Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s health has worsened after undergoing emergency surgery earlier this month due to persistent intestinal issues. The medical team at DF Star Hospital in Brasilia reported that Bolsonaro would continue with motor physiotherapy and preventative measures against venous thrombosis as part of his recovery plan.
Bolsonaro began experiencing severe abdominal discomfort during an event with his supporters in northeastern Brazil. This chilling experience has put doubts into his court trial scheduled soon. The former president went on to be defeated in the 2022 election by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Now he finds himself in a world of legal trouble, including a ruling from Brazil’s Supreme Court ordering him to stand trial for attempting to reverse the results of the election.
Issues surrounding his health are not new. In September 2022, Bolsonaro developed an intestinal blockage stemming from stomach injuries sustained in a 2018 political assassination attempt. After that traumatic incident, he had surgery in January of 2019 to get the colostomy bag removed. The condition has not been disclosed, but more recently, in 2023, he was hospitalized in Florida for abdominal pain.
Bolsonaro as he lies today in the ICU. With the potential for significant “clinical deterioration” now observed and noted by his medical team, they have provoked a new round of examinations. They reported “elevated blood pressure and worsening liver laboratory tests,” indicating the seriousness of his condition.
In the face of all these obstacles and as things have shifted, Bolsonaro has tried to keep the sunny disposition. He tweeted a picture of himself from his hospital bed, thumbs up. In addition to sharing the poignant image, Elliott took a moment to thank everyone for their support as he works through this shattering time.
“I continue with faith, determination, and much gratitude to everyone for their prayers and support.” – Jair Bolsonaro
As he continues to fight health issues and a sea of court cases, recently indicted, the waters are growing decidedly choppy for the ex-president. Observers are looking not only to his daily medical updates but to the upcoming court case that may determine his political fate still to come.
