chilledKat
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- June/July 2014
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This is great advice. Take what you have and be grateful for the experiences and the lessons. It is not the end of the world. And I'm sure it is not the end of your Camino.I am sorry to read your walk on the camino has become a disaster.
I would suggest, that once the immediate medical issue is done, catch the next bus to Finisterre and find a place on the beach to just really recover. Risking chronic health problems isn't worth it. The camino is nothing but a road that is pleasant to walk upon.
Hi everyone,
Well my Camino has certainly taken many twists and turns so far. As is to be expected. With that comes many lessons also.....
"We are as forlorn as children lost in the woods. When you stand in front of me and look at me, what do you know of the griefs that are in me and what do I know of yours. And if I were to cast myself down before you and weep and tell you, what more would you know about me than you know about Hell when someone tells you it is hot and dreadful? For that reason alone we human beings ought to stand before one another as reverently, as reflectively, as lovingly, as we would before the entrance to Hell."
I am very sorry you are having a nightmare with your feet. My feet were not so great either but I wasn't infected.Hi everyone,
Live from Leon. I will precursor this by saying this is a very sensitive topic to write about or share. For me at least.
Well my Camino has certainly taken many twists and turns so far. As is to be expected. With that comes many lessons also.
I now find myself in Leon. In a cheapish hotel near the river, contemplating the next chapter of my Camino. A second visit to a medical centre since my trip started, the first being for a sprained ankle. This time, after a 27km+ walk on my birthday no less, I find that I have a very bad infection and currently am unable to walk. Literally. I have two massive bandages around both feet, the result of not listening to my body and trying to walk through the pain.
I have been called everything from a taxigreno to a hotelgreno and all in between. Luckily most have been gentle with me at the times I have been most hard and cruel to myself. I have been advised that I am not allowed to walk at all for four days and will have to get my bandages changed daily by a doctor and my wounds seen to. My feet look like a horror film.
Which brings me to this. My new Camino. It's going to be markedly different from the one I was on. I may not reach Santiago in time before my flight leaves now. It's financially not possible for me to change my flights back to Australia. It leaves me with a huge dilemma of what is important....the walk or getting to Santiago. I have sadly missed much of the Meseta which was so important for me to do.
I have been lectured by a French zealot at a private hostal on doing it the right way and that clearly I haven't been.
So this post is just a gentle reminder to all who we see on the path that we each have our own challenges. Some may have none, others many.
A beautiful Camino friend shared with me recently her favourite Kafka quote. I think this sums it up aptly
"We are as forlorn as children lost in the woods. When you stand in front of me and look at me, what do you know of the griefs that are in me and what do I know of yours. And if I were to cast myself down before you and weep and tell you, what more would you know about me than you know about Hell when someone tells you it is hot and dreadful? For that reason alone we human beings ought to stand before one another as reverently, as reflectively, as lovingly, as we would before the entrance to Hell."
Thank you for allowing me to share.
Katrina xo
I feel like Jimmy Stewart in Rear Window.....staring out the window looking on at life! Except I have no binoculars and where is Grace Kelly when you need her??!View attachment 11334
Hi All
Just spent the last three hours in the hospital. Fortunately I was so blessed to have a beautiful doctor who treated me. Sadly the news isn't what I wanted to hear. I am not allowed on my feet for the next five days at all and after that only very minimal. I have been advised that at this moment my Camino as I know it has come to an end.
Many tears were shed and fortunately for me, he understood and was empathetic to my need to finish. At this point however a wheelchair is my legs.
I have a lot of thinking to do the next few days as I need my infection treated daily. My heart is breaking as I write this. I wanted more than anything to walk this Camino, to free myself and find myself. There is much reflection to be had. And a huge part of me needs to forgive myself. I hope I can do that. At this very moment I am finding it hard to do so. I feel I have failed on so many levels.
In the grand scheme of my life, where does this fit? Only time will reveal all I guess.
I will keep you posted if I may, on my progress.
I felt this way initially when I had to drop out earlier this year but you have made the right decision and you have not failed, just postponed.I feel I have failed on so many levels.
I will keep you posted if I may, on my progress.
Exactly. Hopefully you will get back another time and can walk the rest, if that is what you decide you want to do. All the best with your healing.I felt this way initially when I had to drop out earlier this year but you have made the right decision and you have not failed, just postponed.
