Last November 24, I was in Paraty to participate in a table at the Flip, the Literary Festival, and I had an unexpected attack of appendicitis. I had to resort to SUS, in an emergency situation, and I performed the operation. The surgery was very successful and two days later I was discharged.
I write these lines with great emotion as an expression of gratitude to the doctors and nursing team who assisted me. I like to think I have no inclination for dramatizations. But I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say they saved me from what could have been serious trouble.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a tiny sac located in the intestine that no longer performs its function, perhaps an atavism. But if it bursts there is a serious risk of infection in the abdomen with potentially dangerous consequences. I was informed that taking an anesthetic was not worth it, as the pain could become more intense. There was no possibility of a return trip of at least five hours to São Paulo.
Although I had a collective health plan through my union, it was the SUS that saved me at the time of the emergency. The operation was performed at the Municipal Hospital of Paraty. Paraty hospital was under great pressure due to the massive presence of tourists and the spread of respiratory diseases, flu and covid-19, as well as other events, such as accidents. Nonetheless it was possible, in a few hours, to have blood and urine tests, x-rays and, above all, a CT scan. Seven hours after entering the hospital, he had already been operated on.
Working conditions in a public hospital are harsh. During the tomography there was a blackout and the light went out. Even so, it was possible to make an image that confirmed the diagnosis of appendicitis. But most important, of course, was the skill, commitment, dedication and kindness of the whole team.
And that’s what SUS does every day. Save lives. It doesn’t matter who it is. Each of us is protected by a universal and free healthcare system. This was one of the most spectacular achievements of the last thirty years. We must defend it, whatever the cost.
The defense of the SUS today involves the approval of the Transitional PEC.
