Walking the " Camino Modificatione"...

[KJFSophie]

I've walked a few in the past, and the plan was to walk the Camino Portugues this September....ahhhhh the best laid plans have been tossed aside. As life would have it, with 5 weeks out to my departure, I ended up at the ER with excruciating abdominal pain to be handed a diagnosis of Acute Diverticulitis. I was put on several antibiotics and told to restrict my diet, no exercise for 2 weeks, no straining or lifting and to stay out of the sun ( photosensitivity with medications ). " Surely you're not going on your trip with that?! " But I thought otherwise, feeling that if I listened to doctors orders, I'd be good to go. And as life would have it ( again ), on the final day of my antibiotics treatment and resting period, I was at the ER yet again. I woke from a night's sleep and could not stand. I had excruciating pain in my right leg and could not bear weight. After another week of doctor appointments, Xray, MRI's Orthopedic Specialists, I've been diagnosed with a 'mass' in my knee, resulting in a grand effusion, and sharp pain in the entire leg, along with a minor tear in the terminal end of my glute. "WHAT?" " That's the end of your planned trip..."

How can you let go of something that's you've poured your heart into planning for a year? I couldn't. While surgery is the recommendation to remove and put diagnostic clarification of the mass, it would take 3 weeks to schedule and restrict flying for 6-8 weeks after surgery. I threw that option out and sought out to investigate every single other possibility I could find. I've been fitted with a walking knee brace ( and initially crutches ) , have physical therapy every other day, have chiropractic care every other day, have home exercises twice a day, massages with Arnica twice a day for healing tissues, basic ibuprofen for pain/swelling, and the prayers of dozens of friends.
Hell bent on going and with some improvement in the past week, I'm working on every possible modification I can think of. I've had to switch out my hikers for runners with much less weight to lift , fitted with innersoles that add stability and support. I've had to open up the seams of my hiking shorts and capris and sew in spandex to accommodate my knee brace. I've had to hunt down medical notes to present to TSA for my brace and walking stick and oversized gel topical prescriptions.
And finally, I had to make peace with the fact that I'll not be walking a carefree, painfree, 20-28K/day camino. I've had to make peace with sending my pack ahead and acknowledging that I might need to jump on a bus or use a taxi at times and that my days will be long with many stops.

I'm walking the "Camino Modificatione" in 13 days...and I'm at peace with that. See you on the trail ! Bom Caminho

 

[Bala]

Your journey has most definitely begun! What an ordeal you've been through. But your determination is inspiring. Buen Camino!!

 

[Kitsambler]

Just check your travel insurance for applicability to pre-existing conditions.

 

[hel&scott]

Whoa... Well good luck with it. Please listen to your body and be prepared to change your plans again. No shame in stopping, and the Camino will always be there to return to.

When we walked the Levante somehow Scott managed to crack his ribs which resulted in an ambulance ride and the end of our walk. It was hard for us to give up, after over 800 difficult kms we were finally making great strides to complete the trip. But in the end it was a no brainer, no point turning a serous injury into something much worse. So we abandoned Spain and went to France to eat and drink our way across the continent, it was just a different kind of pilgramage.

Last year I had to abandon my plans to return to the Vdlp after I can down with pneumonia and developed an irregular heart beat (turns our broken hearted is a real thing), anyway this year I am ok my pack is ready by the door waiting for me to pick it up and get going.

 

[KJFSophie]

Whoa... Well good luck with it. Please listen to your body and be prepared to change your plans again. No shame in stopping, and the Camino will always be there to return to.

When we walked the Levante somehow Scott managed to crack his ribs which resulted in an ambulance ride and the end of our walk. It was hard for us to give up, after over 800 difficult kms we were finally making great strides to complete the trip. But in the end it was a no brainer, no point turning a serous injury into something much worse. So we abandoned Spain and went to France to eat and drink our way across the continent, it was just a different kind of pilgramage.

Last year I had to abandon my plans to return to the Vdlp after I can down with pneumonia and developed an irregular heart beat (turns our broken hearted is a real thing), anyway this year I am ok my pack is ready by the door waiting for me to pick it up and get going.

