Seniors, first timers and joint replacements

[MeandIan]

Hi. We are Hazel, 61,and Ian, 67. I first found out about the Camino 18 months ago on a cooking show. When I called Ian he said he’s not interested in cooking shows. I said you have to see this one! Since then we were hooked. Ian was on the waiting list for hip replacement and I was in consultation for knee replacement. Ian had total hip replacement July 2016 and I had total knee replacement December 2016. Ian had arthritis and a huge cyst which restricted his movements. I had had 6 previous surgeries on my knee since the eighties which included 2 ACL reconstructions, scopes and meniscectomy and severe arthritis. We both knew the Camino was not on the cards at that time. Our plan is to do the Camino starting 3/5/18. Orisson is already booked! Both surgeons have ok’d us for the walk, saying ‘one step at a time. Just be mindful’. We are retired, me retired ish so will be in Europe for 90 days.
Our progress in our training in on #ikandothat. I have photos and videos of my surgery from admission to 3 months including anaesthetic, pain management, exercises etc. which l will post. I will do a blog and vlog when we work but how to do it before we leave. I am happy for any enquiries on my surgery which could be beneficial to others ( I am a clinical nurse specialist in anaesthetics)
I followed this forum for a year and feel like I know people already, from Kanga in Sydney to SYates in Santiago, and many, many more in between. We hope we can meet many on our journey. Look for the woman with a pink bag and knee support and a beautiful man who is extraordinary.

 

[OzAnnie]

Hi @MeandIan
(Clever name)..
Wow. Great to read such a positive post.
You sure have had a lot of work on your knee, but you’re definitely ‘psyched up’ and determined. I’d say ready for the Camino. Should be an interesting blog !

Buen Camino
Annie

 

[Kanga]

Oh I do hope it goes well for you both @MeandIan ! With that attitude you sound like a fun couple. May the sun shine, and the flowers boom and the bodies stay together. Buen camino.

 

[VNwalking]

Such a wonderful introduction...Go for it, @MeandIan!
"One step at a time, just be mindful..." is the essence of all good camino advice, so you are already 'in the know.' Buen Camino to you both!

 

[lthrnck55]

Hi. We are Hazel, 61,and Ian, 67. I first found out about the Camino 18 months ago on a cooking show. When I called Ian he said he’s not interested in cooking shows. I said you have to see this one! Since then we were hooked. Ian was on the waiting list for hip replacement and I was in consultation for knee replacement. Ian had total hip replacement July 2016 and I had total knee replacement December 2016. Ian had arthritis and a huge cyst which restricted his movements. I had had 6 previous surgeries on my knee since the eighties which included 2 ACL reconstructions, scopes and meniscectomy and severe arthritis. We both knew the Camino was not on the cards at that time. Our plan is to do the Camino starting 3/5/18. Orisson is already booked! Both surgeons have ok’d us for the walk, saying ‘one step at a time. Just be mindful’. We are retired, me retired ish so will be in Europe for 90 days.
Our progress in our training in on #ikandothat. I have photos and videos of my surgery from admission to 3 months including anaesthetic, pain management, exercises etc. which l will post. I will do a blog and vlog when we work but how to do it before we leave. I am happy for any enquiries on my surgery which could be beneficial to others ( I am a clinical nurse specialist in anaesthetics)
I followed this forum for a year and feel like I know people already, from Kanga in Sydney to SYates in Santiago, and many, many more in between. We hope we can meet many on our journey. Look for the woman with a pink bag and knee support and a beautiful man who is extraordinary.

What a coincidence!!! My wife has a beautiful man who is extraordinary too!!! Buen Camino!

 

[Waka]

You know your own body so you should have no problem achieving your goal, just go at your own pace and enjoy the wonderful experience.

 

[MeandIan]

Such a wonderful introduction...Go for it, @MeandIan!
"One step at a time, just be mindful..." is the essence of all good camino advice, so you are already 'in the know.' Buen Camino to you both!

