Returning home.

[wayfarer]

It is with great sadness and dissapointment that I had to leave the Camino this morning after only walking only four or five kms. After the first km I started to get tightness in my chest but hoped it was indigestion after breakfast, sadly it got worse as I kept going so I turned back and got the bus and taxi back to Biarritz where I am resting in a hotel until tomorrows flight home. A friend took the stones to place at the Cruz de Ferro for me. These are the joys of heart disease but hopefuly I will get a chance to return after I get this sorted. I met another member, gidivet, on my way down and we had a chat. I was looking forward to meeting more of you but such is life, another time.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I hope rest solves the problem. Take care of yourself first and foremost.

Buen camino off the camino.

 

[Scotsreb]

It is with great sadness and dissapointment that I had to leave the Camino this morning after only walking only four or five kms. After the first km I started to get tightness in my chest but hoped it was indigestion after breakfast, sadly it got worse as I kept going so I turned back and got the bus and taxi back to Biarritz where I am resting in a hotel until tomorrows flight home. A friend took the stones to place at the Cruz de Ferro for me. These are the joys of heart disease but hopefuly I will get a chance to return after I get this sorted. I met another member, gidivet, on my way down and we had a chat. I was looking forward to meeting more of you but such is life, another time.

Hey Wayfarer,
May the Road rise up to meet you on you when next you make the Camino.
I'll take a stone for you (from here in California) and place it at the Cruz de Ferro this May.
YBiC
Philip

 

[mspath]

Wayfayer,

So sorry to read of your distress. Please do relax, rest and take care.

Margaret Meredith

 

[Rambler]

Wayfarer:
You will be added to many prayer lists for your safe return home and to better health so that you can return to the Camino in the future.

St. James, pray for us.
Rambler

 

[C clearly]

It was a wise decision to turn back for now. Best wishes!
-Clare

 

[JohnMcM]

Wayfarer,
What can one say?

Except, rest, take strength from our prayers, best wishes and thoughts of you.

If you care to, PM me and I'll give you an address to send a stone to which I will carry for you with a happy heart to the Cruz De Ferro.

Kind regards
John

 

[Kanga]

What I know is that pain is a message and this one sounds like a deep and serious conversation. Our will and ego is strong and sometimes we don't listen to what is being shouted at us. Sadly some don't listen until it is too late. I'm so glad you stopped.

There are many wonderful experiences to be had in this world. May you be blessed with joy and your Camino family hold you in its arms.

 

[angie]

Sorry to read such a sad post. Hope you get sorted out and can start again when god gives you the strength. Best wishes. Angie

 

[Silverton]

Wayfarer,
You were very sensible and courageous to stop before perhaps having a complete emergency. Home you go for whatever is needed in rest/treatment. The Camino awaits for you at a better time. My 78-yr-old brother-in-law was the oldest pilgrim getting his compostela Wednesday two weeks ago, having had prostate surgery and a quintuple bypass in the last few years. Take care, and God bless you.

 

[PANO]

sláinte mhaith! Wishing you a fast recovery, young man, many Camino miles remain to be walked.

 

[Monk Moses]

Prayers coming your way!

 

[StuartM]

It's been there for a thousand years. Rest and get well, it'll still be waiting.

 

[pudgypilgrim]

What a disappointment this must be, but you did the right thing. Rest, get well, and go back soon.

 

[LesBrass]

I cant say anything that hasn't already been said - but I can wish you a very speedy return to good health and the Camino. xx

 

[Merger]

It is with great sadness and dissapointment that I had to leave the Camino this morning after only walking only four or five kms. After the first km I started to get tightness in my chest but hoped it was indigestion after breakfast, sadly it got worse as I kept going so I turned back and got the bus and taxi back to Biarritz where I am resting in a hotel until tomorrows flight home. A friend took the stones to place at the Cruz de Ferro for me. These are the joys of heart disease but hopefuly I will get a chance to return after I get this sorted. I met another member, gidivet, on my way down and we had a chat. I was looking forward to meeting more of you but such is life, another time.

I am so sorry to hear this. As a fellow irish person I have been watching your posts with interest. We are going on our first Camino at the end of May and we are so excited. I can only imagine the sense of disappointment you must be feeling.
Be well and be strong.

