Can anyone advise me...pleas...am stuck out here in lanzarote..Solo....I had this searing sharp pain in my right side..AS IN A PAIN THAT KNOcks the wind out of you....spent a lot of time lying on my back trying to relieve the pressure...sitting impossible.....constant nagging aching pain...I LIVE IN IRELAND...here for daylight...went to doctor Monday...got a jab in the derrière...relieved a bit but not much...went to doctor again today...she prescribed cortisone..Tablets...have taken my first one but feel so nauseous and my leg has pina and needles...help...is there anyone out there...the doctor spoke Spanish...I COULDNT COMMUNICATE to her effectively how bad the searing pain is....
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Inionj
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sounds like a pinched nerve to me. Have you had any written information from the doctor? Can you get someone to translate for you? Can you get into a warm pool and stretch out your spine in the water as that might help too.
But keep an eye on the skin too - last time I had a really bad pain, just like sciatica except it was in my chest it was shingles - took three days before the rash appeared!! It you have any rash developing on the skin in that area, get back to the doctor for some acyclovir.
Hate to tell you Jacqui but we're (almost?) the only daft country who spend millions providing translators for criminals (as well as patients) who actually live here but don't feel inclined to speak English!
I now use Google translate.....last year in Italy a physio & I got on Famously treating my symptoms ......... me with my iPad & she with her phone....it works really well!
You must feel so isolated, I'm sorry. Sometimes on the notice board in the Centro de Salud translators leave their contact details offering their services so it might be worth checking the one you've been attending. Alternatively there's the British Surgery in Lanzarote at Puerto del Carmen, Av de las Playas, if it's near to where you are, or if it's easier you could get a taxi to take you. They're all English speakers & have had experience of working in the NHS. Tel No 900 811 555, opening hours are Mon-Fri 9am to 9pm & weekends 9am to 7pm. Normally it's on a walk-in basis but they also have appointments & a 24hr emergency service. I think they're also at Matagorda. Further details here britishsurgeryoflanzarote.com/
If you have travel insurance and this is a new condition, you could get a taxi to the nearest private hospital. You will need your credit card though as they will not see you without it.
Although there is a reciprocal arrangement between countries in the EU (and the Canaries comes under Spain), Spanish state (ie free) hospitals will not see you free unless you are an emergency. It would help if you have your European Health Insurance Card with you as otherwise you may be subject to delays while they check your eligibility.
You don't need to worry about the language - they all speak English.
I had a friend who was on holiday in Tenerife and had an unexpected severe episode of ulcerative colitis. She went to the nearest private hospital, who took her friend's credit card, but refused to treat her further as her travel insurers said it was a pre-existing condition and she was not covered. One night cost her £2,000.
Much depends on whether the state Spanish hospital will agree that you are an emergency or, alternatively, you have travel insurance which covers this condition. if not, the best you can do is get the next plane home. You can get an early flight for about £100.
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How do you tell the difference between the pain from RA joint damage and the pain from RA being active/having a flare?
Want help to find out what is causing this pain 
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