Undergoing a major surgery can be a scary prospect. Patients may fear the risk of complications during their procedures. Even after the surgery, patient may have concerns during their rehabilitation period, where serious infections such as sepsis may develop.
Many Oregon sports fan may have experienced similar concerns when local NBA basketball player LaMarcus Aldridge was recently hospitalized for two days for a blood virus. Aldridge, who is a forward/center for the Portland Trail Blazers, had been rehabilitating from a hip surgery he received in May. Although the source of infection has not been disclosed, doctors report that Aldrige is doing fine and expect him to have a full recovery and be fully healed for training camp.
After a surgery, a patient might be at risk for infections. One such threat might be sepsis, a condition in which the body is fighting a severe infection that has spread via the bloodstream. In fact, the number of people dying from sepsis has increased in the past 20 years. If untreated, sepsis might develop into life-threatening low blood pressure, known as septic shock. In many cases, septic shock can be avoided or even prevented with proper treatment.
If you have recently undergone a surgery or treatment procedure, you have a right to competent medical care through your entire rehabilitation period. As patients, we entrust our well being to every member of the hospital staff, not just the surgeon. Every member of that team must properly fulfill their role and provide you with the best possible care.
If you have been injured, don’t delay in consulting with an attorney. Hospital staff should be held accountable for any negligence in their treatment of you, before, during and after your medical procedure. If the care you received failed to meet professional standards, an attorney can help you bring a claim to recover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Source: Oregon Live, “Blazers say LaMarcus Aldridge on ‘road to recovery’ after blood virus,” June 1, 2012