Four Warning Signs to Look Out For
Undergoing surgery comes with the expectation that you will be left feeling better and on the road to recovery. However, studies show that approximately 11.6% of surgical patients may experience adverse effects.
Although many after-effects of surgery are nothing to worry about, some may be a cause for concern. If you are experiencing any of these four symptoms following surgery, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
#1. High Fever
Fevers are common following surgery and often go away on their own. That being said, should you have a fever of 101° or greater that persists over days following your surgery, this may indicate an infection, pneumonia, or other events that could lead to more severe issues.
#2. Persisting Pain
Experiencing soreness or mild to moderate pain after surgery is expected, but if this pain persists or worsens over time, it could be a sign of an infection or other complications. If the pain becomes increasingly hard to control, even with prescribed pain medication, contact a medical professional.
#3. Vomiting or Diarrhea
Many people experience vomiting or diarrhea after going under anesthesia or with certain pain medications, but this usually goes away after a day or two post-op. Should these symptoms persist, you can quickly become dehydrated, which may make for a harder recovery process. If you are still experiencing these symptoms two days or more after your surgery, seek medical attention before taking any medication.
#4. Abnormal Discharge from the Surgical Site
Discharge from the surgical site can be a sign that your healing process is on track, but should it become discolored or emit a foul odor, contact your surgeon. If the area surrounding the surgical site appears dark red with a yellow or green discharge, this may be another sign of infection that should be promptly treated.
Florida Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Your health and safety are of the utmost priority, and major surgeries should leave you feeling better, not worse. While many side effects are signs of a gradual healing process, abnormalities that cause pain or sickness should be taken seriously.
Not every adverse side effect is a sign of a negligent medical professional, but some symptoms indicate that something is wrong and cannot be ignored. For example, foreign objects left in the body or improper surgical techniques that cause infection could leave you with potentially life-threatening consequences. Should a negligent surgery send you to the emergency room for follow-up care, you may need the help of an experienced medical malpractice attorney by your side to ensure your rights are protected.
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