 

[tallrobert]

Add my prayers and best wishes to the others. Glad you are taking care of yourself for future caminos.

 

[PilgrimMidwife]

You absolutely made the right decision. It must be so hard but the camino will be ther ewhen you are ready. I would be honored to carry a stone for you when I walk in August. Rest well.

 

[barber1586]

May you be blessed. I will say the rosary for you tonight. Rest easy.

 

[Sheffield James]

I imagine many people have a fear of having to end their camino prematurely. I am sorry it has happened to you on this occasion, but I like to think I will make the sensible and courageous decision you have made should I ever find myself in a similiar situation.

Go mbíodh biseach ort gan mhoill (get well soon)!

 

[Alyssa]

Sending you my thoughts and prayers.

 

[tyrrek]

Best wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery Wayfarer.

 

[Kiwi-d]

How disappointing for you, and how brave of you to have the common sense to recognise the right move to make. Adding my prayers to the list for you too.

 

[Peadarmac]

It is with great sadness and dissapointment that I had to leave the Camino this morning after only walking only four or five kms. After the first km I started to get tightness in my chest but hoped it was indigestion after breakfast, sadly it got worse as I kept going so I turned back and got the bus and taxi back to Biarritz where I am resting in a hotel until tomorrows flight home. A friend took the stones to place at the Cruz de Ferro for me. These are the joys of heart disease but hopefuly I will get a chance to return after I get this sorted. I met another member, gidivet, on my way down and we had a chat. I was looking forward to meeting more of you but such is life, another time.

So sorry to hear that.Go dtaga bisecah ort go luath !!

Tog go bog e for now and rest up.The Camino will still be waiting for you.

Regards,
Peadar

 

[Bear]

You did the right thing Wayfarer.

God willing, I will hug the apostle for you in early July.

 

[Bernard duffy]

A man who listens to his body and takes note,well done mate,get home,get sorted,n get back on the road,best wishes my friend.

 

[Sue M]

I hope you will be well enough to walk inthe future, but if not there are ways to experience the camino without walking. Not the same, but better than nothing! See the McCabe Travel website for details of pilgrimages to Santiago which involve o ly short optional walks. I have done it both ways. They are different, but Dantiago is there for everyone!

 

[Sue M]

Santiago! Sorry about the typo!

 

[IngridF]

Wishing you an easy journey home, Health, Light and Love - healing prayers... blessings Ingrid

 

[Pelegrin]

First take of yourself and then the other things.

Slainte.

 

[Al the optimist]

Please continue being sensible. Let's hope and pray you will recover fully and are able to do it another day. Perhaps from Roncesvalles next time?

 

[natefaith]

So sorry to hear. Thanks for being an example for all of us of listening to your body and stopping when you have to. Rest well!

 

[Tigerandahalf]

It is a tough one having to end your walk so early. Good health and hopefully you will be walking again soon.
A guy we met along the way had to end his camino early too.

 

[wayfarer]

Thank you all for your kind wishes, it means a lot to me. There are such great people on this forum. It amased me that I had no problems walking right up to flight time. An update: Things took a turn for the worse after I posted yesterday and I had to be ambulanced to a Cardiac clinic in Bayonne where I had a stint fitted today. Jane is here with me now and I hope to be released tomorrow but cannot fly for a few days. Margaret thank you for your pm, I cannot seem to be able to reply. I will post again later. Thank you all again.

 

[pilgrim b]

Thank you all for your kind wishes, it means a lot to me. There are such great people on this forum. It amased me that I had no problems walking right up to flight time. An update: Things took a turn for the worse after I posted yesterday and I had to be ambulanced to a Cardiac clinic in Bayonne where I had a stint fitted today. Jane is here with me now and I hope to be released tomorrow but cannot fly for a few days. Margaret thank you for your pm, I cannot seem to be able to reply. I will post again later. Thank you all again.

wayfarer what a shock for you just take things carefully on your return, my prayers are with you. When you return home PM me for a chat if you want to, there is Camino after heart surgery ( I have Credentials to prove it) but you need to take it very steady for a while until you recover and are thoroughly checked out. God bless you and Jane at this worrying time.