Oh Kat, far from it. Your words, and those of others on this thread, have meant so much, I can't even find the words. I am so sorry that you won't be able to finish your Camino as planned (this year anyway), but a failure this is not. This may sound like a terrible cliché right now, but maybe when your feet have healed and you are feeling better, you might look at this situation and what it has enabled you to give to others by talking about it here. I hope you are able to feel that - and as you said in your first post, be gentle with yourself.I feel I have failed on so many levels.
I hope you come back and try again!
Not at all: You are THERE. Many people only daydream about the Camino, but you are there. Many envy you.I feel I have failed on so many levels.
Kat Alex is right you haven't failed at all. The other day I talked to a 70+ year old woman who said she had been wanting to do the camino since she was in her 20s but she never got around to it. You did it. You're there. Shit happens. It could happen to any of us so give yourself some slack and get well soon. The camino will be there when you're back to yourselfNot at all: You are THERE. Many people only daydream about the Camino, but you are there. Many envy you.
So, things went bad for you. For me too: I had to stop in Astorga this May due to pneumonia in cold winds and rain, and return home. The weather forecast predicted 10 more days of rain, cold, and some snow in the mountains, so there was no change for me to go on, healthwise (Iam 60). So what? Next time, I'll take a train to Astorga and walk from there, completing my credential. No big deal, only some extra costs.
As for those who called you names: They are probably proud of themselves and their own achievements, but they are not real peregrinos in their hearts.
Get well, and return to Leon another time to complete. I am sure you will.
All the best,
Yes Kat keep us in the loop. I think we're all enjoying your posts. I agree with Al and whoever I read said the pics of your feet reminds them of the traveling gnomeyou could start a blog... Maybe something like Kat's Camino Adventures or Wrappy Feet or Gauze with the Wind or Singing in the Pain or Ben Hurt or The Grapes of Wrap or Rebel without a Pause or Trouble in Paraiso. Ok I'll stop now. Just trying to lighten the mood but I honestly hope you're ok and know you're not alone
I wanted more than anything to walk this Camino, to free myself and find myself.
Ouch! Get well.
Hi All
Just spent the last three hours in the hospital. Fortunately I was so blessed to have a beautiful doctor who treated me. Sadly the news isn't what I wanted to hear. I am not allowed on my feet for the next five days at all and after that only very minimal. I have been advised that at this moment my Camino as I know it has come to an end.
Many tears were shed and fortunately for me, he understood and was empathetic to my need to finish. At this point however a wheelchair is my legs.
I have a lot of thinking to do the next few days as I need my infection treated daily. My heart is breaking as I write this. I wanted more than anything to walk this Camino, to free myself and find myself. There is much reflection to be had. And a huge part of me needs to forgive myself. I hope I can do that. At this very moment I am finding it hard to do so. I feel I have failed on so many levels.
In the grand scheme of my life, where does this fit? Only time will reveal all I guess.
I will keep you posted if I may, on my progress.
How does one post a photo?Thanks everyone for your responses. I have been so blessed in many ways and certainly didn't write my post to elicit sympathy nor complain. It was just a gentle reminder to all currently on the Camino that, like life, things don't always go as planned. So to try and be gentle in the process. I have been surprised by a member of my Camino family who bussed in to help me for a few days and then they will bus back to Carrion to continue walking. So how lucky am I?!
I have also been blessed with a bath so am now able to washView attachment 11332
Joy abounds xoxo
Just press "Upload a file".How does one post a photo?
Hi All
Just spent the last three hours in the hospital. Fortunately I was so blessed to have a beautiful doctor who treated me. Sadly the news isn't what I wanted to hear. I am not allowed on my feet for the next five days at all and after that only very minimal. I have been advised that at this moment my Camino as I know it has come to an end.
Many tears were shed and fortunately for me, he understood and was empathetic to my need to finish. At this point however a wheelchair is my legs.
I have a lot of thinking to do the next few days as I need my infection treated daily. My heart is breaking as I write this. I wanted more than anything to walk this Camino, to free myself and find myself. There is much reflection to be had. And a huge part of me needs to forgive myself. I hope I can do that. At this very moment I am finding it hard to do so. I feel I have failed on so many levels.
In the grand scheme of my life, where does this fit? Only time will reveal all I guess.
I will keep you posted if I may, on my progress.
And a leg shot for the ladies.....
My doctor.... I got to say.... Having McDreamy tell me bad news today certainly helped soften the blow
Hello Kat - I dont have anything to add that hasn't already been said.
