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Tama Cathers, DVM, Vicksburg, MI (2024)

03/03/2024

Today was a good and amazing day. Today was a hard day. Today was an emotional day. I had planned at staying at Hotel Castro in Formaris outside of Santiago, but I messed up the bookings, felt good, and so booked Hospedaje Juan Rey in O Mexionfiro. It was a fine room, small, but the bed was comfy. By the way, the hotelier was very helpful....

Today was a good and amazing day. Today was a hard day. Today was an emotional day. I had planned at staying at Hotel Castro in Formaris outside of Santiago, but I messed up the bookings, felt good…

02/28/2024

I slept well at the Albergue Camino Real. Which isn’t to say I didn’t still get up at 6 am. I think most of the pilgrims were out the door before I was. This morning I left alone, yet still was part of a group of peregrinos. Most of them passed me, it’s true. But a set of 5 or 6 people stayed at my hiking sp*ed, though we passed each other numerous times....

I slept well at the Albergue Camino Real. Which isn’t to say I didn’t still get up at 6 am. I think most of the pilgrims were out the door before I was. This morning I left alone, yet still was par…

02/25/2024

Day 10 Belief and Possibility The Personal Purpose of my Pilgrimage

This video from Day 10 of my Camino Ingles last fall still causes me to tear up. It was so unexpected to have a reason, beyond an adventure and raising awareness of CMD, I was bowled over.

Regardless, this is the day I realized my Personal Purpose for this pilgrimage.

History: In March of this year, I was suddenly ill with a worsening heart pain. I was so debilitated I needed a handicap placard and was trying to figure out how to get a wheelchair to take me from my car to the cardiologists office.

It took a long to get a diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Disorders. I was put on medication and improved dramatically. I knew I had possibly had limited time to do anything really active so I decided to walk El Camino Ingles, a pilgrimage trail in Spain, and to raise awareness of these not so uncommon Disorders.

These are often overlooked and under diagnosed causes of heart pain. (Think Fred Stanford in Stanford and Sons.) Often women have them, and their pain is written off. I was lucky to have a great heart specialist, Dr. Ziada, at the Cleveland Clinic.
https://youtu.be/AhlIEib2hY0

Blog Post: Day 10 - Mid-Day: Finding My Personal Reason for My Pilgrimage - October 7
My walk, finding my purpose for coming on this pilgrimage.
https://foodwisdomherbs.wordpress.com/2023/10/07/day-10-finding-my-personal-reason-for-my-pilgrimage-midday-october-7/

CMD Info:
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction is primarily suffered by women, in menopause, though younger people and men can also get it. It causes chest pain, not unlike that of a heart attack, the pain can go on for moments or weeks or months.

Normal diagnostics will come back normal. A special test, a provocation angiogram with acetylcholine challenge is required. A normal angiogram will not pick this disease up. These tests are only done at about 20 hospitals in the USA. Patients can be told their heart is fine, despite great suffering.

The first step in getting a diagnosis is to go to the ER when chest pain presents. The ER screening for typical chest pain causes is vital. However, don't give up if answers are not found. Getting a diagnosis, and the correct medication is vital.

I could not walk 1/2 mile before my diagnosis and medication. See video #3 what the Heck are Coronary Microvascular Disorders or visit INOCA international for more information.

A little early release video. In March of this year, I was suddenly ill with a worsening heart pain. I was so debilitated I needed a handicap placard and was...

02/25/2024

In March of this year, I was suddenly ill with a worsening chest pain over my heart. I was so debilitated I needed a handicap placard and was trying to figure out how to get a wheelchair to take me from my car to the cardiologist’s office, when things finally eased up a bit. I had knew something had been going on for a while; I'd had signs of heart failure for over a year, but all normal tests....

In March of this year, I was suddenly ill with a worsening chest pain over my heart. I was so debilitated I needed a handicap placard and was trying to figure out how to get a wheelchair to take me…

02/23/2024

The author started the day later for breakfast, then faced medication challenges. The alternative quiet path was a peaceful walk, and the use of "p*e clothes" was appreciated for environmental reasons. Night accommodations and interactions at Albergue Casa Real were positive. Leaving informative brochures brought a sense of fulfillment. The journey was considered more internal than physical. Links to informative videos and a GoFundMe page were also shared....

The author started the day later for breakfast, then faced medication challenges. The alternative quiet path was a peaceful walk, and the use of “p*e clothes” was appreciated for enviro…

02/22/2024

From MindJournal I found this as a meme in my FB feed today. I pondered it for a while. The thing that stuck with me was the first sentence, the question: What is my purpose in life? I think I have found it: raising my daughter, making a loving family (without yelling in the household), and now, raising awareness of Coronary Microvascular Disorders....

