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Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Would I, had I known...?

billbennettoz

Veteran Poster
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances 2013
Camino Portuguese 2014
Via di Francesco 2015
It's been two and a half months now since I completed the Camino, and I still have very bad knee pain. So a couple of days ago I had x-rays, and went to a specialist.

He said it was a "miracle" I walked 800kms on my knee.

I have bone on bone. And the doctor said there's not much that can be done to fix it, other than a complete knee replacement. Ouch.

My knee started hurting during my training prior to leaving for the Camino. It's an old injury, and I made the decision before I left that I wouldn't seek medical advice on it.

But was that the right thing to do?

I believe so. If I'd had those x rays before I walked the Camino, I might not have finished. Knowing that I had a major structural fault in my knee, I might have lost my resolve. I might have put common sense in front of my determination to complete the pilgrimage.

The walk, at times, was excruciating. I walked for thirty one days on a daily diet of 1800mg of Ibuprofen. I went through three tubes of Voltaren. Was I stupid? Yes. Do I regret it? No.

Because my need to complete the Camino was greater than my need for my well being.

I wonder how much a knee replacement costs...?

Knee.jpg
 
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Cost of knee replacement? Ask the pharmaceutical industry whose products you used to "keep up with your resolve".:eek:
 
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I know. I've been many years in their advertising business. That's why it is so profitable.
 
Bill,

That resolve is extraordinary and I commend your indomitable will to finish the Camino in spite of your physical battle.
 
Bill,

That resolve is extraordinary and I commend your indomitable will to finish the Camino in spite of your physical battle.
Thank you Bridg, but I think many more people do it tougher than me all the time.

I discovered though that my pain humbled me, and I learnt a huge amount because of the pain. It also sent me into a transcendent state at times, particularly while walking across the Meseta. As I say, I have no regrets, but it was tough.
 
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Good Luck! I had 'bone on bone' and had a half knee replacement. Knee replacements are brilliant BUT the most important thing is to get good physiotherapy afterwards and to DO the exercises post surgery. It's painful but so worth it, I have near normal movement in my new joint. My surgeon told me how frustrated he gets wasting his time when patients don't do their hard work and end up saying that their operation was a failure!
 
I made a friend on the Camino who came from Quebec. She had had major knee problems before walking, and they recurred during the walk. Sometimes she was in serious pain, but she really wanted to make it. Occasionally in mid-Spain she took a bus or taxi to shorten her walking day, or rest, while her husband walked the whole distance. In Cacabelos a physio/masseur told her not to try and walk more than 20km per day. I was walking with this couple from Sarria, and we decided we would all walk together to the end, and walk daily distances my friend could manage.
I don't think I have met a pilgrim who was more proud and glad to receive her Compostela, The Camino was a huge achievement for her- and except for a few short distances, she walked all the way from Cahors in France. Her husband has just left home to walk another route, and this time she is staying at home, as her knee simply cannot endure such walking again. But she has the memories of her 2008 Camino to hold onto for her lifetime.
Margaret
 
My fall walking partner had both ankles rebuilt on his return! He is just out of his second "boot" and back walking. He used substantial ankle braces for the walk from Leon and fully laced combat boots. Sometimes you have to be motivated!!!
 
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My wife and I walked SJPdP to Santiago this last April/May. I began experiencing terrible tendinitis just before Lyon. I "toughed it out" with NSAIDs, and compression, because I didn't appreciate the seriousness of the situation, and its a "guy thing" to just soldier on. 5 days after my return to the States my posterior tibial tendon ruptured (complete) while I was walking across my office! You could have heard the "pop" in the next room. Surgery followed. 6 weeks post op and I am cleard to start protected walking in a "boot" next week.
We are planning to walk the Portugese next April/May, but in the meantime I have learned two things: Listen to your body, and the Camino does take care of its Pilgrims! (Even foolish 61 year old ones)
 
Your x-ray looks like mine!! I have bilateral OA and bone on bone. A result of too many knee sprains (downhill skiing) and surgeries. I walked 230 miles on the Camino last Fall and in the beginning, both knees would burn at night. As time went on, the burning ceased and I had no other pain during the walk or after. I can walk long distances and be pain free, but it hurts like crazy when I sit/stand up and sometimes when I go downstairs. You should see me get out of my kayak..it's really comical. I'm returning in May 2014 to walk from SJPP to Santiago and hopefully, on to Finistere and Muxia. I know the risks and am so willing to take them. At my age, one doesn't wait to do what one's spirit is calling out for.
 
