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...NOTE: Tiendas or SuperMercados do not have the goods required to cure this or other everyday medical issues, I think the pharmacies have a union or something, or its some government regulation. ...
A pharmacist has actually studied pharmacology
And if diarrhoea is a bit too challenging, mierda agua should do the trick. Thanks for that.Yah, that is the sense I got. They are also very friendly, and non-judgemental.
And incidentally, they always seem to know the best places to eat in their towns!Yah, that is the sense I got. They are also very friendly, and non-judgemental.
Ok, this is meant to be sort of funny, but also practical.
On about 1/3 of my Caminos at some point, along the journey, I have suffered with diarrhea. It's not fun.
I have no clue what caused it, but I have noticed that in my latest Caminos I have not experienced it as much. I think it may be because I am more discerning with my water sources, choosing to fill up reused bottles from regular tap water devices (faucets) rather than some random fountain in a cow pasture, and regularly purchasing new bottles as well. I know it sounds like common sense, but it took me a while to learn it.
Now, should the same discomfort befall you on your next spiritual journey, its important that you learn how to pronounce "diarrhea" in a Spanish pharmacy.
Spanish pharmacies are great. The workers take their jobs very seriously. Its not like in the US when you walk into a CVS and some dork behind the counter doesn't know much. I think the workers at Spanish pharmacies take actual classes and training (or it appears so because at least they wear white coats.) If you can accurately describe your symptom (diarrhea, knee pain, cellulite on your backside, etc.) they can often sell you the appropriate remedy.
Now, I was in Ponferrada, sick out of my mind, choosing to stay at a hotel rather than an alburgue because I knew I'd be spending some extended time on the toilet. After checking in and relieved with the recently unfamiliar privacy, I decided a pharmacy was in order. NOTE: Tiendas or SuperMercados do not have the goods required to cure this or other everyday medical issues, I think the pharmacies have a union or something, or its some government regulation.
I walked into a pharmacy nearby, and proceeded to have the following dialogue while very embarrased:
Me: Hola
Pharmacist (in fancy white coat): Hola
Me: Tiene algun para [Die-a-re-ah]? (Do you have something for diarrhea?)
Pharmacist: Puzzled look.
Me: [Die-a-re-ah]
Pharmacist: Same puzzled look.
Me: (totally embarrased that this exchange has taken 2 requests but practicing Spanish) Mi mierda es como agua. (My bowel movements are like water.)
Pharmacist: Ahhhh [dee-a-ray-ah]!
Problem solved. Pills handed over. Discomfort ended.
try sign language! its authentic and hilarious but try not to laff cos ya know what will happen!Made my day. Love it. Hmmmm. Mime it?
... try to avoid this condition by taking ONE 2 mg tablet (Loperamide or Immodium) each evening before sleep. It only works to SLOW movement down so my "gut" can absorb more water from whatever I ingested. Biologically, that is the difference between regularity and diarrhea (too fast movement / motility of the junk in your gut).
For me, it works. But, do remember, that everyone is different. After more than 60 years out of nappies, I have learned how to take control. Try this at home first.
...
According to my friend Therese (loony Irish, tin whistle blowing, pilgrim, paediatrician) you put your hands together as in prayer and raise them in front of you, just above your eye line; twist your hands so the backs now meet; bring your hands swiftly down to waist level, moving them apart and spreading your fingers at the same time as you say "Whoosh!"
Apparently this will be instantly understood in all farmacias . . .
We may be shy and squeamish about it, but this doesn't count as an 'emergency'. Especially not the middle of the night: if you must, get a hotel room with attached facilities, rest, and wait for the symptoms to move through. They will, and much faster than if you prevent the gut from doing what it needs to do.There are occasions when you need to stop it ASAP (in the middle of the night, or the middle of the Meseta).
Meri, that flashcard would be incredibly useful--thanks for the heads-up!
I accept what food I'm offered--and take care of foreigners who are in the same boat. So on this subject I have quite a lot of hard-won expertise!
SY's totally right. Imodium makes a bad situation worse and is only good for 'emergencies'--for example, if you can't change your plans and you have to fly or take a long-distance bus.
We may be shy and squeamish about it, but this doesn't count as an 'emergency'. Especially not the middle of the night: if you must, get a hotel room with attached facilities, rest, and wait for the symptoms to move through. They will, and much faster than if you prevent the gut from doing what it needs to do.
Nuala, that has been my experience too. I ALWAYS ask in the pharmacies for places to eat. Here is my theory -- they live in town, they know a wide swath of the population, they have to be connected to be successful. Yet they are not likely to be either so low brow or high brow to suggest places that wouldn't be suitable for me or my budget.And incidentally, they always seem to know the best places to eat in their towns!
Great idea, Nuala and Laurie--I never thought of that. Not only for the reasons stated, but also because they're on the 'medical front lines' and so will surely know the 'trouble spots' where hygiene is a bit lax.I can't recommend this technique highly enough when you are in a new place. Asking a random person on the street might also work, but I swear by the pharmacists!!!
Great idea, Nuala and Laurie--I never thought of that. Not only for the reasons stated, but also because they will surely know the 'trouble spots' where hygiene is a bit lax.
... I ALWAYS ask in the pharmacies for places to eat. Here is my theory -- they live in town, they know a wide swath of the population, they have to be connected to be successful. Yet they are not likely to be either so low brow or high brow to suggest places that wouldn't be suitable for me or my budget. I can't recommend this technique highly enough when you are in a new place. Asking a random person on the street might also work, but I swear by the pharmacists!!!
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