Can people afflicted

imported
#1

with chronic illnesses hike …say a week ? weekend ?
anyone know about this difficult subject ?

Reia

#2

I have many chronic illnesses…you must go slow…listen to your body!! That’s the key, you cannot push yourself like others may do to reach a certain spot at a certain time.

You will have more zero days than others, and sometimes you have to stay put in one place till you fell strong enough to go on. This is why hiking solo is better, or have very understanding companions.

I also think it depends on what kind of chronic illnesses each person suffers from. The most I have ever been out is 2 weeks at a time.

AlohaTink

#3

I have rheumatoid arthritis, but I still manage it. What Aloha Tink says is all spot on, you just need to listen to what your body tells you. I too tend both to hike solo (and thus at my own pace and style) and have not tried any major thru-hikes (I could go as long as five weeks on the trail before I had to come off for treatment, though that would mean at least a week off.)

It boils down to doing a realistic assessment of your abilities and adjusting accordingly. Whatever you’re struggling with, don’t let it stop you from doing what you want to do as long as you are in some way capable of doing it. I struggled for a while with doubt about that until I finally quit worrying and just got out there. I’ve never regretted it.

Strategic

#4

One of the first folks to hike the North Country Trail did so while on kidney dialysis!

http://www.northcountrytrail.org/explore/endtoend/talone.htm

jeffrey hunter

#5

I replied in more detail on the other thread, but just in case…

I solo mostly because I negotiate a trail very slowly & deliberately. But I’ve also developed a very supportive group of friends who seem just fine going out with me. We each make our own way at our own pace, and have pre - determined rendevous points at which to meet. So don’t let a chronic condition deter you!

4wheelbob