No one wants to have surgery. Whether you elected to undergo a particular procedure, or a doctor highly recommended it to help improve (or save) your life, the idea of having surgery causes most people stress. It’s so important that you trust your surgical team. As a patient in an Ohio hospital, you have the right to reasonably expect your surgeon, nurses, technicians and other staff members to adhere to protocol and provide care according to accepted safety standards.
Depending on the specific surgical procedure you have, as well as your health condition before the surgeon operates on you, you may have a swift and full recovery or one that takes a long time. Either way, there’s a risk involved, and it’s crucial to pay close attention to how you feel post-op. Medical negligence is problematic in this state and others. If you experience adverse symptoms and believe it’s connected to your surgery, it’s critical that you know where to seek support.
Symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention
Perhaps, your surgeon told you to expect a certain amount of discomfort after surgery. If you had an incision, you’re likely to have some pain at the site. However, if you notice any of the issues on the following list, it’s a sign that you might have an infection:
- Are you running a fever? This is definitely something you want to bring to your doctor’s attention during recovery from surgery.
- Is the incision site looking better every day? If there is swelling, redness or oozing, it’s a sign of possible infection.
- Your surgeon may have had to touch bones or organs inside your body. If you have post-operative pain or feel ill, let your medical team know right away.
- If your incision site has a foul odor, it is cause for concern.
A basic rule of thumb is that, every day that passes after surgery, you should feel a bit better than the day before. If you’re feeling worse, say something to your nurse or doctor, or both.
Causes of infection after surgery
Any number of issues can prompt a post-op infection. One of the most troubling, however, is medical negligence. Leaving surgical instruments or supplies inside the body of a patient is one of the most common causes of infection after surgery.
If you have an organ or bone infection, you may well have to undergo another surgery to obtain healing. It’s understandable that you would feel betrayed and frustrated if a member of your medical team provided substandard care that resulted in injury or illness. Many victims of Ohio medical negligence seek justice by filing claims in civil court.