Hi @MeandIan
(Clever name)..
Wow. Great to read such a positive post.
You sure have had a lot of work on your knee, but you’re definitely ‘psyched up’ and determined. I’d say ready for the Camino. Should be an interesting blog !

Buen Camino
Annie

Thank you very much, and thanks for the welcome

 

[MeandIan]

What a coincidence!!! My wife has a beautiful man who is extraordinary too!!! Buen Camino!

my husband says great minds think alike

 

[MeandIan]

Hi @MeandIan
(Clever name)..
Wow. Great to read such a positive post.
You sure have had a lot of work on your knee, but you’re definitely ‘psyched up’ and determined. I’d say ready for the Camino. Should be an interesting blog !

Buen Camino
Annie

Thank you very much. Another name I recognise. Thank you for th welcome

 

[MeandIan]

Oh I do hope it goes well for you both @MeandIan ! With that attitude you sound like a fun couple. May the sun shine, and the flowers boom and the bodies stay together. Buen camino.

Thank you so much. I really feel like I know you. I’m especially interested in the Ecco sandals you wear and where I can get them. Thank you

 

[Piero Frustascarpe]

Thank you Hazel! Sharing your experience will be of great help for other people in similar condition, I'm sure.
Actually, I'm coaching a friend who recently had a hip replacement and wants to do a Camino in the near future...

 

[nycwalking]

Buen camino.

Have too much fun.

See everything.

 

[Carolynm]

I walked the Camino in 2016 with a full knee replacement. I had no problems at all, actually my knee was the best durning theses 6 weeks. I didn’t wear any kind of support just took my time.
My husband had a hip replacement last year and we are just preparing to walk from Porto in April. I suspect given the age on the route there are a lot of new joints out there.
Have a great walk and Orrison was my favourite stop.
Buen Camino

 

[MeandIan]

Thank you Hazel! Sharing your experience will be of great help for other people in similar condition, I'm sure.
Actually, I'm coaching a friend who recently had a hip replacement and wants to do a Camino in the near future...

Ian was really good when he had his and didn’t have much pain, though he tends to overdo it at times. Your friend must remember that all soft tissue takes time to rebuild and strengthen. Good luck to your friend

 

[MeandIan]

I walked the Camino in 2016 with a full knee replacement. I had no problems at all, actually my knee was the best durning theses 6 weeks. I didn’t wear any kind of support just took my time.
My husband had a hip replacement last year and we are just preparing to walk from Porto in April. I suspect given the age on the route there are a lot of new joints out there.
Have a great walk and Orrison was my favourite stop.
Buen Camino

How long after your surgery did you walk and were there any concerns during. Thank you

 

[Clare Roberts]

Hi. We are Hazel, 61,and Ian, 67. I first found out about the Camino 18 months ago on a cooking show. When I called Ian he said he’s not interested in cooking shows. I said you have to see this one! Since then we were hooked. Ian was on the waiting list for hip replacement and I was in consultation for knee replacement. Ian had total hip replacement July 2016 and I had total knee replacement December 2016. Ian had arthritis and a huge cyst which restricted his movements. I had had 6 previous surgeries on my knee since the eighties which included 2 ACL reconstructions, scopes and meniscectomy and severe arthritis. We both knew the Camino was not on the cards at that time. Our plan is to do the Camino starting 3/5/18. Orisson is already booked! Both surgeons have ok’d us for the walk, saying ‘one step at a time. Just be mindful’. We are retired, me retired ish so will be in Europe for 90 days.
Our progress in our training in on #ikandothat. I have photos and videos of my surgery from admission to 3 months including anaesthetic, pain management, exercises etc. which l will post. I will do a blog and vlog when we work but how to do it before we leave. I am happy for any enquiries on my surgery which could be beneficial to others ( I am a clinical nurse specialist in anaesthetics)
I followed this forum for a year and feel like I know people already, from Kanga in Sydney to SYates in Santiago, and many, many more in between. We hope we can meet many on our journey. Look for the woman with a pink bag and knee support and a beautiful man who is extraordinary.