Thank you Bridg, but I think many more people do it tougher than me all the time.

I discovered though that my pain humbled me, and I learnt a huge amount because of the pain. It also sent me into a transcendent state at times, particularly while walking across the Meseta. As I say, I have no regrets, but it was tough.

Pain can be a huge teacher and introduction to the transcendent state,..where you learn the body is the body, and then there is 'other than'..glad you have no regrets!


my only regret at present on the camino,..is accomadation so hard to come by i just had to pay 38 euros for a room. Either that or walk another between 11 and 24 kms with no guarantee at the first stop. a different kind of pain and only money..so no transcendental feeling here other than maybe returning home penniless which might or might not bring some transcendental situations
 
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Hi Bill,
I am so happy to hear you made it! What an accomplishment. I too have a knee problem but I can not take oral anti-inflammatories (per my doctors orders). Can you buy tubes of Voltaren in Spain without a prescription? In the US with my insurance NOT paying topical Voltaren is vastly expensive. If anyone knows if it can be purchased without a prescription I sure would love to know how to get it and for what cost. My plan is to leave SJPP in mid May 2014 for 6 weeks to get to SDC.
Thanks
Stefania
 
Hi Bill,
If anyone knows if it (Voltaren) can be purchased without a prescription I sure would love to know how to get it and for what cost. My plan is to leave SJPP in mid May 2014 for 6 weeks to get to SDC.
Thanks
Stefania
Hi Stefania. My wife has a prescription for Voltaren and it costs her $30.00 a tube WITH insurance in the States. While we were on the Camino earlier this year she bought it over-the-counter for about 5 euros a tube. Same stuff! Also, you can buy over-the-counter topical Ibuprofen in Spain. It works quite well, but not as well as the Voltaren. Christine (my wife) wishes she had filled her pack up with Voltaren for the return to the States. :)
 
Voltaren cream is available without prescription and is relatively cheap. They do Voltaren pills too. Life saver that cream
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
It's been two and a half months now since I completed the Camino, and I still have very bad knee pain. So a couple of days ago I had x-rays, and went to a specialist.

He said it was a "miracle" I walked 800kms on my knee.

I have bone on bone. And the doctor said there's not much that can be done to fix it, other than a complete knee replacement. Ouch.

My knee started hurting during my training prior to leaving for the Camino. It's an old injury, and I made the decision before I left that I wouldn't seek medical advice on it.

But was that the right thing to do?

I believe so. If I'd had those x rays before I walked the Camino, I might not have finished. Knowing that I had a major structural fault in my knee, I might have lost my resolve. I might have put common sense in front of my determination to complete the pilgrimage.

The walk, at times, was excruciating. I walked for thirty one days on a daily diet of 1800mg of Ibuprofen. I went through three tubes of Voltaren. Was I stupid? Yes. Do I regret it? No.

Because my need to complete the Camino was greater than my need for my well being.

I wonder how much a knee replacement costs...?

View attachment 5927
Like a lot of the older set we have the creaks in our joints, I am finding the hip aches at around 20k's but after rest for an hour is fine along with the hip I have worn knees for my sport as a young guy but now I have a frozen shoulder,when I forget about that the pain brings me to a stop.
But I am happy to be old as each many many young children don't get a chance, so I look at it that the pain is a badge for getting old so enjoy.

Old Trevor but young in spirit
 
Hey Bill,
myself and many many others remember following your daily blog which almost became a hunger as you wrote so beautifully with amazing photography. Your struggle and determination was very real and very inspiring. I too will leave with my own physical challenges as many of us do and pray that I find that inner something. Good luck with whatever you decide to do regarding your knee.

