Doing the camino with Bechterev - a rheumatic disease

[Gina]

Hi everybody. I'm a woman at the age of 44. My dream for 15 years has been to do the camino. Last year my doctor told me that I have Bechterev disease, which is a rheumatic disease - which means that in periods I have some (and at other times a lot) of pain in my hips. So - I'm planning to do the camino next summer, starting in June. My daughter is going to do the camino with me (she is 17 years old). I must admit that I'm worried about my disease. But at the same time I'm prepared to cope with pain (which healthy people as well, I guess). Any thoughts / advices? From Gina - hoping that I worry for no reason..

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Gina ~
My wife is a physician and knows about the condition you're dealing with. She suggests that before you go you try walking a few days in a row with your pack at the distances you plan to do and see if it works for you. Do plan to use walking poles, which will take away some of the strain.
Good luck!

[Gina]

Hi - and thank you for your answer and for your wife's advice. Since I'm a spinning instructor I'm rather fit, but I must admit that walking is not what I do best. I've been thinking about doing the camino by bike, but I imagine that walking is another (better?) experience. Most of all it's a spiritual thing for me - and to open my mind, and to deal with pain. So - it has to be next summer, or never I'll try walking a few days, and see what happens thank you..