 

[David]

So sorry to hear that but glad you listened to your body and retraced your steps.

The Camino will be there waiting for you when you return.

I wish you well.

Buen Camino

 

[daviddephillips]

wayfarer please try not took look at is as ending the Camino. What took you too the Camino has sent you onto your own direction and divergent path then the one you planned. (That is the Camino, be it 1 mile or 500 ,


Sent from my iPad using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[mspath]

Wayfarer,

It is good to learn that you are more comfortable now and that Jane is with you.

Thank you for letting all of us, your digital friends, know your present condition.

Do continue to take care.

Margaret

 

[domigee]

I can't express it better myself but just wanted to tell you you're in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Bernard duffy]

Thank you all for your kind wishes, it means a lot to me. There are such great people on this forum. It amased me that I had no problems walking right up to flight time. An update: Things took a turn for the worse after I posted yesterday and I had to be ambulanced to a Cardiac clinic in Bayonne where I had a stint fitted today. Jane is here with me now and I hope to be released tomorrow but cannot fly for a few days. Margaret thank you for your pm, I cannot seem to be able to reply. I will post again later. Thank you all again.

My father had a stent fitted many years ago and still thrives today at 77,change of diet(probably) n exercise n you'll be fine.
One day we will meet on the Camino n i will buy you a beer,don't let me down )

 

[Mariann]

It is with great sadness and dissapointment that I had to leave the Camino this morning after only walking only four or five kms. After the first km I started to get tightness in my chest but hoped it was indigestion after breakfast, sadly it got worse as I kept going so I turned back and got the bus and taxi back to Biarritz where I am resting in a hotel until tomorrows flight home. A friend took the stones to place at the Cruz de Ferro for me. These are the joys of heart disease but hopefuly I will get a chance to return after I get this sorted. I met another member, gidivet, on my way down and we had a chat. I was looking forward to meeting more of you but such is life, another time.

Sorry to hear what happened to you. Hope you get the chance to walk some other time. God bless!

 

[Kiwi-family]

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.

I pray this every morning - and personalize it for you today - not that you come to my door, but that you get to yours and also back to the camino.

 

[alexwalker]

I am very sorry for you: Was hoping/planning to bump into you. But you did the only right thing: very wise of you!!


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[mlouiset]

Philip
When do you walk? Also from California.

 

[shefollowsshells]

Mu

It is with great sadness and dissapointment that I had to leave the Camino this morning after only walking only four or five kms. After the first km I started to get tightness in my chest but hoped it was indigestion after breakfast, sadly it got worse as I kept going so I turned back and got the bus and taxi back to Biarritz where I am resting in a hotel until tomorrows flight home. A friend took the stones to place at the Cruz de Ferro for me. These are the joys of heart disease but hopefuly I will get a chance to return after I get this sorted. I met another member, gidivet, on my way down and we had a chat. I was looking forward to meeting more of you but such is life, another time.[/quote

Sending much love your way!!!!
I will be in cathedral monday and you will be present in my mind and prayers will be said for a quick recovery

 

[gerardcarey]

Well that's a strange thing mate.
You'd have thought it would have showed itself during training.
Bad luck cobber.
Regds
Gerard

 

[Agnogel]

Rest up old man there will be plenty of other days to walk you did right to turn back better safe than sorry give me a shout when you get home i am due a trip to Limerick we might just meet up Peter

 

[annakappa]

What a shame, but thank goodness you stopped immediately when you did. You obviously know your body and realized that things just weren't right. May you recover quickly and, who knows, get back on the Camino one day.
Anne
PS. If you feel that you can't/shouldn't walk for some time, you could always volunteer as an Amigo in the Pilgrim's Office. It's a great experience!

 

[barber1586]

Wayfarer,

You must be experiencing a myriad of emotions. I think one of them should be, Wow, was I ever smart to turn back! I congratulate you on your great wisdom. Your Jane must be feeling much gratitude. God bless you and get well!