Alex
 
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Th
Good Luck! I had 'bone on bone' and had a half knee replacement. Knee replacements are brilliant BUT the most important thing is to get good physiotherapy afterwards and to DO the exercises post surgery. It's painful but so worth it, I have near normal movement in my new joint. My surgeon told me how frustrated he gets wasting his time when patients don't do their hard work and end up saying that their operation was a failure!
Thanks sixwheeler -

(is that your name because you can't walk?? :) )

I will stave off surgery for as long as I can. I am going to be leading a Camino tour in April of next year (2014) from Porto to Santiago, and that's about 250kms, so my knee has to be ready for that! It's not a good look having the tour leader take a bus!

Bill
 
D
Hey Bill,
myself and many many others remember following your daily blog which almost became a hunger as you wrote so beautifully with amazing photography. Your struggle and determination was very real and very inspiring. I too will leave with my own physical challenges as many of us do and pray that I find that inner something. Good luck with whatever you decide to do regarding your knee.

Alex
Dear Alex -

that's so very sweet of you to say, thank you!

In fact as soon as I came back I started writing a book about my pilgrimage, which should be ready for e-publishing in about 3 weeks. It will include some of my photography, but essentially it's a humorous account of the walk - it's not a retelling of the blog. It's enabled me to put everything that happened on my Camino into a larger perspective.

You will find that the Camino infuses you with an energy that is indefinable. You will find that it picks you up in its gentle hands and wings you over your pains and anxieties.

You will have an extraordinary time.

Bill
 
I am happy to be old as each many many young children don't get a chance, so I look at it that the pain is a badge for getting old so enjoy. Old Trevor but young in spirit
Hi Trevor - what an amazing attitude you have. You are an inspiration to someone who has just turned 60 (me!) and am now looking towards the prospect of old age, whatever that means! :D

Bill
 
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Hi Bill,
I am so happy to hear you made it! What an accomplishment. I too have a knee problem but I can not take oral anti-inflammatories (per my doctors orders). Can you buy tubes of Voltaren in Spain without a prescription? In the US with my insurance NOT paying topical Voltaren is vastly expensive. If anyone knows if it can be purchased without a prescription I sure would love to know how to get it and for what cost. My plan is to leave SJPP in mid May 2014 for 6 weeks to get to SDC. Thanks Stefania
Hi Stefania - as others have mentioned, yes Voltaren is readily available in Spain, and it is cheap. €5 a tube or less. So are Ibuprofen tablets - a box of forty tablets of 600mg costs under €2! The drugs in Spain are subsidised by the Government, (maybe that's why the economy is in tatters!) and you will have no problem getting anything you need, without a prescription.

I take blood pressure tablets and I was living in Galicia for 4 months (before I walked my first Camino) and I ran out of my BP tablets so I just took my box to the local Farmacia and they gave me exactly the same prescription tablets - as many boxes as I asked for - and they were a third the cost of what I paid in Australia. Same brand, same packaging, exactly the same tablets.

Spanish Farmacia's are a Godsend!

Bill
 
my only regret at present on the camino,..is accommodation so hard to come by i just had to pay 38 euros for a room. Either that or walk another between 11 and 24 kms with no guarantee at the first stop. a different kind of pain and only money..so no transcendental feeling here other than maybe returning home penniless which might or might not bring some transcendental situations
Yikes Peachy - that's one of the big hassles walking this time of the year, isn't it. I read somewhere that pilgrims are getting up at 3am to start their walk early so they can get the jump on the others wanting a bed. I hope the €38 room was transcendent!!

Bill
 
My wife and I walked SJPdP to Santiago this last April/May. I began experiencing terrible tendinitis just before Lyon. I "toughed it out" with NSAIDs, and compression, because I didn't appreciate the seriousness of the situation, and its a "guy thing" to just soldier on. 5 days after my return to the States my posterior tibial tendon ruptured (complete) while I was walking across my office! You could have heard the "pop" in the next room. Surgery followed. 6 weeks post op and I am cleard to start protected walking in a "boot" next week.
We are planning to walk the Portugese next April/May, but in the meantime I have learned two things: Listen to your body, and the Camino does take care of its Pilgrims! (Even foolish 61 year old ones)
Peter - That's a horrible story about the "pop." And yes, you're right - it is a "guy" thing, although a wonderful lady named Ingrid who is a regular on my blog walked most of the Camino on a broken leg - broken in two places, and she didn't realise. She just knew that she was in incredible pain.

