Feeling Good

[KinkyOne]

Not really...
For a few weeks now my sciatic nerv has been giving me problems (@timr witnessed it) and although there was some intermediate pause (due to cranio-sacral therapy I guess) regarding pain in my butt cheek, leg and also numbness of my foot a few days ago I had to visit the doctor. A friend of mine gave me a warning having same problems but waited for too long (6 monthss) and after surgery he's banned from lifting more than 3 kilos. He's a young father and I am not. I am a walker, Caminoist and he's not. I will be send to the MR and then we shall see. I'm kind of afraid I won't be able or will be forbidden to carry my backpack again. And all the silly things went through my head. I remembered a very nice song by Nina Simone who died 13 years ago (

), which gave me kind of support through many years because it's really a Camino song for me:

"Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel.

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life for me yeah

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me
Ouh
And I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
Blossom on the tree you know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done that's what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world for me

Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pines you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me

And I'm feeling good"

Today quite incidentally I came upon this version (at 08:25!!!):

which I like even more and it gave me a real burst of energy.

Enjoy it and see you on the Road

 

[VNwalking]

I'm kind of afraid I won't be able or will be forbidden to carry my backpack again.

May that not happen, K1!!!
Good that you're dealing with it sooner rather than later...and many others have likely had to walk with this.
I get it off and on and now have a bad ankle. The joys of aging. But there is a lot of inspiration here--people who are still walking well into their 9th decade--and maybe beyond that.
May it be for you too.

 

[Theatregal]

Really sorry to hear this ~ Sending you a wish that you will soon sing that lovely Nina Simone song and truly feel that way.

 

[KinkyOne]

Thank you for your words of comfort @Viranani & @Theatregal

 

[LTfit]

@KinkyOne don't listen to all the horror stories and ban those "what if" from your vocabulary! As a physiotherapist I have seen many patients who recovery just fine. Of course great that they are doing an MRI.

Find a good therapist for rehab. and let us know how you carry on.

Cheers
LT

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Hang on in there @KinkyOne no-one can tell you the outcome until the Healing Camino is complete. I had many horror stories and warnings while recovering from my fractured foot but am back to distance walking and pack carrying again.

Don't fret either about the healing journey - it zigs and zags all over the place but gets there in the end.

We'll all be walking with you in whatever way we can. Sending lots of positive thoughts

Go well

 

[KinkyOne]

@KinkyOne don't listen to all the horror stories and ban those "what if" from your vocabulary! As a physiotherapist I have seen many patients who recovery just fine. Of course great that they are doing an MRI.

Find a good therapist for rehab. and let us know how you carry on.

Cheers
LT

Thanks, Lee,
Will try not to be too freightened but only a little bit concerned

 

[KinkyOne]

Hang on in there @KinkyOne no-one can tell you the outcome until the Healing Camino is complete. I had many horror stories and warnings while recovering from my fractured foot but am back to distance walking and pack carrying again.

Don't fret either about the healing journey - it zigs and zags all over the place but gets there in the end.

We'll all be walking with you in whatever way we can. Sending lots of positive thoughts

Go well

Your words exactly why I posted this here. Nobody wants to be ill but to not be able to walk long distance again that's something else. And the only company of that sort of people one can find is right here on this forum.
Thank you!

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Yes, walking long distance treks was always my aim and I had to be strong and insist that this was as important to me as healing as the fracture. I actually had a specialist say to me that women your age don't walk across countries.

This one does!

Stay focused, stay strong, don't let others opinions override your own. Accept the journey, just as a Camino it will be good and bad and otherwise. If you need any support the Forum is open 24/7.

 

[smj6]

@KinkyOne, in the summer of 2015, I was suffering from something similar (with similar pains/ numbness/ etc) & was actually on crutches for 2-3 months. Various back injections helped, but also I had to be patient (NOT easy for me!).
It did take several months to get over it, but get over it, I eventually did. Now I'm just starting my 7th week on the Camino & I'm walking around 20kms a day.
You'll get better - believe in it.
Ultreia Suzanne

 

[peregrina2000]

Oh, K1, this is such sad news. As everyone else has said, though, the crucial thing is that you are getting treatment. I also know people who have been totally cured from sciatica, so there's no reason why you can't be one of those. Day by day, inch by inch. Hang in there. And I know you don't like to think of your life without a backpack on your back, but there are workarounds that many others have successfully used. No need to think about that till it's a reality though.