Wonderful to read your positivity after a few hurdles. I turn 65 in April while on my first Camino. Age is but a number so together Hazel and Ian you go at your pace.
Buen Camino

 

[Mark Barnes]

I had both hips replaced in 2006, made a world of difference. I walked Pamplona to Santiago in 2017. Loved it. Have a great time. Take walking poles as they are a big help.

 

[blueskywa]

Hi. We are Hazel, 61,and Ian, 67. I first found out about the Camino 18 months ago on a cooking show. When I called Ian he said he’s not interested in cooking shows. I said you have to see this one! Since then we were hooked. Ian was on the waiting list for hip replacement and I was in consultation for knee replacement. Ian had total hip replacement July 2016 and I had total knee replacement December 2016. Ian had arthritis and a huge cyst which restricted his movements. I had had 6 previous surgeries on my knee since the eighties which included 2 ACL reconstructions, scopes and meniscectomy and severe arthritis. We both knew the Camino was not on the cards at that time. Our plan is to do the Camino starting 3/5/18. Orisson is already booked! Both surgeons have ok’d us for the walk, saying ‘one step at a time. Just be mindful’. We are retired, me retired ish so will be in Europe for 90 days.
Our progress in our training in on #ikandothat. I have photos and videos of my surgery from admission to 3 months including anaesthetic, pain management, exercises etc. which l will post. I will do a blog and vlog when we work but how to do it before we leave. I am happy for any enquiries on my surgery which could be beneficial to others ( I am a clinical nurse specialist in anaesthetics)
I followed this forum for a year and feel like I know people already, from Kanga in Sydney to SYates in Santiago, and many, many more in between. We hope we can meet many on our journey. Look for the woman with a pink bag and knee support and a beautiful man who is extraordinary.

I love hearing all these stories of "replaced parts" - not that I've been a participant, but we start our 2nd Camino on the 3rd or 4th May, and with my partner having had bilateral knee replacements in Oct 2016, this gives me more confidence. Anton is very confident. Wishing you a wonderful Camino

 

[gerardcarey]

I'm also a member of the tin hip club (2).
Just take your own sweet time and you'll be more than fine.
But don't spread the word too far or they'll say we are Bionically over endowed and make us walk twice as far to qualify for our Compostela!
God forbid!
Regards, good travelling and buen Camino,
Gerard

 

[Carolynm]

How long after your surgery did you walk and were there any concerns during. Thank you

Just a little past 2 years. It turns out my knee likes to walk about 20km a day. It never felt better. Just took my time.

 

[MeandIan]

I love hearing all these stories of "replaced parts" - not that I've been a participant, but we start our 2nd Camino on the 3rd or 4th May, and with my partner having had bilateral knee replacements in Oct 2016, this gives me more confidence. Anton is very confident. Wishing you a wonderful Camino

Perhaps we’ll meet on the way. Buen Camino

 

[blueskywa]

Perhaps we’ll meet on the way. Buen Camino

We’re going on the del Norte this time, loved the Frances, which I’m sure you’ll totally enjoy. Think we will miss it too but feels right to try a different path. Cheers you two!!

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Hi. We are Hazel, 61,and Ian, 67. I first found out about the Camino 18 months ago on a cooking show. When I called Ian he said he’s not interested in cooking shows. I said you have to see this one! Since then we were hooked. Ian was on the waiting list for hip replacement and I was in consultation for knee replacement. Ian had total hip replacement July 2016 and I had total knee replacement December 2016. Ian had arthritis and a huge cyst which restricted his movements. I had had 6 previous surgeries on my knee since the eighties which included 2 ACL reconstructions, scopes and meniscectomy and severe arthritis. We both knew the Camino was not on the cards at that time. Our plan is to do the Camino starting 3/5/18. Orisson is already booked! Both surgeons have ok’d us for the walk, saying ‘one step at a time. Just be mindful’. We are retired, me retired ish so will be in Europe for 90 days.
Our progress in our training in on #ikandothat. I have photos and videos of my surgery from admission to 3 months including anaesthetic, pain management, exercises etc. which l will post. I will do a blog and vlog when we work but how to do it before we leave. I am happy for any enquiries on my surgery which could be beneficial to others ( I am a clinical nurse specialist in anaesthetics)
I followed this forum for a year and feel like I know people already, from Kanga in Sydney to SYates in Santiago, and many, many more in between. We hope we can meet many on our journey. Look for the woman with a pink bag and knee support and a beautiful man who is extraordinary.

