My Experience Getting a Colonoscopy in a Spanish Public Hospital
I’ve been feeling a bit unwell recently, mainly with digestive issues, so my GP recommended a colonoscopy for a thorough check-up. I’d only ever seen a doctor in Spain for minor things like colds and fevers, so I was a bit nervous about undergoing a “major” procedure like this for the first time. The whole process turned out to be smoother than I expected, so I’ve written it all down to serve as a reference for anyone who might need it.
The Appointment Process
First, I went to my general practitioner (GP). After I described my symptoms, the doctor issued a referral for a colonoscopy on the spot. He entered my request into the system and told me to go home and wait for a call from the hospital. I specifically asked how long the wait might be, and he said it could be a few weeks or even a few months, depending on the hospital’s schedule and the urgency of my condition. As expected, the famous ‘efficiency’ of the Spanish public healthcare system lived up to its reputation. After waiting for nearly two months, I finally got a call from the hospital. They confirmed the date and time of the procedure and told me I needed to pick up a bowel prep solution from the hospital pharmacy beforehand.
Preparation Before the Procedure
Picking up the medication from the hospital pharmacy was easy; I just needed my NIE and health card (tarjeta sanitaria), and it was free of charge. The pharmacist explained in great detail how to take it. My bowel prep was a powder that needed to be mixed with water. As instructed, I had to start a special diet three days before the procedure, avoiding foods that are hard to digest like fruits with seeds, certain vegetables, and whole-wheat bread. The day before, I was only allowed clear liquids like broth, juice, and water. Honestly, this part was tougher than the procedure itself; I was so hungry I felt dizzy. The taste of the prep solution… is hard to describe. Let’s just say you have to hold your nose and chug it down.
It’s crucial to strictly follow the instructions for the timing and dosage of the bowel prep solution, as it directly affects the quality of the examination. Below are the instructions I received, but everyone’s situation may be different, so please follow the specific instructions from your own doctor or pharmacist:
| Time | Task |
|---|
| Day before procedure, 4:00 PM | Take the first dose of the prep solution, then drink plenty of water |
| Day before procedure, 8:00 PM | Take the second dose of the prep solution, and continue to drink plenty of water |
| Morning of the procedure | Do not eat or drink anything |
The Day of the Procedure
On the day of the procedure, I arrived at the hospital’s gastroenterology department ahead of my appointment time. A nurse had me change into a hospital gown and then led me to the examination room. I opted for general anesthesia, which I highly recommend—you basically just fall asleep and it’s over, completely painless. The nurse inserted an IV line into my arm, the anesthesiologist came over to chat for a moment, and the next thing I knew, I was waking up in the recovery room. The entire procedure took about half an hour. I received the preliminary results on the spot, with the doctor giving a brief explanation. The full report is sent to your GP later. I felt a bit dizzy afterward, so it’s highly recommended to have someone accompany you home, which the hospital also requires.
Although the waiting time was long, the entire procedure at the Spanish public hospital was very professional and patient-centered. Everyone from the doctors to the nurses was very patient, and the anesthesia experience was particularly good. If your GP has also recommended a colonoscopy, there’s no need to be too nervous. Just follow the steps one by one. I hope my experience can be of help to you!
