Here’s my experience on diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and recovery in Terciera’s medical care system. It was a great experience (not perfect) and has many similarities and many differences from my personal experiences in the United States and several other nations around the world.
Back in November, 2024, we went to the Emergency Room because of splitting headaches in my left sinus regions; an unusual occurence for me. A CAT Scan revealed what the physician referred to as “a lot of junk” inside, here’s an antibiotic, check in a few weeks. Another month down the road, went back and tried a different antibiotic. After several more, our assigned family doctor (here called the community doctor) indicated he didn’t feel right about ordering another CAT Scan, so referred us to a private ENT doctor in Angra. Total cost to date….nada. Nothing.
He referred us to a “private” Otarlyrnengiolist who is also part of the “community” medical system. His consultation fee was about $75. Since he also worked with the Hospital Angra, he shifted our case to the public hospital and that was the end of the charges…period. Several nights in the hospital (great view, nasty food) resulted in a great(?) surgery, no recovery problems, and a sooner-than-expected trip home. Return visits to the hospital removed that tradiional packing of the nasal cavity, follow-up inspections, and so far, improvements in fewer headaches, better smell (not great when you live downwind from a pig farm … sorry Linda) and overall success; all for less than $75 bucks!
Doctors, nurses, anesticians, and admin folks were awsome. (Sofia made some banana bread to thank them for taking care of me, they worked through language differences admirably, which increases their time and workload) and Doctor Joao Martins continues to explain things, take appropirate precautions, and follow my progress; in spite of one serious kitchen fall (big ol’ puddle of blood) and another fall into the rocks while mowing the lawn…poor nose is taking a lot of hits lately! (No more jokes, ladies!)
Overall, I feel like a resident; they took great care of me, prioritized my difficulties and assisted within the system, and reduced my headaches significantly. And that, folks, is the best I can ask for, both in the US and Terceira. So my word of thanks to the medical staff (and my darling wife)…obrigado!!!