She made it through to Santiago though and got there on her 60th birthday!

The Camino can exact a very painful and physically debilitating toll - but the spiritual rewards, I believe, more than make up for it! And yes, the Camino does look after its pilgrims - sometimes in very subtle ways.

Bill
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
My fall walking partner had both ankles rebuilt on his return! He is just out of his second "boot" and back walking. He used substantial ankle braces for the walk from Leon and fully laced combat boots. Sometimes you have to be motivated!!!
Ah Falcon - you're motivated, my goodness!

You hear these incredible stories of people overcoming physical adversity to complete, or even walk sections, of the Camino.

It really is an extraordinary pilgrimage, and anyone who undertakes it is worthy of immense respect.

Bill
 
Your x-ray looks like mine!! I have bilateral OA and bone on bone. A result of too many knee sprains (downhill skiing) and surgeries. I walked 230 miles on the Camino last Fall and in the beginning, both knees would burn at night. As time went on, the burning ceased and I had no other pain during the walk or after. I can walk long distances and be pain free, but it hurts like crazy when I sit/stand up and sometimes when I go downstairs. You should see me get out of my kayak..it's really comical. I'm returning in May 2014 to walk from SJPP to Santiago and hopefully, on to Finistere and Muxia. I know the risks and am so willing to take them. At my age, one doesn't wait to do what one's spirit is calling out for.
Hi Patty - it's good to know that you have similar issues and yet it's not stopping you. I literally haven't walked any long distances since returning from the Camino. I've put on weight (yuk) and feel sluggish. The doctor has advised me to do stationary bike or rowing machine, which I will now start to do, because it's driving me nuts that I can't walk.

So hearing your story is very inspiring, thank you!

Bill
 
I made a friend on the Camino who came from Quebec. She had had major knee problems before walking, and they recurred during the walk. Sometimes she was in serious pain, but she really wanted to make it. Occasionally in mid-Spain she took a bus or taxi to shorten her walking day, or rest, while her husband walked the whole distance. In Cacabelos a physio/masseur told her not to try and walk more than 20km per day. I was walking with this couple from Sarria, and we decided we would all walk together to the end, and walk daily distances my friend could manage.
I don't think I have met a pilgrim who was more proud and glad to receive her Compostela, The Camino was a huge achievement for her- and except for a few short distances, she walked all the way from Cahors in France. Her husband has just left home to walk another route, and this time she is staying at home, as her knee simply cannot endure such walking again. But she has the memories of her 2008 Camino to hold onto for her lifetime.
Margaret
Margaret, you are a veteran, and you've walked some incredible distances, so your stories resonate.

It's good to hear these stories, because it makes me want to get out there again, bung knee and all!

Bill
 
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Yikes Peachy - that's one of the big hassles walking this time of the year, isn't it. I read somewhere that pilgrims are getting up at 3am to start their walk early so they can get the jump on the others wanting a bed. I hope the €38 room was transcendent!!

Bill

Hi Bill.
I have had knee problems for most of my adult life. I have discovered that there were many treatments that reduced the inflamation and the pain over the years. I have had good luck with asprin and different braces over time as well as with prescription medication, they were all worth the effort.
I have now had both knees replaced and will be back out again soon. If I had any suggestions it would be to keep your own knees until you cannot get thru the night without waking up in pain. Just my opinion.
 
I love reading about how so many people have faced the pain and have done it anyway. It's a tribute to the strength we all have in us and the determination to live life to the fullest right up to, well, whatever comes next.
 
If I had any suggestions it would be to keep your own knees until you cannot get thru the night without waking up in pain. Just my opinion.
That's sound advice Longwalker. Thank you. It hurts when I get up out of a chair, and when I walk any distance at the moment, but I have been slack with my efforts to rehabilitate, I have to admit. It's minus 3C here in the mornings, and hard to get out and exercise! I'm just feeling a bit lazy right now. But I will have to do it.

