Long-Term Complications From A MRSA Infection

MRSA or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a harmful bacterium that sparks an infection throughout the body. It's a serious condition because it can easily become antibiotic-resistant—making it difficult to eliminate. If you've been diagnosed with MRSA, getting treated and recovering from the infection is your top priority. In some cases, MRSA may have been caused or worsened by the negligence of a medical professional.  If you've had the bacteria and have suffered complications, it's important to seek legal counsel right away. Here are some possible complications resulting from having MRSA.

Scarring

One of the first signs of MRSA is swollen red areas of skin or bumps that look like bites. Areas of skin can become abscessed or turn into sores that can be hard to heal on their own. If MRSA is caught in time, it can be removed, treated and localized to prevent spreading. If proper treatment is not instituted by a medical professional, scarring of the skin in the area of the infection can occur.

Kidney Damage

Your kidneys play a vital role in your overall health. Without them, your body can begin to shut down. If you contracted MRSA, your doctor may have prescribed Vancomycin—a type of antibiotic that treats bacterial infections. If you had a pre-existing kidney issue or diabetes, taking this antibiotic can damage the kidneys further. Failure to inquire about your kidney health or monitor it while on the antibiotic can be considered negligent on your doctor's part. In severe cases, if the kidneys were damaged, dialysis may be a life-long option as well as a kidney transplant to avoid renal failure.

Sepsis 

You can contract MRSA by something as simple as a cut on your skin. Identifying MRSA and treating the infection with the right combination of antibiotics is essential to avoid a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Sepsis is an infection that reaches the bloodstream and causes organ shutdown. If you contracted MRSA while in the hospital while be treated for another ailment, let your attorney know. 

Endocarditis

MRSA can affect your heart. If your infection is severe, your doctor should closely examine your heart for Endocarditis. This is an infection that involves the endocardium of the heart. It can damage and destroy tissue in the heart and cause life-threatening and long-term complications. Surgery and artificial heart valves may be required to save your life. If you have an existing heart issue, your doctor should pay special attention to your cardiovascular system to prevent the MRSA from destroying it. Failure to do so could result in medical negligence.

Bone Damage

If the MRSA infection spreads, it can also affect your bones. This can easily damage the cartilage surrounding it as well as muscle. A severe bone infection can have long-term complications such as bone and tissue loss and amputation. Your doctor should closely monitor your bone health through scans and x-rays. 

If you've been affected by MRSA and you feel that some of the complications could have been prevented by better care from your healthcare provider, seek advice from a qualified medical malpractice attorney from a firm like Hazelton Law Group.


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