San Sebastián University Hospital

[ELHS220]

I arrived in Spain on Tuesday (5/7) expecting to start the Norte today. But yesterday, while having a look around Irún, I sat down on a bench. As soon as I sat down, I got this sharp searing pain in my knee. I do have arthritis and have had similar episodes periodically, but they’ve always self resolved within a few minutes. This did not resolve! I remained on my bed all day, trained it to San Sebastián this AM and taxied to Urgencias at University Hospital. As it was very early (8:15), there was no wait. They immediately diagnosed fluid, which I had suspected, and aspirated 30ml of the yellowish liquid, bandaged me up, and told me to use a cold pack several times a day, and keep it as elevated as possible for at least 48 hours. It still hurts today, especially if I try to bend and unbend it. Anyone know if I should even TRY to flex. I didn’t think to ask. They seemed to think I could start my Camino as soon after that as I wanted as long as I felt comfortable and had no increase in swelling. Anyone with any experience as to how long the pain continues after this aspiration procedure?

On a final note, there was NO CHARGE, as they told me the hospital is part of the National Health System. I was floored because I had paid €75 each to two clinics in La Rioja a few years back.

 

[Former member 49149]

I arrived in Spain on Tuesday (5/7) expecting to start the Norte today. But yesterday, while having a look around Irún, I sat down on a bench. As soon as I sat down, I got this sharp searing pain in my knee. I do have arthritis and have had similar episodes periodically, but they’ve always self resolved within a few minutes. This did not resolve! I remained on my bed all day, trained it to San Sebastián this AM and taxied to Urgencias at University Hospital. As it was very early (8:15), there was no wait. They immediately diagnosed fluid, which I had suspected, and aspirated 30ml of the yellowish liquid, bandaged me up, and told me to use a cold pack several times a day, and keep it as elevated as possible for at least 48 hours. It still hurts today, especially if I try to bend and unbend it. Anyone know if I should even TRY to flex. I didn’t think to ask. They seemed to think I could start my Camino as soon after that as I wanted as long as I felt comfortable and had no increase in swelling. Anyone with any experience as to how long the pain continues after this aspiration procedure?

On a final note, there was NO CHARGE, as they told me the hospital is part of the National Health System. I was floored because I had paid €75 each to two clinics in La Rioja a few years back.

so sorry for your trouble. I hope it will turn out that you can indeed walk. I have no informed opinion on what you should do, just sending sympathy and good wishes.

 

[ELHS220]

so sorry for your trouble. I hope it will turn out that you can indeed walk. I have no informed opinion on what you should do, just sending sympathy and good wishes.

Thanks. I am going to be a volunteer at the Pilgrim Office from July 1 to 15. So I have sufficient time. I really want to do the whole route, but if I have to skip parts I will.

 

[LTfit]

My professional opinion as PT/Physiotherapist says go see a therapist! There is surely a physio department at the Hospital or ask for a referral. Good luck and hope to see you on the Norte.

 

[Viggo]

I arrived in Spain on Tuesday (5/7) expecting to start the Norte today. But yesterday, while having a look around Irún, I sat down on a bench. As soon as I sat down, I got this sharp searing pain in my knee. I do have arthritis and have had similar episodes periodically, but they’ve always self resolved within a few minutes. This did not resolve! I remained on my bed all day, trained it to San Sebastián this AM and taxied to Urgencias at University Hospital. As it was very early (8:15), there was no wait. They immediately diagnosed fluid, which I had suspected, and aspirated 30ml of the yellowish liquid, bandaged me up, and told me to use a cold pack several times a day, and keep it as elevated as possible for at least 48 hours. It still hurts today, especially if I try to bend and unbend it. Anyone know if I should even TRY to flex. I didn’t think to ask. They seemed to think I could start my Camino as soon after that as I wanted as long as I felt comfortable and had no increase in swelling. Anyone with any experience as to how long the pain continues after this aspiration procedure?

On a final note, there was NO CHARGE, as they told me the hospital is part of the National Health System. I was floored because I had paid €75 each to two clinics in La Rioja a few years back.

Are you an EU citizen, is that why there were no charges? A week or so ago I had to take a friend (US Citizen) to Centro de Salud in Navarret, he had to pay €101 for doctors visit.

 

[ELHS220]

I have to update my above commentary. I just received a bill by e-mail for yesterday’s emergency room visit. It is for €171. I have travel insurance, so I will be reimbursed minus a $50 deductible. Very sorry for the misinformation.

 

[Viggo]

I have to update my above commentary. I just received a bill by e-mail for yesterday’s emergency room visit. It is for €171. I have travel insurance, so I will be reimbursed minus a $50 deductible. Very sorry for the misinformation.

Buen Camino