 

[JennyH94]

Oh Wayfarer! I'm so sorry to hear your news. You must be so relieved to have had the stent fitted so soon and that you're now on the road to recovery.
Best wishes to you and Jane for a safe trip home - remember, each day that goes by brings you closer to your next Camino.
'Thinking of you both and sending you every best wish for a speedy recovery -
Jenny x x

 

[wayfarer]

Thanks one and all for your thoughts and prayers. This is my fourth stent in total as well as a triple bypass in '95. Heart disease is in my family and visits every now and then despite how I live, eat and exercise. I will have to start slowly again and build up fitness. Anna, I would love to work as an Amigo for a while some time and have spoken to Madidi about his work there, I was to meet him there again in May. I will check this with JW at some stage when I am recovered.

 

[kimbo]

What a blessing that you were knowledgable enough about your own body to stop, that you were near a hospital for treatment , and that Jane is by your side. When God closes a door He opens a window, so there must be some new thing He has in mind for you. I would consider it an honor to pray for your healing and discernment in the healing process. Speedy recovery Wayfarer!

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

Hi Wayfarer!
Just see how your "camino family" is behind you, encouraging you, praising you for your good sense and - yes -loving you!
Your family will stll be there, when you've recovered sufficiently to start the camino again .... and that will happen.
Once the camino starts calling, it very rarely stops
Blessings from Suffolk!

 

[seajaycjw]

It is with great sadness and dissapointment that I had to leave the Camino this morning after only walking only four or five kms. After the first km I started to get tightness in my chest but hoped it was indigestion after breakfast, sadly it got worse as I kept going so I turned back and got the bus and taxi back to Biarritz where I am resting in a hotel until tomorrows flight home. A friend took the stones to place at the Cruz de Ferro for me. These are the joys of heart disease but hopefuly I will get a chance to return after I get this sorted. I met another member, gidivet, on my way down and we had a chat. I was looking forward to meeting more of you but such is life, another time.

Talk about letting go! good for you for taking care of yourself. Another time is the right time

 

[wayfarer]

Hi Wayfarer!
Just see how your "camino family" is behind you, encouraging you, praising you for your good sense and - yes -loving you!
Your family will stll be there, when you've recovered sufficiently to start the camino again .... and that will happen.
Once the camino starts calling, it very rarely stops
Blessings from Suffolk!

I agree completely Stephen, the responce to this post has blown me away, such a great family on this forum. I returned to La Petit Hotel in Biarritz with Jane to rest up before flying home probably on monday. The reason I returned here is because the manager was so helpful and kind to me when I got worse and he gave us a great welcome when we got in today.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Is there a "lessons learned" for you; something you will do differently next time? I don't think physical limitations should stop people from walking a camino, but they certainly need to accommodate their issues. Any insights or advice?

 

[wayfarer]

Just what most people said falcon, listen to your body. My confidance is a little shaken now as it has been before but I will build up fitness again and then decide. My wife advises that as I have already walked this Camino maybe I should look at some others like the Portuges coastal etc but I hate to walk away from the horse that threw me. Only time will tell. I don't believe I made any wrong decisions this time, I had a good level of fitness and was walking twelve kms about three times a week in just under two hours, a pace I had no intention of following on the Camino. I put it down to life and what it brings you. I have gotten over my initial dissapointment, I am happy to be alive and will return home, enjoy my family and what the rest of the year brings. Things could have been so different.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The climbs are less on the Camino Portugues, so that may be a good choice compared to starting at St. Jean. Whatever you decide, good health and good luck!

 

[Kanga]

And we rejoice too. Recuperate, enjoy some love from the family (I'd be sucking the marrow - demanding breakfast in bed, a foot rub, cups of tea) and stay on the forum to give us your wisdom. Time to be passive for a short space.

 

[indyinmaine]

Just what most people said falcon, listen to your body. My confidance is a little shaken now as it has been before but I will build up fitness again and then decide. My wife advises that as I have already walked this Camino maybe I should look at some others like the Portuges coastal etc but I hate to walk away from the horse that threw me. Only time will tell. I don't believe I made any wrong decisions this time, I had a good level of fitness and was walking twelve kms about three times a week in just under two hours, a pace I had no intention of following on the Camino. I put it down to life and what it brings you. I have gotten over my initial dissapointment, I am happy to be alive and will return home, enjoy my family and what the rest of the year brings. Things could have been so different.