Again, good advice, thanks.

Bill
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Bill, we are planning to walk Porto to SdC next April and continue on to Muxia and Finisterra. We will be joined by some Camino friends we met this year on the Frances. Perhaps our paths will cross.
Oh, BTW, as many folks do, my wife got a tattoo to memorialize the journey. I have a memento too. Here is a pictures of it... and NO regrets!image.jpg
 
Hey Bill From Oz,

Don't know if this is applies in your particular case but it may be worthwhile to ask an orthopedic surgeon if microfractures to replace articular cartilage are an option to the total knee replacement. I'm no expert but if the torn cartilage can be cleaned up, a surgeon can put multiple tiny holes on the bone surfaces. In about six weeks, the surface regenerates a new type of cartilage that cushions the bony surfaces. If it is an option for you, it may be an alternative for a knee replacement that can always be performed later, if needed. Just a thought from a bit of personal experience. PS: Knees performed wonderfully on Camino last fall after double microfractures. The rest of the body...that's another story.
 
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It may be worthwhile to ask an orthopedic surgeon if microfractures to replace articular cartilage are an option to the total knee replacement. I'm no expert but if the torn cartilage can be cleaned up, a surgeon can put multiple tiny holes on the bone surfaces. In about six weeks, the surface regenerates a new type of cartilage that cushions the bony surfaces. If it is an option for you, it may be an alternative for a knee replacement that can always be performed later, if needed.
Hi ZgBird - that's good to know. I've also heard of cartilage replacement. These things seem much more sensible than a full knee replacement, which surely must be a last resort only.

Bill
 
Bill, that's the fix for the ruptured tendon and collapsed arch. Tendinitis ignored has consequences!
Bloody hell, that's scary!

Can I ask - what were your symptoms while you were walking? And where was the pain?

And are shin-splints the same as tendonitis?
 
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Bloody hell, that's scary!

Can I ask - what were your symptoms while you were walking? And where was the pain?
And are shin-splints the same as tendonitis?
Severe pain on the interior of the ankle around the ankle bone. Swelling. This was quite painful by Leon. I used NSAIDs and compression. Felt "ok" in the mornings, but excruciating after 20km. I continued on to SdC, just treating the symptoms. I am quite fit, accustomed to daily exercise, and I bicycled 5,000 miles diagonally across the US in 2010. I just didn't take this seriously. Lesson learned!
To my knowledge, shin splints are different.
 
Bill,

Stayed up way too late reading your blog in one fell swoop. The gorgeous pictures and your sense of humor were perfect for a time when I can't get the Camino out of my head again. Thanks for sharing and best of luck with your knees! PS: In answer to "Would I, had I known...". After reading your blog, seriously? The answer is, absolutely!
 
Severe pain on the interior of the ankle around the ankle bone. Swelling. This was quite painful by Leon. I used NSAIDs and compression. Felt "ok" in the mornings, but excruciating after 20km. I continued on to SdC, just treating the symptoms. I am quite fit, accustomed to daily exercise, and I bicycled 5,000 miles diagonally across the US in 2010. I just didn't take this seriously. Lesson learned!
To my knowledge, shin splints are different.
Yes, I thought so. Although I heard pilgrims confusing shin-splints with tendonitis on my walk.

You must have extraordinary strength and determination though - having done that mammoth bike ride. I'm sure you can overcome any adversity!

Bill
 
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Bill,

Stayed up way too late reading your blog in one fell swoop. The gorgeous pictures and your sense of humor were perfect for a time when I can't get the Camino out of my head again. Thanks for sharing and best of luck with your knees! PS: In answer to "Would I, had I known...". After reading your blog, seriously? The answer is, absolutely!
That's very sweet of you ZgBird - thank you!

The blog was fun to do - and it helped me make sense of what I was going through at the time, and then afterwards.

If you enjoyed the blog, then you'll enjoy the book. I'm hoping that I'll be finished by the end of this month, and it will be on Kindle and iBooks etc early in September.