My brother is in his fourth month of recovery from Guillain Barre and still cannot manage to walk more than a step. His therapist has told him repeatedly - the therapy cannot get ahead of the disease. That is a hard pill to swallow because like you, he is determined to be "back to normal". In his case that means running 20 miles a week, hard to envision since he has not walked more than a step or two since August, but the will and determination he shows are amazing. So, you need to take it slow, and just bask in all the good wishes and hopes being sent your way through cyber space. Glad you are keeping your spirits up, Kinky, sending you many hugs and positive vibes, Laurie

 

[OTH86]

Hey Boštjan, continue to be the positive person you've been for others! Getting back into distance walking may take some time, but strive for it even if you have to go more slowly and not as far you want for awhile.
I've been walking this latest Camino (29 Sept - 8 Nov) more slowly and taking some buses and a train due to back problems. I had to eliminate a sizeable section of the Camino (Castrojerez to Ponferrada), but this has been the most gratifying of all four Caminos!! I don't know if I'll be able to do it again, but in a few months I'll at least be planning for my next one!!!
Keep FEELING GOOD and stay positive! Prayers for you!
Terry

 

[KinkyOne]

Thank you Suzanne and Laurie!
It means much to me as I just learned about possible (bad) endings a day ago and didn't have enough time to work it over in my head. I know myself and I don't give up just like that. With your good wishes it will be easier.

Suzanne - Buen Camino

 

[KinkyOne]

Hey Boštjan, continue to be the positive person you've been for others! Getting back into distance walking may take some time, but strive for it even if you have to go more slowly and not as far you want for awhile.
I've been walking this latest Camino (29 Sept - 8 Nov) more slowly and taking some buses and a train due to back problems. I had to eliminate a sizeable section of the Camino (Castrojerez to Ponferrada), but this has been the most gratifying of all four Caminos!! I don't know if I'll be able to do it again, but in a few months I'll at least be planning for my next one!!!
Keep FEELING GOOD and stay positive! Prayers for you!
Terry

I will, Terry
As mentioned in previous post I just learned that a day ago and also caught a flu so feeling quite miserable coughing, swearing, sneezing, eyes dripping in front of this screen right now. I know I'll get over the flu in a few days and my head will clear a bit about MRI etc.soon. So I must think for the best.
Thank you!

 

[Nanc]

Dear KinkyOne
Your forum family knows how deeply meaningful your walking and Caminos are in your life. We are here because we, too, share some level of the same passion. To face potential loss of that part of your heart (soul?) EVEN TEMPORARILY can be quite fearful.

I would suspect that some part of your wavering faith in the outcome is due, in part, to the wear and tear that chronic pain creates on the psyche.
Your reaching out for a Camino hug was a perefect way to shore up that weariness and remind yourself of how you have approached other difficult ohysical journeys, with all your friends beside and behind you ( me included if I can clsim a forum friend. Hah! Even if I can't)
Nanc

 

[KinkyOne]

Dear KinkyOne
Your forum family knows how deeply meaningful your walking and Caminos are in your life. We are here because we, too, share some level of the same passion. To face potential loss of that part of your heart (soul?) EVEN TEMPORARILY can be quite fearful.

I would suspect that some part of your wavering faith in the outcome is due, in part, to the wear and tear that chronic pain creates on the psyche.
Your reaching out for a Camino hug was a perefect way to shore up that weariness and remind yourself of how you have approached other difficult ohysical journeys, with all your friends beside and behind you ( me included if I can clsim a forum friend. Hah! Even if I can't)
Nanc

Thank you, Amiga
You are all considered as friends either we know each other in person or not and I will try this emotions are flowing both ways!

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Kinkyone--who is it in this forum who carries that little tiny waist bag and has everything he needs? Is it David?

You'll never stop walking. You'll just find a work-around.

Buen Camino!

 

[KinkyOne]

Kinkyone--who is it in this forum who carries that little tiny waist bag and has everything he needs? Is it David?

You'll never stop walking. You'll just find a work-around.

Buen Camino!

Thank you for nice words!

I don't really know the person with waist pack but David has a small Berlingo, that I do remember

 

[C clearly]

Kinkyone--who is it in this forum who carries that little tiny waist bag and has everything he needs

That was @Al the optimist, for summer walking. We haven't heard from him for awhile.

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

Not really...
For a few weeks now my sciatic nerv has been giving me problems (@timr witnessed it) and although there was some intermediate pause (due to cranio-sacral therapy I guess) regarding pain in my butt cheek, leg and also numbness of my foot a few days ago I had to visit the doctor. A friend of mine gave me a warning having same problems but waited for too long (6 monthss) and after surgery he's banned from lifting more than 3 kilos. He's a young father and I am not. I am a walker, Caminoist and he's not. I will be send to the MR and then we shall see. I'm kind of afraid I won't be able or will be forbidden to carry my backpack again. And all the silly things went through my head. I remembered a very nice song by Nina Simone who died 13 years ago (

), which gave me kind of support through many years because it's really a Camino song for me:

"Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel.