Wayfarer,
I've been following these posts with great interest. It's sometimes very easy to put "two and two" together and get "four" - Camino + previous heart troubles = heart attack. That may be true in some cases and perhaps in yours. I had what I called a "life attack" 45 years ago. Back then you had to recuperate for 10 days in the hospital. That's when I read Michener's "Iberia" and discovered the Camino. I promised myself to walk it one day, in the interim had no heart issues at all and finally did last fall without incident, even without blisters! Four weeks ago while traveling in the boonies of western New York State I had what could have been a massive heart attack but for a great rescue squad, an attentive small hospital, and a helicopter ride which put me in Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. Three days later I walked out with a stent in the LAD and am already back to almost normal activity. The doctor's told me that there was no connection between my walking the Camino and then having a heart attack. They added that if anything, walking the Camino was the reason I had little or minimal damage.
I'm sure in one way or another you'll be back on the Camino even if it's to support others. God be with you.

 

[clearskiescamino]

It is with great sadness and dissapointment that I had to leave the Camino this morning after only walking only four or five kms. After the first km I started to get tightness in my chest but hoped it was indigestion after breakfast, sadly it got worse as I kept going so I turned back and got the bus and taxi back to Biarritz where I am resting in a hotel until tomorrows flight home. A friend took the stones to place at the Cruz de Ferro for me. These are the joys of heart disease but hopefuly I will get a chance to return after I get this sorted. I met another member, gidivet, on my way down and we had a chat. I was looking forward to meeting more of you but such is life, another time.

So sorry to hear that wayfarer. Take care of yourself. The camino will be ready for you when you are well.

 

[wayfarer]

And we rejoice too. Recuperate, enjoy some love from the family (I'd be sucking the marrow - demanding breakfast in bed, a foot rub, cups of tea) and stay on the forum to give us your wisdom. Time to be passive for a short space.

The breakfast in bed and the cups of tea might work for a few days, the foot rubs...... no chance.

 

[Leaningforward]

Wayfarer,

Your decision to stop was perfectly consistent with your choice of member photo -- a stop sign! Clearly, you are a man who walks the talk.

I have enjoyed reading your posts for months now, and will be happy to read your posts in the future -- whether posted from you home or some future camino or other destination. It would have been sad, very sad indeed, if you had pressed on -- past the stop sign of distress -- and walked a last, short camino. How much better to read your posts here, knowing you are safe and recovering, than to see a memorial to you along the Way. Too many of those ... already.

 

[Beata15]

Best wishes

 

[pilgrim b]

The breakfast in bed and the cups of tea might work for a few days, the foot rubs...... no chance.

With what you reported in another thread about your feet I'm not surprised they must be enormous!! " All my shoes are too small "

 

[gerardcarey]

I returned to La Petit Hotel in Biarritz with Jane to rest up before flying home probably on monday.

You are still helping us out even if you are not aware of it!
I'd just about given up looking for a reasonably priced place to stay in Biarritz when I noticed your accommodation. Checked the website. That looks good mate, and reasonably priced even in high season.
I'm leaving St Jean around September 11th if you'd like a mate around then.
Thanks again
Regds
Gerard

 

[wayfarer]

The hotel is small and basic but clean, it is more like a hostal. It is about 100 mts from the main beach and there are two restaurants about twenty mts from the front door, but what made it for me was the manager, he is so friendly and helpful and was really good when I started to get really ill. That is better than any luxury in my book.

 

[Scotsreb]

Philip
When do you walk? Also from California.

Hey Louiset,
Leaving California (LAX) on May 08. Arriving SJPDP on May 10 & leaving SJPDP on May 12th.
God Willing, Arriving in Santiago de Compostela + 30 days thereafter.

 

[Susan hopes]

I am so sorry this happened to you. I wish you gentle, healing energy and a peaceful journey home.

