Walking the Camino 9-10 months after spinal fusion surgery.

[jhdceltic]

I am scheduled to have a L4-L5 fusion tansforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in January 2013. I have had back problems for years although I am still very active and in shape. I would like to walk 100 miles with my son's to Santiago de Compostela next September. Has anyone reading theses posts walked the Camino after similar surgery and if so how did you prepare for the walk and how did you do on the walk?
Any information would be gratefully appreciated.

Jim Dugan

 

[colinPeter]

Hi Jim,
Welcome to the forum. I'm guessing others have delayed responding as they possibly have no experience walking following spinal fusion surgery.
About all I can contribute to your question is to say that I have had back problems for many years, but only regular physio and not surgery. Last Camino my back "went" and at one stage looked like the walk might be over, but after a bit of rest I was able to nurse it from Burgos to Santiago.
Not sure what section your planning on, but most of the Camino has its ups & downs along with a fair amount of uneven paths. However, you are basically on well worn paths or roads all the way. Options which might help you are walking poles for stability, baggage transfer which is easily arranged, if you need it, and the availability of various levels of accommodation in case you need a bed and not of a top bunk. I think you could test yourself on some regular hills & a bit of stoney uneven surface which should give you a good idea. Regarding distance, you probably need to be able to cover approx 15-25 klm per day (depending on your stages) to be able to get between places with accommodation.
Hope all goes well with your surgery & your Camino plans.
Col

 

[PaulB Hayward]

Hello,
Although I have had no spinal surgery, I have suffered back problems for many years.
Recently, I took a fall; landing on my lower spine from about eight feet onto a tiled surface, and messing things up pretty badly, what wasn't all that good to start with.........I rather think that there are only people who have expierienced back pain, can truly understand when someone talks of their back pain.
My question to the specialist treating me, was a simple one.....Am I going to be able to walk another Camino this coming June ? Apparently,the answer will be revealed after some more treatment, but the feelings of the Doctor, were that my determination was probably going to make sure that I will at least give it a go.
maybe that is how you should approach things....be determined, believe, build in 'just in case options', and.....give it a go !
I wish you well.
Paul.

 

[biker13]

Hi I have had back problems for over four years with numerous surgical procedures,spending months in bed and some time in wheel chair. I find I am not able to walk very far but since Dec 2012 I am now cycling about 2.5 hours a day with breaks when it is not windy. I have Parkinson's but it is manageable with medication. My Neurologist tells me that cycling is ok for Parkinsons patients as their balance is not effected. I live in West Clare and am researching my route at the moment, I intend to use luggage transport service and take my time. My last surgeon has advised me to swim or use non weight bearing exercise and I have to say I feel much better since I bought my bike at the beginning Dec2012 I have not done much hill work yet but weather depending I should have my fitness levels up to scratch by 28th April 2013. I am looking forward to the wild flowers on the Camino. Any advice or suggestions would be gratefully received
biker13

 

[susanawee]

biker13[/quote]

All the very best biker 13........You obviously have a very strong will and I believe that you will achieve all that you set out to accomplish. Cheers, Susanawee

 

[jhdceltic]

Thank each of you for your replies. I will have surgery on February 19th. I am also determined to rehab myself to do the Camino. My surgeon said that he can't make me 20 again. I told him 50 would do.

 

[pilgrim b]

Hi Jim,
I have had the L4 spinal X Stop fusion, Never looked back (forgive the pun). Since then I have walked several 100 mile treks in England and mountains too. So you don't need to be 20 again mate
I'm on the Camino this year in June from Leon to Santiago hope to arrive there round about the 18th
By the time you read this you will have had your op so be determined Jim. So sorry I didn't read this thread before now.Contact me if you need to know more.
Pilgrim b