It's a new dawn
It's a new day

It's a new life for me yeah

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me
Ouh
And I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
Blossom on the tree you know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done that's what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world for me

Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pines you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me

And I'm feeling good"

Today quite incidentally I came upon this version (at 08:25!!!):

which I like even more and it gave me a real burst of energy.

Enjoy it and see you on the Road

I read your post just as I was preparing to meet a friend for a hike. Now I am back after hiking 4 hours, and I stress this because from January to July of this year, I suffered from the same issues you describe. Since June 2013, I have had chronic issues with my piriformis, and in January, that issue finally aggravated the sciatic nerve. I walked the Camino Frances in 2015 and Hadrians Wall National Path in June, and I am still walking. I tried physical therapy, deep tissue massage, and acupuncture. I did discover that instead of worsening the condition, walking actually made me feel better! Then after walking Hadrians Wall, in July, I began to improve, and the sciatica stopped and the piriformis syndrome reduced significantly -- all on their own. So don't be too frustrated and anxious. Wait and see what the mri shows. Let us know the test results, but please be reassured that this might not be debilitating. Take care.

 

[KinkyOne]

I read your post just as I was preparing to meet a friend for a hike. Now I am back after hiking 4 hours, and I stress this because from January to July of this year, I suffered from the same issues you describe. Since June 2013, I have had chronic issues with my piriformis, and in January, that issue finally aggravated the sciatic nerve. I walked the Camino Frances in 2015 and Hadrians Wall National Path in June, and I am still walking. I tried physical therapy, deep tissue massage, and acupuncture. I did discover that instead of worsening the condition, walking actually made me feel better! Then after walking Hadrians Wall, in July, I began to improve, and the sciatica stopped and the piriformis syndrome reduced significantly -- all on their own. So don't be too frustrated and anxious. Wait and see what the mri shows. Let us know the test results, but please be reassured that this might not be debilitating. Take care.

Exactly what I intend to do, wait for the results and then deal with it.
Interesting that most of the pain gone today and only numbness of the foot remains. I guess you folks messed with my head a little bit

Thanks for your kind words!

 

[KinkyOne]

That was @Al the optimist, for summer walking. We haven't heard from him for awhile.

Al was last seen yesterday 01:55 AM on forum so I guess all is well with him.

 

[trecile]

I had back surgery about 15 years ago - L5 microdiscectomy. Of course it took me a while to recover after surgery, no sitting for long periods, lifting etc., but I've no problems now. And what a miracle it was to be pain free after several months of agony.

 

[KinkyOne]

I had back surgery about 15 years ago - L5 microdiscectomy. Of course it took me a while to recover after surgery, no sitting for long periods, lifting etc., but I've no problems now. And what a miracle it was to be pain free after several months of agony.

Yes there's a suspicion about something like that but will have to wait for the MRI results. And only then I'll decide what to do. If without pain and numbness I can wait another 100 years, no problem

Have a nice day Trecile and thank you for your input!

 

[trecile]

Oh, and about a year later my husband was so jealous of my lovely surgery scar that he had the same procedure.
He has also not had any problems. We both lift weights, and do regular household tasks with no problems.
The type of surgery that I had is where the doctor goes in through a tiny incision and removes the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve causing the pain. It was a quick outpatient procedure.

 

[KinkyOne]

Oh, and about a year later my husband was so jealous of my lovely surgery scar that he had the same procedure.
He has also not had any problems. We both lift weights, and do regular household tasks with no problems.
The type of surgery that I had is where the doctor goes in through a tiny incision and removes the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve causing the pain. It was a quick outpatient procedure.

That was exactly how it was described to me. But only as a presumed diagnosis, not the final one. Today I also got PM from another forum member with different way of dealing with that. As already said I'll just wait and hope that without much pain during that time.

And yes, scars can be also sexy

 

[Hiawatha]

Sixteen years ago my past caught up with me , leaping out of aeroplanes had taken its toll . What had been dismissed as ' soft tissue damage' under an MRI machine , reared its ugly head as three previously undiscovered hairline fractures . I had lived with these for over a decade .
Spinal fusion to two vertebrae and a laminectomy to another saw me pain free , the release was like a rebirth . I lost over two inches in height !
Today this procedure would be seen as butchery , even so I am so glad to have had it performed .
Don't fear surgery if it's suggested , new advances have turned such visceral procedures into an art form . With the help of providence all you may need is to delay a walk or two while you recover , the trail will still be there when you do .
By the way , I can now always tell when I haven't been walking enough -- My back hurts