Thank god for the Camino or retirement homes would be overcrowded. On the Norte last year I met a man with MS. He trekked from Iran. He was slow, I helped and stayed with him for 2 hours then a lady insisted she walked him. I trekked on and got to Deba early. 8 hours later my MS friend arrived. 12 hours walking. He also had problem swallowing but restaurant looked after him. He was on way by 7 next morning. As a 68 year old I will start my on Norte soon. No feet or health problems so 30/35 km for 30 day to Santiago. You are as old as you wish buen Camino all. Life for l8ving and alternative not great

 

[MeandIan]

Thank god for the Camino or retirement homes would be overcrowded. On the Norte last year I met a man with MS. He trekked from Iran. He was slow, I helped and stayed with him for 2 hours then a lady insisted she walked him. I trekked on and got to Deba early. 8 hours later my MS friend arrived. 12 hours walking. He also had problem swallowing but restaurant looked after him. He was on way by 7 next morning. As a 68 year old I will start my on Norte soon. No feet or health problems so 30/35 km for 30 day to Santiago. You are as old as you wish buen Camino all. Life for l8ving and alternative not great

Thank you. It’s people like you that make me realise anything is possible

 

[FLEUR]

Slow but sure. Don't overdo things. Do make sure you have good travel / medical insurance. You can get your back packs transported on a daily basis. Doing this will greatly relieve your joints. Take care and enjoy your time on the Camino.

 

[MeandIan]

Slow but sure. Don't overdo things. Do make sure you have good travel / medical insurance. You can get your back packs transported on a daily basis. Doing this will greatly relieve your joints. Take care and enjoy your time on the Camino.

Thank you, we will. We have time on our side because we are in Europe for 3 months. We would like to meet people and enjoy the culture and historical value of Spain. Not to mention the food! We are grateful for any advice

 

[Mark Barnes]

I 2nd the consideration on bag transport. I thought I could carry all the things I brought in my pack and climb the hills and walk 20k a day, note I took a 70 liter backpack. I learned within a few hours the first day I had made a major error in judgement. Day 2 I started transporting over half of the stuff in my pack, I use a CPAP so that was why the big backpack. Bag transport is 5 euro a day and then goes to 3 euro a day about the last week. I again want to highly suggest that you use walking sticks and watch YouTube videos to learn to use them correctly. If you do book your bed ahead ask for lower bunk and give reason why you are making that request. You are going to meet so many interesting people and see some incredible sights and architecture. I am jealous of you.. I asked myself, why would anybody want to walk this more than once, when I was on the trail. Five months after completing my walk I am thinking maybe I should go again, never thought that would happen. Have a blast and know everyone on the trail wants you to be successful and will be helpful.

 

[MeandIan]

I 2nd the consideration on bag transport. I thought I could carry all the things I brought in my pack and climb the hills and walk 20k a day, note I took a 70 liter backpack. I learned within a few hours the first day I had made a major error in judgement. Day 2 I started transporting over half of the stuff in my pack, I use a CPAP so that was why the big backpack. Bag transport is 5 euro a day and then goes to 3 euro a day about the last week. I again want to highly suggest that you use walking sticks and watch YouTube videos to learn to use them correctly. If you do book your bed ahead ask for lower bunk and give reason why you are making that request. You are going to meet so many interesting people and see some incredible sights and architecture. I am jealous of you.. I asked myself, why would anybody want to walk this more than once, when I was on the trail. Five months after completing my walk I am thinking maybe I should go again, never thought that would happen. Have a blast and know everyone on the trail wants you to be successful and will be helpful.

