For a while now, I’ve been dealing with stomach discomfort and a frequent burning sensation. After putting it off, I finally decided to see a doctor. As an expat in Spain, navigating the healthcare system can be daunting. I recently underwent a gastroscopy in the public system and wanted to share the entire process and my experience as a reference for anyone facing the same issue.
Appointment and Waiting
My first step was to visit my local family doctor (GP). After I described my symptoms, he agreed that a gastroscopy was necessary and wrote me a referral on the spot. However, as anyone familiar with the Spanish public healthcare system knows, its ‘efficiency’ means a referral doesn’t lead to an immediate procedure. I was told to go home and wait for a call from the hospital with the appointment details. The wait lasted nearly two months. Throughout this period, my stomach issues persisted, so I had to manage by watching my diet and eating light foods like millet porridge…
Pre-Procedure Preparation
I finally got the call from the hospital and was scheduled for the following Wednesday morning. The nurse on the phone carefully went over the preparation instructions, which were also sent in a confirmation email. The most important rule is that you need to fast and abstain from fluids before the procedure. My appointment was for 9 AM, so I was instructed to stop eating after 10 PM the night before and not to drink any water on the morning of the procedure. This is a standard requirement for a gastroscopy; the cost of a gastroscopy in Spain is another important consideration for many. Also, if you are on specific medications, like anticoagulants, you must inform your doctor beforehand and follow their advice on pausing them. Here’s a preparation checklist I made:
| Preparation Item | Specific Requirement |
|---|
| Fasting | No solid food for at least 8-10 hours before the procedure. |
| No fluids | No water or any other liquids for 2-4 hours before the procedure. |
| Medication | Confirm with your doctor in advance which medications need to be stopped. |
| Clothing | Wear loose, comfortable clothes. |
| Accompaniment | Highly recommended to have someone accompany you, as you cannot drive or go home alone after sedation. |
The Procedure and Experience
On the day of the procedure, I arrived at the hospital’s Gastroenterology department half an hour early to check in. A nurse confirmed my details and gave me a hospital gown to change into. Once inside, the doctors and nurses were incredibly friendly, which really helped to calm my nerves. I opted for sedation. A nurse inserted an IV line into the back of my hand, then the anesthesiologist came over, spoke with me briefly, and began to administer the anesthetic. I felt a cool sensation travel up my arm, and then… nothing. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the recovery room. I completely blacked out during the procedure and felt absolutely nothing, just like I had a short nap.
Upon waking, I had a slight scratchy feeling in my throat, but it wasn’t severe. A nurse brought me a cup of chamomile tea and some biscuits and told me to take my time with them. The doctor came over to inform me that the procedure had gone well, that a small tissue sample was taken for a biopsy, and that the results would be available from my GP in a few weeks. The entire process was much easier than I had anticipated. I’d been worried about nausea and gagging, but all that worrying was for nothing. If you also need a gastroscopy, don’t hesitate—I highly recommend opting for sedation. It’s truly a painless experience. As this was done through the public health service, the procedure was free of charge, which is probably the biggest advantage of the public system.