I've read this post a few times and felt bad about not saying something... so I just want to say that your legs look fab in those pictures!
I hope you've got folks around you to keep you company and best wishes with whatever you decide... and bah humbug to anyone that says bad things!
View attachment 11338 My new Camino
I called in to see Reb and Pat one morning as I walked through this May. There was someone there recuperating at the time who seemed very happy with the care and attention. and yes the dogs are lovely and friendly!When you guys get stuck and need a place to hole up and heal, remember the Peaceable is here for you, right in the middle of the meseta. We have loving dogs, decent food, and lots of silence, and we are right near the Sahagun rail line and the Terradillos bus stop.
Please don't stay in a less-than suitable hostel if you don't want to. Give a call or an IM and we can sometimes come and get you, even (esp. if you are as near as Calzadilla!)
I think enough people here have stayed with us to attest that we are for real..)
Reb.
Gee - bryn - I wish I had known about your "home" last June - I could have used some of your TLC. Hopefully I am returning to the Camino and I think I will add your home to my rest/recovery time. CheersHi Kat,
Try not to worry about what those people are saying to you, and you must listen to the Doctor's advice with your feet.
Catch the bus, or train to Santiago then just get yourself to here http://www.thelittlefoxhouse.com/ and sit and think about what you have accomplished !
Now, Now Lise - I think Kate should have first go - she saw him first and has had to put up with those "feet"!!!Ummmm if I PM you my contact details. ...could you please pass them on to McDreamey. Oh My!!!!
When you guys get stuck and need a place to hole up and heal, remember the Peaceable is here for you, right in the middle of the meseta. We have loving dogs, decent food, and lots of silence, and we are right near the Sahagun rail line and the Terradillos bus stop.
Please don't stay in a less-than suitable hostel if you don't want to. Give a call or an IM and we can sometimes come and get you, even (esp. if you are as near as Calzadilla!)
I think enough people here have stayed with us to attest that we are for real..)
Reb.
Hi All
Just spent the last three hours in the hospital. Fortunately I was so blessed to have a beautiful doctor who treated me. Sadly the news isn't what I wanted to hear. I am not allowed on my feet for the next five days at all and after that only very minimal. I have been advised that at this moment my Camino as I know it has come to an end.
Many tears were shed and fortunately for me, he understood and was empathetic to my need to finish. At this point however a wheelchair is my legs.
I have a lot of thinking to do the next few days as I need my infection treated daily. My heart is breaking as I write this. I wanted more than anything to walk this Camino, to free myself and find myself. There is much reflection to be had. And a huge part of me needs to forgive myself. I hope I can do that. At this very moment I am finding it hard to do so. I feel I have failed on so many levels.
In the grand scheme of my life, where does this fit? Only time will reveal all I guess.
I will keep you posted if I may, on my progress.
I called in to see Reb and Pat one morning as I walked through this May. There was someone there recuperating at the time who seemed very happy with the care and attention. and yes the dogs are lovely and friendly!
Hi RebekakWhen you guys get stuck and need a place to hole up and heal, remember the Peaceable is here for you, right in the middle of the meseta. We have loving dogs, decent food, and lots of silence, and we are right near the Sahagun rail line and the Terradillos bus stop.
Please don't stay in a less-than suitable hostel if you don't want to. Give a call or an IM and we can sometimes come and get you, even (esp. if you are as near as Calzadilla!)
I think enough people here have stayed with us to attest that we are for real..)
Reb.
I have been wondering how best to respond to all your posts, to find the right words to do your kindness justice. I don't think one can truly appreciate the impact ones written word has. It can destroy or bring life. Yours brought me hope, laughter and at times made me wonder who you were writing about as I don't relate to the person you are describing. Am not being coy, but I am far from brave and courageous. I have merely had some crappy luck on a journey I am pretty privileged to take.
I have had a really tough few days, with my insurance company pushing every button. I have lost it several times and being here alone and with limited mobility has really challenged me. I even went flying off a wheelchair ramp into a glass partition as my hands slipped and I ended up on the floor. I now sport bruises. And a bruised ego.
I still am unsure as to what will unfold. Two doctors has said explicitly I am not to walk the Camino and a third said it might be ok. I have a few days more of treatment left.
So thanks for keeping my spirit afloat. It has been to some very dark places indeed but checking in on the forum has helped me to keep going.
And because Al the Optimist is suffering feet withdrawals here I am currently watching bad TV! View attachment 11414
My feet needed cheering up.....
View attachment 11424
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