Thank you. We had decided on baggage transfer the first two days at the very least after walking bag free last week. I am so grateful for all the advice and support people have given because I’m sure that when you walk personally it is very different to what you see on you tube. I just have to convince Ian that it’s ok to take help every now and then. And I, being a South African woman, want to take the whole kitchen We are so looking forward to meeting people from different walks of life.

 

[Opa Theo]

Hi. We are Hazel, 61,and Ian, 67. I first found out about the Camino 18 months ago on a cooking show. When I called Ian he said he’s not interested in cooking shows. I said you have to see this one! Since then we were hooked. Ian was on the waiting list for hip replacement and I was in consultation for knee replacement. Ian had total hip replacement July 2016 and I had total knee replacement December 2016. Ian had arthritis and a huge cyst which restricted his movements. I had had 6 previous surgeries on my knee since the eighties which included 2 ACL reconstructions, scopes and meniscectomy and severe arthritis. We both knew the Camino was not on the cards at that time. Our plan is to do the Camino starting 3/5/18. Orisson is already booked! Both surgeons have ok’d us for the walk, saying ‘one step at a time. Just be mindful’. We are retired, me retired ish so will be in Europe for 90 days.
Our progress in our training in on #ikandothat. I have photos and videos of my surgery from admission to 3 months including anaesthetic, pain management, exercises etc. which l will post. I will do a blog and vlog when we work but how to do it before we leave. I am happy for any enquiries on my surgery which could be beneficial to others ( I am a clinical nurse specialist in anaesthetics)
I followed this forum for a year and feel like I know people already, from Kanga in Sydney to SYates in Santiago, and many, many more in between. We hope we can meet many on our journey. Look for the woman with a pink bag and knee support and a beautiful man who is extraordinary.

Hazel and Ian,
Encouraged by this post. Had a total knee replacement 7 years ago and was warned not to walk more than 2 miles a day. Now I am 70, healthy and feel I have a 100 kilometer Camino in me. In America Physicians are worried about lawsuits and super cautious. In the gym and in actual walks I feel I could sustain 10 miles a day with a light pack. Am I being realistic?
Thanks

 

[Mark Barnes]

Remember the option to ship forward your pack each day to the place you will stay each night. This service the last 100k cost 3 euro a day.
I can not say for you or others but I walked between 8 and 15 miles a day when I walked 2017. I transported a bag and carried a light backpack. I was 58 years old and weighed over 300 pounds and of course had both hips replaced in 2006. Know this was very hard for me but that was because I was so out of shape.
You will run into people will all types of reasons they should not be out on the trail but there they are doing it and having a blast even though it is hard. Best of luck to you and just take your time and enjoy the journey.

 

[MeandIan]

Thank you for this! We are grateful to hear from people who have done this after joint replacement to hear how they have coped. Sometimes I think I may have jumped the gun by about a year! But we also know that tomorrow is promised to no one, and if not now,then when. Life has a known tendency to help you delay. We are having our bags transferred the first two days then we’ll take it from there. Thank you again

 

[MeandIan]

Remember the option to ship forward your pack each day to the place you will stay each night. This service the last 100k cost 3 euro a day.
I can not say for you or others but I walked between 8 and 15 miles a day when I walked 2017. I transported a bag and carried a light backpack. I was 58 years old and weighed over 300 pounds and of course had both hips replaced in 2006. Know this was very hard for me but that was because I was so out of shape.
You will run into people will all types of reasons they should not be out on the trail but there they are doing it and having a blast even though it is hard. Best of luck to you and just take your time and enjoy the journey.

Thank you for this! We are grateful to hear from people who have done this after joint replacement to hear how they have coped. Sometimes I think I may have jumped the gun by about a year! But we also know that tomorrow is promised to no one, and if not now,then when. Life has a known tendency to help you delay. We are having our bags transferred the first two days then we’ll take it from there. Thank you again