From MindJournal I found this as a meme in my FB feed today. I pondered it for a while. The thing that stuck with me was the first sentence, the question: What is my purpose in life? I think I have…

02/22/2024

My feet were sore when I got back to my lovely hotel. I guess the early, early morning had taken its toll. I went to my room (oh, blessed room!), covered up the windows with the shutters, covered my body in a thick blanket and slept for 2 – 3 hours! I didn’t think I needed that, but I did. ...

My feet were sore when I got back to my lovely hotel. I guess the early, early morning had taken its toll. I went to my room (oh, blessed room!), covered up the windows with the shutters, covered m…

02/20/2024

I was thinking about how Santiago de Compostela is like an estuary. All the Caminos are like rivers, flowing down to one point (the sea for the analogy). When they get to the estuary, before the ocean, where the land flattens and the water takes many paths; that is like the pods of peregrinos coming into the mouth of the end of their journeys....

I was thinking about how Santiago de Compostela is like an estuary. All the Caminos are like rivers, flowing down to one point (the sea for the analogy). When they get to the estuary, before the oc…

02/19/2024

So, this morning we got up around 5:30 am. Margaret was awake. Once we were both actually up, she told me she had been up all night because she an emergency and was going to have to head home immediately. She had had several things going not well at home, throughout the trip, this was enough. This was actually the date that she had originally planned on going home....

So, this morning we got up around 5:30 am. Margaret was awake. Once we were both actually up, she told me she had been up all night because she an emergency and was going to have to head home immed…

02/18/2024

It was a hard day. Margaret wasn't feeling well again last night and was unsure that she wanted to walk. She wanted to sleep in, but of course, we both were awake around 5 am. That is how it goes sometimes. Regardless, Margaret was feeling better and decided to walk with me. I wanted to skip the first 1-2 km up a steep hill, by taking a taxi and Margaret wanted the cab to come to our door....

It was a hard day. Margaret wasn’t feeling well again last night and was unsure that she wanted to walk. She wanted to sleep in, but of course, we both were awake around 5 am. That is how it …

02/18/2024

I originally posted this just on the two Camino sites that were only for women. I didn't want to face the pushback I knew I'd get on the general sites! But wow - I still got a lot of ....! Margaret was not walking with me, as she had not been feeling well. I left the cafe in the middle of the walk, and headed on, walking alone through outlying farms and houses....

I originally posted this just on the two Camino sites that were only for women. I didn’t want to face the pushback I knew I’d get on the general sites! But wow – I still got a lot…

02/18/2024

Today, Margaret and I got up at god-awful early. I was finally sleeping, for the first time this whole trip, sleeping so well that my alarm actually was needed to wake me up. But the bus left at 7:04. And boy, they weren’t kidding. We got to the bus stop and waited. The correct bus pulled up at 7:03 and by the time we got over to it (15 feet), it was pulling away!...

Today, Margaret and I got up at god-awful early. I was finally sleeping, for the first time this whole trip, sleeping so well that my alarm actually was needed to wake me up. But the bus left at 7:…

02/15/2024

Today was awesome. Since Margaret was feeling so poorly yesterday, she decided to take a rest day. So I was set to hike alone... Well...’alone’ is a relative term on the Camino. I am doing pretty well, able to hike with my Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction (CMD), but I still get vasospasms that cause heart pain. I lowered my beta-blocker dose from 2 pills to 1.5 and I didn’t start out with a nitro patch....

Today was awesome. Since Margaret was feeling so poorly yesterday, she decided to take a rest day. So I was set to hike alone… Well…’alone’ is a relative term on the Camino. I am …

02/14/2024

Today was a mixed day. Margaret and I got up early - and this time got out on time! The Hotel Marcial was fine, but there was no friendly host to chat, nor any breakfast to eat. No coffee. We are learning how to pre-pack both our luggage and our packs, including lunch. So – early start at about 7:50 am....

Today was a mixed day. Margaret and I got up early – and this time got out on time! The Hotel Marcial was fine, but there was no friendly host to chat, nor any breakfast to eat. No coff…

02/14/2024

Today, Margaret and I left Fene super early. I woke up, well rested, a 5 am. We had prepacked, as the day was to be even hotter than yesterday. We were ready at 6:45 – and hour earlier than yesterday. It was great! There was no traffic, no one on the street, and since we were in the city, there was plenty enough light....

Today, Margaret and I left Fene super early. I woke up, well rested, a 5 am. We had prepacked, as the day was to be even hotter than yesterday. We were ready at 6:45 – and hour earlier than yester…

02/13/2024

Sept 29 Friday Today was a much better day! 7 am came too early, but I had slept well. We spent a lot of time packing, eating breakfast and talking with Emily, the owner of Hotel America. She spent her teen years in America, then migrated back with her family. She was so encouraging. Anyway, we finally got out the door around 9 am....

Sept 29 Friday Today was a much better day! 7 am came too early, but I had slept well. We spent a lot of time packing, eating breakfast and talking with Emily, the owner of Hotel America. Sh…

02/08/2024

A longer blog detailing our trip to Ferrol and our first couple miles on the Camino Ingles....

