Recovering from surgery is never easy, but what happens when the pain doesn’t go away or even gets worse weeks or months after the procedure? If you’re asking yourself, “Why do I still have pain where I had surgery?” you’re not alone. While some lingering discomfort may be part of the normal healing process, persistent or worsening pain can also be a sign of a serious underlying issue.
In some cases, that pain may be the result of surgical negligence, including the possibility that a medical item was accidentally left inside your body.
Common Causes of Post-Surgical Pain
Post-operative pain can occur for many reasons, including:
- Scar tissue formation
- Nerve damage during the procedure
- Infection at the surgical site
- Improper healing or complications with sutures or implants
- Re-injury due to physical activity before full recovery
But if you’re experiencing sharp, stabbing, or worsening pain long after your surgery, and especially if it’s accompanied by swelling, fever, or tenderness, it may be time to investigate whether something was missed or left behind during the procedure.
When Pain Could Mean Something Was Left Inside
In rare but serious cases, surgical teams accidentally leave objects like:
- Sponges or gauze
- Surgical instruments
- Needles or tubing
- Fragments of broken devices
These retained items can cause infections, internal damage, and chronic pain. Patients may not even realize this is the cause of their symptoms until imaging tests or further surgery reveal the problem.
What You Can Do
If your post-surgical pain seems abnormal, do not ignore it. Take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately to rule out infection or complications.
- Request imaging tests (such as X-rays or CT scans) to check for retained objects.
- Get a second opinion if your concerns are being dismissed.
- Document your symptoms and timeline for future reference.
If it turns out that an object was left inside you, or that your pain was caused by a preventable surgical error, you may be entitled to compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
We’re Here to Help
At Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen, we help patients across Florida who have suffered due to medical mistakes, including surgical errors and foreign objects left inside the body. We have the experience, resources, and medical experts necessary to investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Future care and rehabilitation
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you’re still in pain after surgery and believe something may have gone wrong, don’t wait. Contact Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal rights and determine whether you may have a case.
