French sanatorium

After my leg kept me awake for almost the whole night again, I decided to test the local health system once again. The last experience, back then with Norbert's swollen cheek at the dental clinic in Buenos Aires, is already 6 years ago.

So, right after getting up, I visited the 'Sanitorio Francés'. It's a kind of public, but not governmental (those exist as well) polyclinic, within walking distance or rather limping distance in 20 minutes. In the well-filled waiting 'hall' (feels like the size of a living room), I first headed for the number dispenser machine, but was immediately waved over by the nice lady at the reception. Lucky me! I explained my concern and was informed that the waiting time for the medical consultation would be 2 hours. But first, the way to the cash desk: insurance card or ARS 300 in cash. So I paid in cash and returned to the reception with the receipt. Oh, miracle, I was already called after 10 minutes. However, the pronunciation of our name here is quite peculiar, sounding similar to 'Määja', with emphasis on the second syllable.

Short medical examination of the 'damage' in a kind of passage room. Despite the obvious stress the staff works under here, they are very nice and communicative. A brief palpation without findings, and I was sent downstairs to the X-ray and echo department with the corresponding prescriptions in hand.

3 minutes later, I stood in front of the counter where I was told to please (always very friendly!) go to the first floor to get an appointment. So, I went upstairs, taking the stairs as the elevators didn't seem to be working. There, I was sent to a telephone in a corner: 'Please dial 30 and get an appointment for 'radiografía y echo Doppler'. After I had dutifully explained my concern to the lady on the phone (the connection quality reminded me of the space station), she gave me an appointment in 2 weeks. When I timidly asked if it could be a little faster, I received a clear NO. Somehow, close to tears, I became courageous and explained to her the suspicion of thrombosis and said that an appointment so far in the future wouldn't make sense. Well, then she told me to report to the downstairs department tomorrow morning at 10:45. IT'S WORKING!!!

The next morning, after a short wait: 'Määja!'. Very nice, young radiologist, Dr. Wilde, performed a thorough ultrasound. Result: no signs of thrombosis but bursitis in the ankle (on it? above it?), well, in any case in the right leg. In the afternoon, I picked up the results in written form, and then waited again for the doctor. I received a prescription for diclofenac + cortisone + B12, which I promptly collected from the nearest pharmacy and took the first pill. In the evening, I already trotted to the pizzeria 5 corners away with Norbert, Angeles + Valentina. Complete success!

Invoice? Doctor's visit itself cost ARS 300, X-ray + ultrasound together cost ARS 1600, pharmacy cost ARS 450, which adds up to a total of ARS 2350, equivalent to € 55.

Conclusion: After my fall (accident on the way, Christmas weekend, 3 days before departure), after 4 hours in the emergency room at Lynar and having my knee X-rayed upon discharge, I received the casual remark: '... there's nothing, just walk normally, if it hurts, take ibuprofen'. The following 3 weeks, despite (or because of?) walking 'normally' AND taking ibuprofen, I spent with the Schulz brothers. HERE, I received a reasonable diagnosis and treatment within 1.5 days. Yes, under conditions that would be completely unthinkable for us: examination in a passage room, so to speak in plain view; newly arriving emergencies are pushed on old 'battered' transport beds through the waiting room (there doesn't seem to be a separate entrance or access for the ambulance); for the ultrasound examination, there is only the bare plastic cushion (I assume it is hygienically wiped off after each patient); pigeons frolic in the courtyard on the ventilation of the air conditioning system....

... but ultimately, only the result counts!