The orthopaedic surgeon has told me I need to have a very expensive brace made for my knee, to take the pressure off the bone on bone section - and I have to have a yearly injection into the joint that will rebuild the cartilage.

Hopefully this will fix it, because I want to get back out onto the Camino again!
 
What is that Ross, a knee replacement?

Bill
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Hi Bill, sorry to hear about your knee problems. Like so many others here, I really enjoyed your blog and daily updates as you made your way across to Santiago. I am sure you will overcome this knock-back and be fit for your walk in April. And you never know, our paths may well cross one day ;):)

Keep walking, keep writing, and keep well.

Greetings from Ireland,

S.
 
Hi Bill, sorry to hear about your knee problems. Like so many others here, I really enjoyed your blog and daily updates as you made your way across to Santiago. I am sure you will overcome this knock-back and be fit for your walk in April. And you never know, our paths may well cross one day ;):)

Keep walking, keep writing, and keep well.

Greetings from Ireland,

S.
Dear Madidi - thank you for your very kind words!

I have something to work towards - the Camino Portuguese in April.

I do believe in the body's capacity to heal. Sometimes it just needs a little help though.... :)

Bill
 
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Yes Bill a total knee replacement performed at The Mater Hospital at Noth Sydney. Brilliant surgeons.
Ah - that's where my orthopaedic surgeon, Dr David Wood resides. My previous specialist was Mervyn Cross, who started up that practice.

Can I ask, who did your operation? And how long did it take for our recuperation?

Bill
 
Dr Matthew Lyons did mine. Very happy. But I think they are all good there. Hear good thinks about David Wood. It was about 9 months until I was back to normal and able to walk long distances. But this is so much better than when I also was bone on bone.
 
It's been two and a half months now since I completed the Camino, and I still have very bad knee pain. So a couple of days ago I had x-rays, and went to a specialist.

He said it was a "miracle" I walked 800kms on my knee.

I have bone on bone. And the doctor said there's not much that can be done to fix it, other than a complete knee replacement. Ouch.

My knee started hurting during my training prior to leaving for the Camino. It's an old injury, and I made the decision before I left that I wouldn't seek medical advice on it.

But was that the right thing to do?

I believe so. If I'd had those x rays before I walked the Camino, I might not have finished. Knowing that I had a major structural fault in my knee, I might have lost my resolve. I might have put common sense in front of my determination to complete the pilgrimage.

The walk, at times, was excruciating. I walked for thirty one days on a daily diet of 1800mg of Ibuprofen. I went through three tubes of Voltaren. Was I stupid? Yes. Do I regret it? No.

Because my need to complete the Camino was greater than my need for my well being.

I wonder how much a knee replacement costs...?

View attachment 5927

Thanks for posting. I have the same complaints after finishing my caminho Portuges last june.my knee does not improve so I will consult my doctor too.
Thanks again
 
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Hi Bill,
I have just begun reading your blog, it is great! I will be walking mid May through June on the Camino Frances. I feel very hopeful about making it all the way to SDC even with a questionable knee. I look forward to your movie and will continue to enjoy your blog as I read on. Thank you.
Stefania
 
That's very sweet of you ZgBird - thank you!

The blog was fun to do - and it helped me make sense of what I was going through at the time, and then afterwards.

If you enjoyed the blog, then you'll enjoy the book. I'm hoping that I'll be finished by the end of this month, and it will be on Kindle and iBooks etc early in September.

The orthopaedic surgeon has told me I need to have a very expensive brace made for my knee, to take the pressure off the bone on bone section - and I have to have a yearly injection into the joint that will rebuild the cartilage.

Hopefully this will fix it, because I want to get back out onto the Camino again!

Bill, I had microfracture for my left knee two years ago, and also receive injections of euflexxa every 6 months. It has made a world of difference for me and, except for some stiffness and minor pain when I first start walking, I am virtually pain free. With that said, the microfractures and injections have just bought me some time - hopefully enough time for a miracle cure to be developed and become afforable. :)
Good luck. keep your quads strong and your weight down.
 
