Options? RA is back

[Bopper]

My rheumatoid arthritis has come back - probably from practice walks carrying backpack. Now I have pain and stiffness in most of my joints, my wrists and feet and hips being the worst. To heal I need to really take care of my body and reduce stress. I do still need to move. Before cancelling my trip, I was wondering what my options are? Can I walk and bus? Will I still get a stamp if I bus? I believe I can have my backpack transported - anyone know cost of that? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Backpack transport:
http://www.jacotrans.com/

Will I still get a stamp if I bus?

You will get stamps anywhere you ask, but you need to walk the last 100km to qualify for a compostela.

 

[Kitsambler]

you need to walk the last 100km to qualify for a compostela.

That's you, not necessarily your pack.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

That's you, not necessarily your pack.

Well, I for one, am going to make my pack walk. I have a whip just for that purpose.

 

[Levi]

I too have RA so have some idea of how you're feeling at the moment - my last 'flare up' meant I cancelled a walk on the West Highland Way last year. It is possible on the Camino Frances to walk short distances and to use bus/taxi if necessary but I suspect that if you're still in a lot of discomfort you may not enjoy the experience. Can you wait a while to see if things improve before cancelling? If you do have to cancel/postpone remember that the Camino will be there waiting...
Wishing you a quick recovery.

 

[backpack45]

This might be obvious to some, but it took me a bit to figure it out--if a distance is going to be too long for a given day, take a service out a ways and then walk from where you are let out. It's not always easy to find a ride in the middle of a sunflower seed. I hope all goes well whatever your decision.

 

[HedaP]

Protecting your joints from permanent damage is a priority. However, if you do decide to walk, my advice would be to start in Roncesvalles instead of SJPdP. That first mountain pass has made my lupus flare both times I've walked it and I have walked both routes.
From Roncesvalles the walking is easier and it is possible to do short stages. For example 6 km to Espinal; 5 km to Viscarret; 9 km to Zubiri; 9 km to Zuriain; 12 km to Pamplona; 5 km to Cizur Menor; and so on. You can always hole up for a few days should it become necessary.
I believe it costs 5-7 € to have luggage transported.
Hoping this flare passes quickly and you have a buen camino.

 

[Bopper]

I too have RA so have some idea of how you're feeling at the moment - my last 'flare up' meant I cancelled a walk on the West Highland Way last year. It is possible on the Camino Frances to walk short distances and to use bus/taxi if necessary but I suspect that if you're still in a lot of discomfort you may not enjoy the experience. Can you wait a while to see if things improve before cancelling? If you do have to cancel/postpone remember that the Camino will be there waiting...
Wishing you a quick recovery.

Thank you. Yes, I will cancel this time - the Camino will be there. It would not be enjoyable. Thanks for responding.

 

[Bopper]

Protecting your joints from permanent damage is a priority. However, if you do decide to walk, my advice would be to start in Roncesvalles instead of SJPdP. That first mountain pass has made my lupus flare both times I've walked it and I have walked both routes.
From Roncesvalles the walking is easier and it is possible to do short stages. For example 6 km to Espinal; 5 km to Viscarret; 9 km to Zubiri; 9 km to Zuriain; 12 km to Pamplona; 5 km to Cizur Menor; and so on. You can always hole up for a few days should it become necessary.
I believe it costs 5-7 € to have luggage transported.
Hoping this flare passes quickly and you have a buen camino.

Thank you for your comments. I have decided to cancel this trip - I will wait and try another time. Appreciate your feedback.

 

[HedaP]

Keep us informed. I'm looking forward to hearing about your camino when the time is right.

 

[williamlittig]

Bring your medications and take them. Ship your bag everyday. Plan a longer Camino(more days) with shorter days to start as a test. Rest when you need to. This is your Camino, the memories are what last, the Compostella should not be the goal. Collect sellos, stamps, because postcards weigh too much...... Ultreya...... Willy/Utah/USA