Errors made during surgery can lead to a lot of different complications, one of the most dangerous of which is internal bleeding. It can be potentially life-threatening, but many people have never experienced it before. They may not realize what is happening as quickly as they would with another type of issue.
To that end, it is important to review potential symptoms of internal bleeding so that you know exactly what to watch out for. They include:
- Orthostatic hypotension. This is when you stand up and you get dizzy. Some people feel like they are about to pass out.
- Unexplained pain. This is because of the internal inflammatory response from contact with blood. The actual damage itself could also cause pain, though some patients have a hard time identifying this because they naturally expect pain while healing from surgery.
- Localized bruising. This happens when internal blood loss pushes that blood toward the skin’s surface. If it is on your flank, it is known as Grey-Turner’s sign. If it is near the umbilicus, it is called Cullen’s sign.
- Blood in the urine or the stool. This can take time for patients to notice.
- Blood in your mouth. This may be most noticeable when you cough, but it can also appear without coughing.
In addition, you may notice other unique signs depending on the type of surgery you had. Bleeding near your eyes can lead to vision problems, for example. Every case is different, and it is wise to seek medical assistance if you’re worried.
If you do suffer an injury that results in internal bleeding, make sure you know what legal options you have to seek out financial compensation.
