LIVE from the Camino Finding a doctor ...

[hampshire!tim]

I have a history of kidney stones and if I have one growing, walking seems to jiggle it up. Which seems to have happened again. I am in Pamplona, only have 7 days left so jumping forwards to Sarria to finish walk off.

Currently using pain killers to manage the situation. If it gets worse, I may need an ultrasound scan to check if it’s in a dangerous position. Other than asking at a pharmacy, anyone have any thoughts on finding a doctor or clinic who could do this ?

Just planning for now in case needed. On the basis that having a plan may somehow prevent the need, and if it doesn’t, then I have a plan.

 

[Bradypus]

Is your Spanish good enough to let you contact the local health services directly and explain the situation? If not an English-speaking pharmacist, hospitalero or even tourist information office would probably be able to point you towards a doctor who could advise in the first instance. The reception staff of the larger hotels will probably also have good English and contact information for doctors. If cost is not an issue and you are willing to pay for private care there is a large clinic dealing with international patients in Pamplona which would probably meet your needs: http://www.cun.es/en/international-patients

 

[VNwalking]

Sorry to hear that Tim...ouch.
You'd be more likely to find the resources to get that checked out in Pamplona than in Sarria; it's a University town with lots of Hospitals. And Sarria is...Sarria.
If you're at all concerned that this is 'headed south' @Bradypus 's suggestion is a good one.

 

[george.g]

Hi Tim.
Kidney stones unless treated properly can lead to kidney damage, don't risk your health, get on a plane ASP!
The Camino will still be there when you are fit.
Regards
George

 

[ivar]

Here is another private hospital in Santiago:
https://www.hmhospitales.com/sobre-...icia/hospital-la-rosaleda-santiago-compostela

It is located in new town, 15 minutes from old town. If needed, I would just go to "Urgencias" (emergency room)... they do charge about €50,- to €60,- if you do not have any insurance for the initial checkup.

...and of course there is the public hospital in Santiago.

 

[linkster]

I broke my arm just before Portomarin I went to the hospital in Lugo, but they did not speak any English. They Xrayed, and set my arm. However, I went to the hospital in Santiago 5 days later because of swelling etc. They had 2 English translators that escorted me around the hospital, all of the departments, helped with paperwork, and all communication with the nurses and doctors.

 

[John Sikora]

I'm not associated with IAMAT (International Association for Medical Assistance to Traverlers) but I have been a member for a few years. They are a group that is low cost to support and they have a network of English speaking doctors. I've used them both to find a doctor and to find out what is available in pharmacies (i.e. what you do and don't need prescriptions for). From my viewpoint, they are a cheap bit of comfort insurance (note: they are not an insurance agency in any sense), where you can get info both before traveling and after you get somewhere.

www.iamat.org

 

[natefaith]

Tim,
You sound so calm given the situation! Hope it can resolve itself but of course it's wise to have a plan and be prepared.

In many towns you can look for a "Centro de Salud" (health center) where they may (but usually may not) speak English but be able to point you to a hospital or larger clinic. You can also Google "Urgencias" (urgent care) + the name of the town you're in and see what comes up. You may see the acronym "PAC" in some search results - this stands for punto de atención continuada and is essentially a walk-in urgent-care clinic.

Hopefully if things flare up you'll quickly find the care you need. Take care and Buen Camino!
Faith

 

[george.g]

Tim
Like you I have suffered with kidney stones in the past and you know if you haven’t “passed” them/it soon then the pain is only going to get worse. There’s a flight from Santiago on Tues 21 to Stanstead for 43e might be a good idea to be on it?
Perhaps someone with some medical training could comment?
Regards
George

 

[gittiharre]

I have a history of kidney stones and if I have one growing, walking seems to jiggle it up. Which seems to have happened again. I am in Pamplona, only have 7 days left so jumping forwards to Sarria to finish walk off.

Currently using pain killers to manage the situation. If it gets worse, I may need an ultrasound scan to check if it’s in a dangerous position. Other than asking at a pharmacy, anyone have any thoughts on finding a doctor or clinic who could do this ?

Just planning for now in case needed. On the basis that having a plan may somehow prevent the need, and if it doesn’t, then I have a plan.

I am a nurse. I have had kidney stones and bladder cancer. I strongly suggest you go to a clinic or public hospital in Pamplona and get it checked. Getting out of Pamplona afterwards will be easy enough.
The Camino will wait! Kidney stones don't.
My thoughts are with you! Go well.

 

[FLEUR]

I am speaking here as another serial stone maker!
Some stones can lay dormant for years and not cause pain . It will depend on where the offending stone is located. If it's really causing you pain then get yourself to the emergency dept. of a state run hospital with your EHIC card asap. If you have to pay for emergency treatment you can claim this money back via DWP Newcastle via your EHIC card . I don't think I'd risk another 7 days of Camino walking without getting the stone checked. As you probably know the EHIC card won't cover you for treatment in private hospitals . Also I believe it doesn't cover the cost of an ambulance. You probably have medical coverage from your travel insurance.

 

[trecile]

I'm not associated with IAMAT (International Association for Medical Assistance to Traverlers) but I have been a member for a few years. They are a group that is low cost to support and they have a network of English speaking doctors. I've used them both to find a doctor and to find out what is available in pharmacies (i.e. what you do and don't need prescriptions for). From my viewpoint, they are a cheap bit of comfort insurance (note: they are not an insurance agency in any sense), where you can get info both before traveling and after you get somewhere.

www.iamat.org

Thanks. I just joined. It's free for the first year, and to renew you just have to make a donation. Of course, they want you to donate when you join too.

 

[fraluchi]

[...]If it gets worse, I may need an ultrasound scan to check if it’s in a dangerous position. Other than asking at a pharmacy, anyone have any thoughts on finding a doctor or clinic who could do this ?[...]

Larger pharmacies usually have a doctor who will be able to advise on where the nearest assistance is available. Otherwise larger hospitals in the main Camino towns have a specialist on call who should be able to deal with your issues.

 

[hampshire!tim]

Thank you everyone - great advice and support. I do appreciate it all and it has given me some options.

In the end I decided to get on a train to Sàrria from Pamplona. One day rest in Pamplona and one day kind of resting on train has removed most symptoms. I reasoned that SdC would be as good as Pamplona and I have a flight booked from SdC for 26th.

I managed one day from Sàrria to Portomarín going slowly. Fortunately my pack this time is only 12 litres and 5kg. Every day without major symptoms is one day closer ... to the end and to a hospital if needed.

I know from past stones when I’m in need of morphine or similar, and it’s not yet thankfully. I have cocodamol with me which is enough to control things without masking it so much that I can’t tell whether it’s worsening. First sign of renewed trouble I will be in taxi to SdC hospital.

Thanks again. Knowing there are options and how to access them is a great support. I’m in enough trouble with the wife already ! She can be pacified a little with this too !

 

[natefaith]

Good news, Tim, and Santiago's medical options are good and accessible.

Take care of yourself and Buen Camino!

 

[FLEUR]

How are you? I do hope you made it safely to Santiago and on to your home.