Hi Bill,
I have just begun reading your blog, it is great! I will be walking mid May through June on the Camino Frances. I feel very hopeful about making it all the way to SDC even with a questionable knee. I look forward to your movie and will continue to enjoy your blog as I read on. Thank you.
Stefania
Dear Stefania - thank you! Mid May to June will be a great time to walk the Camino Frances. And of course you'll make it all the way through. There is an energy on the Camino that gives you strength you don't know you have.

And delighted that you're enjoying the blog - it's attracted an eclectic community now - some very wonderful people contribute each day.

Bill
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
[quote="Maggie97520, post: 150098, member: 28049"Keep your quads strong and your weight down.[/quote]
Good advice Maggie. Since returning from the Camino, and not being able to walk long distances, my weight has crept up a bit. I've put myself on a juice and soup regime to get it down. And yes, strengthen the quads. Stationary bike and rowing machine, me thinks! :)
 
Hi, Bill!

So sad to hear about your knee problems. But you're already solving it, that's good for your upcoming Caminho Portugues. I've had similar problems with my both knees due to alpinistic injury in my early twenties (43 now). Doctors just said that I should try to live with it until unbearable and only then go for surgery. Well, that wasn't really something I wanted as a climber, mountaineer, skier etc. I started with easy exercise which helped but major improvement came with regular (even 3-4 times per week) visits in sauna. You may try it but I'm not sure if your doctor would allow that (I remember you wrote about taking blood pressure pills...).

Hope you'll get well!!!
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
It's been two and a half months now since I completed the Camino, and I still have very bad knee pain. So a couple of days ago I had x-rays, and went to a specialist.

He said it was a "miracle" I walked 800kms on my knee.

I have bone on bone. And the doctor said there's not much that can be done to fix it, other than a complete knee replacement. Ouch.

My knee started hurting during my training prior to leaving for the Camino. It's an old injury, and I made the decision before I left that I wouldn't seek medical advice on it.

But was that the right thing to do?

I believe so. If I'd had those x rays before I walked the Camino, I might not have finished. Knowing that I had a major structural fault in my knee, I might have lost my resolve. I might have put common sense in front of my determination to complete the pilgrimage.

The walk, at times, was excruciating. I walked for thirty one days on a daily diet of 1800mg of Ibuprofen. I went through three tubes of Voltaren. Was I stupid? Yes. Do I regret it? No.

Because my need to complete the Camino was greater than my need for my well being.

I wonder how much a knee replacement costs...?

View attachment 5927
I had meniscus surgery on my left knee 10 years ago. Two years ago I walked the last 200 miles of the Camino from Leon to Santiago--blisters were the main problem. But now, in training, I'm having some swelling in the knee and pain. I'm 62, I suspect bone on bone may be the situation. I intend to walk the Camino, whatever, but would be grateful for any advice on how to do it with knee trouble.
 
I subsequently went to an orthopaedic surgeon who looked at the MRI of my knee, and he recommended a knee brace, costing about $700. I now wear this brace on my daily walks, and I've had no pain since. I used panty-hose on that leg to stop any rubbing of the brace against my skin, so I've had no irritation or blisters from the brace. It works a treat. The doctor also suggested an injection into the knee joint, which I haven't done yet.

I'm doing another walk in April - the Portuguese Camino - and so I'm hoping this brace gets me through that ok.

Bill
 
Funny. I was just thinking about you last night! Even went back and looked at your blog. I was wondering how you wre doing, apparently you were in the midst of writing your post as I was reading!!! PGS, I suppose.
You've been having knee problems for a while. Which do you think will be better - to be hobbling around in April recovering from knee replacement surgery, or to be hobbling around in April on more and more painful knees? Which will be better for the group you are leading?
After surgery, PT (physical therapy) is truly the miracle drug. As I'm sure you know, the right PT can deliver noticable improvements on an almost daily basis. I know you have the drive to take a daily dose of PT as directed. And it sounds like the brace is strengthening the muscles around your knee to releive pain.
BTW, my own plans are stirring to start a Camino in Belgium, maybe in April or May. Of course, the Camino in Portugal is a dream of mine, too!
I hate to "see" you continue to suffer on bad knees for so long. I'm sure your doctor and your better half hate it, too.
 