So happy to hear that you're fit to go this year! Wishing you a wonderful walk
I know that this walk will be challenged each day, but I'm accepting full responsibility for my decision to try and know it will be an adventure of a different kind for sure. Ready to call it as I see it and adjust accordingly each day ( or hour...lol ) Buen Camino !

 

[KJFSophie]

Just check your travel insurance for applicability to pre-existing conditions.

Indeed I've checked and the newly purchased travel insurance will NOT cover an existing condition. My current ongoing personal health insurance does cover emergencies despite 'pre-existance'. I had thought all of this through and investigated it, but your point is well made and something for others to consider. Thank you

 

[KJFSophie]

I've walked a few in the past, and the plan was to walk the Camino Portugues this September....ahhhhh the best laid plans have been tossed aside. As life would have it, with 5 weeks out to my departure, I ended up at the ER with excruciating abdominal pain to be handed a diagnosis of Acute Diverticulitis. I was put on several antibiotics and told to restrict my diet, no exercise for 2 weeks, no straining or lifting and to stay out of the sun ( photosensitivity with medications ). " Surely you're not going on your trip with that?! " But I thought otherwise, feeling that if I listened to doctors orders, I'd be good to go. And as life would have it ( again ), on the final day of my antibiotics treatment and resting period, I was at the ER yet again. I woke from a night's sleep and could not stand. I had excruciating pain in my right leg and could not bear weight. After another week of doctor appointments, Xray, MRI's Orthopedic Specialists, I've been diagnosed with a 'mass' in my knee, resulting in a grand effusion, and sharp pain in the entire leg, along with a minor tear in the terminal end of my glute. "WHAT?" " That's the end of your planned trip..."

How can you let go of something that's you've poured your heart into planning for a year? I couldn't. While surgery is the recommendation to remove and put diagnostic clarification of the mass, it would take 3 weeks to schedule and restrict flying for 6-8 weeks after surgery. I threw that option out and sought out to investigate every single other possibility I could find. I've been fitted with a walking knee brace ( and initially crutches ) , have physical therapy every other day, have chiropractic care every other day, have home exercises twice a day, massages with Arnica twice a day for healing tissues, basic ibuprofen for pain/swelling, and the prayers of dozens of friends.
Hell bent on going and with some improvement in the past week, I'm working on every possible modification I can think of. I've had to switch out my hikers for runners with much less weight to lift , fitted with innersoles that add stability and support. I've had to open up the seams of my hiking shorts and capris and sew in spandex to accommodate my knee brace. I've had to hunt down medical notes to present to TSA for my brace and walking stick and oversized gel topical prescriptions.
And finally, I had to make peace with the fact that I'll not be walking a carefree, painfree, 20-28K/day camino. I've had to make peace with sending my pack ahead and acknowledging that I might need to jump on a bus or use a taxi at times and that my days will be long with many stops.

I'm walking the "Camino Modificatione" in 13 days...and I'm at peace with that. See you on the trail ! Bom Caminho

I MADE IT!!! Home now, but complete the Camino Portuguese as planned. Arrived in Porto Sept 8th and arrived in Santiago October 1st... Long, slow trek, but given my knee diagnosis, this was nothing short of miraculous!
Thought I'd share...because yes, not all obstacles mean you need to put your plans aside. Have faith.

 

[Bala]

Congratulations! What an accomplishment. So much to overcome and so much to push through, with determination, good planning, and courage. I am so happy for you. Your post just made my day. Ultreia!

 

[C clearly]

Wow! Congratulations! I hope the upcoming procedures and recovery go as well.

 

[lovingkindness]

What spirit!
Ultreia e suseia!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

CONGRATULATION KFJ Sophie on a great (and painful) accomplishment! It is with great determination and will that we make our body go beyond what we're told we can do. And, we have to, otherwise we can miss out on so much in life! Now, I'm not saying to be foolish and not follow doctors' orders, but sometimes we have a better understanding of what we are capable of doing, more so than anyone else!

On March 16th 2019 I, too, will begin in Oporto and anticipate being in Santiago de Compostela by the 29th. My hope is to do the Coastal Route and am anxious to hear from you any observations, suggestions, etc. that you might be willing to share to help me on my own Caminho

Ultreïa!

Mary