 

[Former member 12499]

Hello Wayfarer,
Sorry to read about your sad news.
I hope that you are now on 'The Way' back to a speedy recovery.
My best regards and good wishes to you.
Incidentally, I could not help but notice that you walked the Camino Francis the same time as myself -exactly the same route. April/May 2012.
Perhaps our paths crossed? Maybe you were that pilgrim in front or sat at the next table having a cafe con leche. Maybe we did meet.
I'd like to think that we did.
Just like the old Camino advice: take it one day at a time – easy does it.
Charlie

 

[AshaDasi]

It is with great sadness and dissapointment that I had to leave the Camino this morning after only walking only four or five kms. After the first km I started to get tightness in my chest but hoped it was indigestion after breakfast, sadly it got worse as I kept going so I turned back and got the bus and taxi back to Biarritz where I am resting in a hotel until tomorrows flight home. A friend took the stones to place at the Cruz de Ferro for me. These are the joys of heart disease but hopefuly I will get a chance to return after I get this sorted. I met another member, gidivet, on my way down and we had a chat. I was looking forward to meeting more of you but such is life, another time.

Keep well, Wayfarer. I see you've done different versions of the camino before, so I'm sure you'll get another chance. I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Tigerandahalf]

I guess you could have had the same issue sitting on your couch at home. Once your doctor gives you the ok you should be fine. Were you carrying much weight on your back?

 

[bystander]

Wayfarer, I admire your courage, your perseverance and, most of all, your common sense.
I wish you, along with all the others on this site, a speedy recovery and a short convalescence

"Ships may not stay in harbour, there's another voyage ahead,
Friends may not always linger, there are goodbyes to be said;
But make the parting gay, speed your friend upon his way,
With long may your big jib draw!

Sometimes your vessel is becalmed for days and weeks on end,
Sometimes the winds of life will blow you off your course, my friend,
But the wind is sure to veer, you must stay on board and steer,
And long, long, long may your big jib draw!"

 

[wayfarer]

I guess you could have had the same issue sitting on your couch at home. Once your doctor gives you the ok you should be fine. Were you carrying much weight on your back?

About 10kls including water and food for lunch. You are right it could have happened anywhere. There is no point in wrapping yourself in cotton wool, life must be lived.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Our prayers too Wayfarer, for a swift recovery and for future Camino plans. May God bless you and Jane and give you His peace at this time and a safe journey home.

 

[Pruden]

Wayfarer .
So sorry about how things went for you !
And on the other hand happy because you could handle the situation, now do the best for yourself and focus on getting well as soon as possible, my thoughts are with you and we already miss you in this forum ,I mean as a healthy person and full of energy.

Get well ! That's the most important task for you right now, that's your Camino now.

Hope you be back recovered as soon as possible!

 

[Tincatinker]

Wayfarer, so sorry for your troubles. Heal well and soon.

 

[gidivet]

It is with great sadness and dissapointment that I had to leave the Camino this morning after only walking only four or five kms. After the first km I started to get tightness in my chest but hoped it was indigestion after breakfast, sadly it got worse as I kept going so I turned back and got the bus and taxi back to Biarritz where I am resting in a hotel until tomorrows flight home. A friend took the stones to place at the Cruz de Ferro for me. These are the joys of heart disease but hopefuly I will get a chance to return after I get this sorted. I met another member, gidivet, on my way down and we had a chat. I was looking forward to meeting more of you but such is life, another time.

I was so happy to meet you, and then so shocked when you told me about your reason for turning round. I pray that you will have an excellent response to treatment and will make a full recovery.

 

[clwatkins]

My husband Tim and I met you. We were just leaving SJPP and you were coming back down. You explained your situation to us. Don't know if you remember us, but we have not forgotten you. You are in our thoughts as we walk. Hope you are feeling better.

 

[promessi]

Wayfarer, you have supported so many of us with your responses to posts, it is no surprise to see the outpouring of care from this forum. Thank you for telling us what happened so that we can care for you. I'm walking to the Poor Clare Monastery this morning and will lift you up in prayer, that you will heal and trust in God's timing for you. You are important to us and I'm very glad that you listened to your body and stopped for now. Peace

 

[wayfarer]

My husband Tim and I met you. We were just leaving SJPP and you were coming back down. You explained your situation to us. Don't know if you remember us, but we have not forgotten you. You are in our thoughts as we walk. Hope you are feeling better.

I do indeed and thank you for kind thoughts and wishes. The kindness and sense of family on this forum has kept me going these past few days.