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Bill: Given the possible wait for scheduling the necessary surgery where you live, it is done one knee at a time, have you considered scheduling the operation to occur AFTER your Spring 2014 Camino? I mean, if it takes four-to-six months to get on the waiting list (for example), could you schedule it before you travel? This way, assuming you will really be ready to get it done afterwards, the wait time will be concomitantly shorter.

Just a thought...

BTW - my mom had her right knee replaced about 4 years ago with a titanium ball joint. Both sockets screw into the upper and lower leg bones respectively, and the socket is now the strongest part of her body. But your specialist will know what works best for you. I do know they do different types of joint replacement depending on your lifestyle. Make sure you argue for the active, sporting lifestyle model.;) I mention this because the nylon replacements do not last as long and are intended for people with more sedentary lifestyles. That is why mom got titanium instead of nylon. She is not that active, but the doctor knew to put the "heavy duty" model in.

Hope this helps.
 
I subsequently went to an orthopaedic surgeon who looked at the MRI of my knee, and he recommended a knee brace, costing about $700. I now wear this brace on my daily walks, and I've had no pain since. I used panty-hose on that leg to stop any rubbing of the brace against my skin, so I've had no irritation or blisters from the brace. It works a treat. The doctor also suggested an injection into the knee joint, which I haven't done yet.

I'm doing another walk in April - the Portuguese Camino - and so I'm hoping this brace gets me through that ok.

Bill

Good luck with the Camino Portuguese, Bill. I suspect a knee brace of some sort will be the way I'll have to go, though I was thinking more along the lines of the $20 drug store models. I'll see what the doctor says. The silk stocking idea sounds good! I'm leaving for Spain on May 26, so I've got some time to lose weight, and the more the better.

Craig
 
Bill, we are planning to walk Porto to SdC next April and continue on to Muxia and Finisterra. We will be joined by some Camino friends we met this year on the Frances. Perhaps our paths will cross.
Oh, BTW, as many folks do, my wife got a tattoo to memorialize the journey. I have a memento too. Here is a pictures of it... and NO regrets!View attachment 5934
did u jump off a tall building?.. Since that's what it usually takes to get a calcaneus fracture or maybe from the top bunk?..
 
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My husband had a knee replacement in February and climbed Scafell Pike (highest mountain in England) six months later.
 
did u jump off a tall building?.. Since that's what it usually takes to get a calcaneus fracture or maybe from the top bunk?..

I ignored some really serious tendinitis. 5 days after I returned to the States my posterior tibial tendon ruptured. It was a complete break. Part of the restoration was re-positioning the heal.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Cost of knee replacement? Ask the pharmaceutical industry whose products you used to "keep up with your resolve".:eek:
The last time I had a quote - it turned out I did not need either the knee or hip replaced - it was around $15000 (and that was with limited private health/hospital insurance). I now have top cover and it will now (if ever required) cost about $500 (my excess). Yes its one of the big issues about passing 60 - knees; hips; shoulders need expensive treatment!!
 
It's been two and a half months now since I completed the Camino, and I still have very bad knee pain. So a couple of days ago I had x-rays, and went to a specialist.

He said it was a "miracle" I walked 800kms on my knee.

I have bone on bone. And the doctor said there's not much that can be done to fix it, other than a complete knee replacement. Ouch.

My knee started hurting during my training prior to leaving for the Camino. It's an old injury, and I made the decision before I left that I wouldn't seek medical advice on it.

But was that the right thing to do?

I believe so. If I'd had those x rays before I walked the Camino, I might not have finished. Knowing that I had a major structural fault in my knee, I might have lost my resolve. I might have put common sense in front of my determination to complete the pilgrimage.

The walk, at times, was excruciating. I walked for thirty one days on a daily diet of 1800mg of Ibuprofen. I went through three tubes of Voltaren. Was I stupid? Yes. Do I regret it? No.

Because my need to complete the Camino was greater than my need for my well being.

I wonder how much a knee replacement costs...?

View attachment 5927
 

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