYS it saves the knees...
Most emportantly, enjoy yourself, talk to everyone, smile, laugh and take an MP3 player with great upbeat music to get you through the rough times....and there will be. My hubby filled mine with a crazy mix. I was in so much pain with no towns in sight...it was hot and I was tired....then If I had a million dollars sung by the Bare naked ladies came on ...I just started laughing and forgot the pain....Only problem was I then craved Kraft Macaroni and cheese ( if you don’t get that listen to the song). And SMILE no matter how much it hurts....The Worlds a better place when you lead with a SMILE....and you just feel better.
Good Luck...and Buen Camino
[/QUOT
I really cannot do much distance in a day. I live in MT and have done hikes where I cannot do more than 10km and those were without a load. If I rest often and take my time, I could do my stated distance without injury. I was diagnosed in 2006.
I'll just do what is necessary: Train with a load; Develop a walking plan based on my ability; Finally, just do it. I don't care if it takes 45 or 100 days.
My walk will be for spiritual purposes not for other reasons. What is most important is that I know I will enjoy my time on the Camino and meeting new people. Whenever, wherever I have traveled, I have always enjoyed trying new cuisine and the sights.
Thank you

 

[turkeyneck]

After research and speaking with experienced pilgrims from MT, I think I'll walk the low route from SJPD starting in mid-March. I'll concentrate on slow and easy. Living in MT, I have plenty of experience with mountain weather conditions and have had some cold weather training in the military. Plus, I already have much of the required gear. Just need a new pack and a good pair of hiking boots. Layers and ensure everything is waterproof!

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Go forward and let no "mountain" stop you ! Good luck and please keep us posted on your journey. Very inspirational.

 

[Ladydigs]

I know this is an old thread but I was searching for Multiple Sclerosis and it came up. I am doing my Camino starting April 15 and I wondered if there is anyone else out there besides these 2 people who have done it and how it was for them. MS has not limited my mobility other than it affects my balance but I will have poles to help deal with that. It does affect my endurance. I am easily fatigued especially if the weather is too warm. That's why I planned a spring Camino. I hope I will finish before the hot weather hits. I will have to do rather short days most likely. If I hit a rough spot I will just have to check in a hotel or somewhere and rest a few days. Just wondering how others might have managed while doing it.

 

[Penny Kingma]

Hi Ladydigs
In 2015 I was wrongly diagnosed with M.S.
I walked the full Francis in 2016.
After I got home I was correctly diagnosed with 4 Lyme diseases.
I explain this as symptoms you describe are very simular and i have many many more.
its very important to listen to your body. Let it dictate your stops. Pack a lite to either attach to your pack ( I prefered this type) or wear on your head. this way you can leave earlier when its hot. I'd start walking at 530...its beautiful watching the sun come up. Its going to be painful if you suffer from neuropathy. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare. It's not a race ! Go slow....you'll get there. Initially you'll question why your putting yourself through this ... don't give up !!! If you need to take a day .... then do. Don't try to keep up with others . It was one of the hardest accomplishments in my life. I questioned those first days. I was in tears at times....yet I'm returning to walk again in just 18 days from now.
Buen Camino

 

[Ladydigs]

Hi Ladydigs
In 2015 I was wrongly diagnosed with M.S.
I walked the full Francis in 2016.
After I got home I was correctly diagnosed with 4 Lyme diseases.
I explain this as symptoms you describe are very simular and i have many many more.
its very important to listen to your body. Let it dictate your stops. Pack a lite to either attach to your pack ( I prefered this type) or wear on your head. this way you can leave earlier when its hot. I'd start walking at 530...its beautiful watching the sun come up. Its going to be painful if you suffer from neuropathy. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare. It's not a race ! Go slow....you'll get there. Initially you'll question why your putting yourself through this ... don't give up !!! If you need to take a day .... then do. Don't try to keep up with others . It was one of the hardest accomplishments in my life. I questioned those first days. I was in tears at times....yet I'm returning to walk again in just 18 days from now.
Buen Camino

Thank you so much for the encouragment and inspiration Penny!!!

 

[Ladydigs]

Oh and Buen Camino on your upcoming walk!!! Which route are you taking?

 

[Penny Kingma]

Oh and Buen Camino on your upcoming walk!!! Which route are you taking?

I'm walking the Portuguese Central. Then I hope to travel to the northern transitioning into the primitive. Finishing in Finisterre and Muxia around July 7th. I've given myself 3 months to accomplish it. These are my hopes and dreams ... my reality will be that of my body's choosing.

 

[Ladydigs]

"my reality will be that of my body's choosing." I totally get that part and 100% agree. I hope you have a most enjoyable walk. And you never know, our paths may cross.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Just the fact that you, with this disease, are undertaking this walk is truly inspirational.
I commend your determination and bid you a Buen Camino

 

[Penny Kingma]

Just the fact that you, with this disease, are undertaking this walk is truly inspirational.
I commend your determination and bid you a Buen Camino

Thank you Pilgrim