A longer blog detailing our trip to Ferrol and our first couple miles on the Camino Ingles.

02/08/2024

Last day in Madrid, which is spent mostly getting chores done before we leave the big city, tomorrow for Ferrol, Spain and the Camino Ingles....

Last day in Madrid, which is spent mostly getting chores done before we leave the big city, tomorrow for Ferrol, Spain and the Camino Ingles.

02/08/2024

Day minus 2 from our Camino Walk - Sept 26 - Tuesday - Madrid We had a long, but not vigorous day, which was just perfect. We went to Margaret’s cousin, Hans, who wanted to take us to one of the old central areas in Madrid city. We went to the biggest plaza, then around a large circuit back to where we started....

Day minus 2 from our Camino Walk – Sept 26 – Tuesday - Madrid We had a long, but not vigorous day, which was just perfect. We went to Margaret’s cousin, Hans, who wanted to take us to o…

02/08/2024

Our stay in Madrid, Pre-Camino. A blog about airbnb's, met of which are nice. Some are not meant for older people, and some are not terribly clean (though this is unusual.)...

Our stay in Madrid, Pre-Camino. A blog about airbnb’s, met of which are nice. Some are not meant for older people, and some are not terribly clean (though this is unusual.)

02/06/2024

Finally a Video from Spain
Turn down the volume - high background noise.
Short Video on arriving in Madrid and my realization that printed brochures are not going to help me spread the word about small vessel non-obstructive diseases of the heart - or Coronary Microvascular Disorders (CMD) - except the exposure I will get at home!

Well...it's an adventure.

CMD occurs mainly in menopausal women, though it can affect younger people and men. Feels rather like a heart attack, but the regular diagnostics most often come back normal, as the vessels affected are too small to be seen easily - it takes a special test. See video #3 for more info.

https://youtu.be/sGzRkuBmjA8

Here are blog posts that precede this video post.
https://foodwisdomherbs.wordpress.com/.../feeling-grounded/

https://foodwisdomherbs.wordpress.com/.../how-i-choose.../

And older blog posts on the idea of walking the Camino Ingles, CMD, and my journey to getting a diagnosis and ( Aaah! ) treatment !!!
https://foodwisdomherbs.wordpress.com/.../me-and-el.../
https://foodwisdomherbs.wordpress.com/.../my-journey-to.../
https://foodwisdomherbs.wordpress.com/.../what-the-heck.../

Turn down the volume - high background noise.Short Video on arriving in Madrid and my realization that printed brochures are not going to help me spread the ...

02/03/2024

Because it is dreary here and elsewhere, and I am dreaming of walking the Camino again, I am re-releasing and releasing videos I made this fall of my Camino Hike.

Here I am ready to leave to Madrid!

https://youtu.be/byKOYR06XDs

Info: Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction is primarily suffered by women, in menopause, though younger people and men can also get it. It causes chest pain, not unlike that of a heart attack, the pain can go on for moments or weeks or months.

Normal diagnostics will come back normal. A special test, a provocation angiogram with acetylcholine challenge is required. A normal angiogram will not pick this disease up. These tests are only done at about 20 hospitals in the USA. Patients can be told their heart is fine, despite great suffering.

The first step in getting a diagnosis is to go to the ER when chest pain presents. The ER screening for typical chest pain causes is vital. However, don't give up if answers are not found. Getting a diagnosis, and the correct medication is vital.

I could not walk 1/2 mile before my diagnosis and medication. See video #3 what the Heck are Coronary Microvascular Disorders or visit INOCA international for more information.

In this video, and after several delays, I am ready to board the plane with my carry-on backpack. I stowed my beloved hiking poles in my friend and co-hiker...

02/03/2024

I am re-releasing and releasing videos I made this fall of my Camino Hike. Here is my first one in Spain. I am only then realizing I may have a hard time giving out the pamphlets I made to distribute! (Hahaha!)

TURN THE VOLUME DOWN because there is a lot go background noise!

https://youtu.be/sGzRkuBmjA8

Info: Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction is primarily suffered by women, in menopause, though younger people and men can also get it. It causes chest pain, not unlike that of a heart attack, the pain can go on for moments or weeks or months.

Normal diagnostics will come back normal. A special test, a provocation angiogram with acetylcholine challenge is required. A normal angiogram will not pick this disease up. These tests are only done at about 20 hospitals in the USA. Patients can be told their heart is fine, despite great suffering.

The first step in getting a diagnosis is to go to the ER when chest pain presents. The ER screening for typical chest pain causes is vital. However, don't give up if answers are not found. Getting a diagnosis, and the correct medication is vital.

I could not walk 1/2 mile before my diagnosis and medication. See video #3 what the Heck are Coronary Microvascular Disorders or visit INOCA international for more information.

Turn down the volume - high background noise.Short Video on arriving in Madrid and my realization that printed brochures are not going to help me spread the ...