 

[wayfarer]

Have arrived home safe and sound and will now start the recovery process. It felt very odd today leaving Biarritz with Jane carrying everything, she was like a sherpa with all the luggage but she would not let me lift anything. An angel.

 

[Al the optimist]

Brilliant. You got back ok. Now try not to be stubborn and listen to Jayne. She has had a fright as well. Tread the path slowly but surely. Your sharing of your experience will guide many, please don't let us down by being precipitous.

 

[JennyH94]

Have arrived home safe and sound and will now start the recovery process. It felt very odd today leaving Biarritz with Jane carrying everything, she was like a sherpa with all the luggage but she would not let me lift anything. An angel.

Hi Wayfarer and Jane -
'So good to hear that you're back home and safe.
I loved the photo of Jane with your pack - a true Camino Angel and Trooper. And Wow, your Forum name is featured on your pack! What a fantastic idea this is! You may have started a trend here, Wayfarer!
Cheers and best wishes -
Jenny

 

[Bernard duffy]

Take it easy brother,active but easy.

 

[newfydog]

Thank you all for your kind wishes, it means a lot to me. There are such great people on this forum. It amased me that I had no problems walking right up to flight time. An update: Things took a turn for the worse after I posted yesterday and I had to be ambulanced to a Cardiac clinic in Bayonne where I had a stint fitted today. Jane is here with me now and I hope to be released tomorrow but cannot fly for a few days. .

I think the French are pretty good at that. I had a friend (in his 70's) who was having his pre-race physical for the Paris Marathon. They didn't let him race, instead sent him straight to the hospital for a stint. He recovered nicely and has since walked several French chemins. Take care my friend! See you on the trails soon!

 

[pilgrim b]

So happy that your both home safely loved the pic of Sherpa Jane carrying your bag and also loved how you personalised it, it looked great!! Now you take care wayfarer and you will soon be back to fitness. Just don't rush it and please do think of ways to avoid putting too much pressure on that ticker!

 

[susanawee]

It is with great sadness and dissapointment that I had to leave the Camino this morning after only walking only four or five kms. After the first km I started to get tightness in my chest but hoped it was indigestion after breakfast, sadly it got worse as I kept going so I turned back and got the bus and taxi back to Biarritz where I am resting in a hotel until tomorrows flight home. A friend took the stones to place at the Cruz de Ferro for me. These are the joys of heart disease but hopefuly I will get a chance to return after I get this sorted. I met another member, gidivet, on my way down and we had a chat. I was looking forward to meeting more of you but such is life, another time.

I am so sorry that you have had to return Wayfarer and do hope and pray that, with rest, good treatment etc, that you will be 'on top of things again' and journeying on. Sadly, I too have had to cut my Camino short and I returned home here last night. I exacerbated an older injury to my right Achilles tendon and also pulled a muscle in my right thigh......I DID make it up and across the mountains though and walked on to Pamploma......I will go back again next year when my leg is properly healed.

 

[wayfarer]

I am so sorry to hear that Susan, get yourself well and maybe we will meet on the Way. The Achilles tendon is very painful, you did well to get that far, favouring that injury probably caused the muscle injury as well. As someone said earlier why not start in Ronchevalles or Pamplona next time, its not any less of a Camino and you miss that "in at the deep end" first day.

 

[JoanneK]

I am so sorry that you have had to return Wayfarer and do hope and pray that, with rest, good treatment etc, that you will be 'on top of things again' and journeying on. Sadly, I too have had to cut my Camino short and I returned home here last night. I exacerbated an older injury to my right Achilles tendon and also pulled a muscle in my right thigh......I DID make it up and across the mountains though and walked on to Pamploma......I will go back again next year when my leg is properly healed.

Sue I have been looking out for you and heard today that you were unable to continue. My thoughts are with you.

 

[dougfitz]

@wayfarer - my thoughts are with. I hope you recover and can return to the camino.

Regards,

 

[pilgrim b]

So sorry for you Susanawee you must be very disappointed but as Lise said better to stop than ruining any opportunity of ever being able to go back .wayfarer has made a very good point starting at Ronchevalles or Pamplona next time, and easing your km/days is still an excellent option. My best wishes for a swift recovery.

 

[canis_major]

Glad you're home safe and on the mend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are a blest man in many ways...don't give up the dream to trek again. BTW I found many locals in Biarritz to be friendly too, like your experience with that hotel manager. A bit like us Irish

 

[susanawee]

Sue I have been looking out for you and heard today that you were unable to continue. My thoughts are with you.

I am home again....have enjoyed a couple of good nights sleep. Resting my sore leg and will continue to have some physio during this coming week. I WILL be back to walking again as soon as possible and planning a walk here in Western Australia in early September.

 

[susanawee]

So sorry for you Susanawee you must be very disappointed but as Lise said better to stop than ruining any opportunity of ever being able to go back .wayfarer has made a very good point starting at Ronchevalles or Pamplona next time, and easing your km/days is still an excellent option. My best wishes for a swift recovery.

Thankyou Pilgrim B.....I walked from Pamploma to Santiago last year, so will now think about doing the Camino Portuguese next time, plus, a smaller walk here in Western Australia around September. Camino Hugs.

 

[wayfarer]

I am thinking about the same walk Susan but probably the coastal version. I have seen most of it from the campervan last year and it is beautiful, would be great to do in good weather and the people we met along the way were so friendly and helpful. Get well soon.
Pat

 

[susanawee]

I am thinking about the same walk Susan but probably the coastal version. I have seen most of it from the campervan last year and it is beautiful, would be great to do in good weather and the people we met along the way were so friendly and helpful. Get well soon.
Pat

smiles and thankyou...

 

[Brendan Dawson]

Thank you for your post...a difficult but wise decision ! Buen Camino, whenever ?
You give me courage to admit that I must quit in Logrono. My back has been steadily deteriorating since Roncevalles and I have been trying to walk through it. Alas, to no avail....it continues to worsen and, unlike in my younger days, I know that I can only do damage by continuing. So, here it ends !! Nowhere near as serious as wayfarer but a major disappointment, nonetheless.
I did meet some wonderful people in my abbreviated Camino and I wish them Buen Camino !
Charleston Bill and Jane, Bill from Canada, a lovely father and daughter team from Germany, Ernst and Mika and many more smiling faces without names. A VERY few loud and inconsiderate types.....but as someone once told me "If you haven't met any A..holes on the Camino, you haven't walked far enough". No real harm, no foul!
Good luck to all.....maybe it is in the cards for me to walk it in pieces! We shall see.


Sent from my iPad using Camino de Santiago Forum
Walkdontrun

 

[wayfarer]

Very sorry to hear your news Brendan, it is a tough decision but the alternative is unthinkable. I wish you a speedy recovery and a safe journey home.
Remember life is a Camino so enjoy every step, this years Camino for you and me and indeed all the others who had to stop early will be different to the one we planned but will be a great one none the less.

 

[susanawee]

Thank you for your post...a difficult but wise decision ! Buen Camino, whenever ?
You give me courage to admit that I must quit in Logrono. My back has been steadily deteriorating since Roncevalles and I have been trying to walk through it. Alas, to no avail....it continues to worsen and, unlike in my younger days, I know that I can only do damage by continuing. So, here it ends !! Nowhere near as serious as wayfarer but a major disappointment, nonetheless.
I did meet some wonderful people in my abbreviated Camino and I wish them Buen Camino !
Charleston Bill and Jane, Bill from Canada, a lovely father and daughter team from Germany, Ernst and Mika and many more smiling faces without names. A VERY few loud and inconsiderate types.....but as someone once told me "If you haven't met any A..holes on the Camino, you haven't walked far enough". No real harm, no foul!
Good luck to all.....maybe it is in the cards for me to walk it in pieces! We shall see.


Sent from my iPad using Camino de Santiago Forum
Walkdontrun

Sad for you to have to come to this decision Brendan, but, like myself, we both know that it would be worse to carry on and let the damage get worse. Walking on through the pain is not at all fun and I do empathise with you. Like you also, I wish all my other Camino friends and fellow walkers God Speed and a Buen Camino. As I wrote in an earlier post, whilst I am disappointed, I am not dispirited....there is always another time. A Camino Hug for you Brendan.