Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

After Hysterectomy, Mom Of 6 Loses Both Legs To Sepsis: What To Know About Post-Surgical Infection

A 46-year-old mother of six in Oregon, US, lost both legs and suffered multiple life-altering injuries after developing a severe infection following a <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/hysterectomy">hysterectomy</a>.

According to a lawsuit alleging medical negligence, Trisha Stevens underwent the hysterectomy in October 2024. The lawsuit alleges that her infection was not diagnosed on time and treated promptly, which eventually led to peritonitis, septic shock and multiple organ failure.

Stevens and her husband are seeking $68.5 million in damages from several doctors and Legacy Health. The allegations have not been established in court yet. 

Stevens lost both legs above the knees, her right hand and parts of her left hand. She also lost parts of her lips and tongue and suffered spinal cord damage that left her paralysed from the waist down. 

“I came home having lost both of my legs and my right hand. My left hand was left unusable after the necrosis. I lost parts of my lips and tongue, and I live with paralysis in a body that no longer responds the way it once did,” Stevens told local news outlet KGW.

Her husband, Brian, now cares for her as she navigates the physical, mental and emotional consequences of the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/sepsis">sepsis</a>.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/life-saving-marthas-rule-to-expand-to-emergency-departments-across-england-what-it-means-article-156203375" data-type="tilCustomLink">‘Life-Saving’ Martha’s Rule To Expand To Emergency Departments Across England: What It Means</a>

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body's response to an infection gets dysregulated, damaging its own tissues and organs. It can develop from infections affecting the lungs, urinary tract, skin or gastrointestinal system, as well as infections after a surgery. 

Without timely treatment, sepsis can progress to organ failure and death. In severe cases, it can cause septic shock, in which blood pressure falls dangerously low and organs receive insufficient blood flow. 

Stevens' case involved peritonitis, an inflammation of the tissue lining the abdominal cavity, followed by septic shock, according to the lawsuit.

Severe infection and septic shock can disrupt blood circulation and reduce oxygen delivery to tissues. When blood flow becomes critically inadequate, tissue can die, which is known as necrosis. In some cases, surgeons may need to amputate affected limbs to remove dead or severely damaged tissue and prevent further complications. 

However, limb loss is not an inevitable outcome of sepsis. It represents a severe complication that can occur in some critically ill patients.

How to Protect Your Lungs From Childhood to Old Age | World Lung Day

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies several possible signs of sepsis: 

<ul><li>Fever, shivering or feeling unusually cold</li><li>Confusion or disorientation</li><li>Rapid heart rate or a weak pulse</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Clammy or sweaty skin</li><li>Extreme pain or discomfort</li></ul>

After surgery, worsening abdominal pain, fever, unusual bleeding, wound discharge or a sudden deterioration in general health warrants urgent medical assessment. Symptoms should not be dismissed simply because a patient has recently undergone a procedure. 

Sepsis requires immediate evaluation and treatment. Management may include antibiotics, intravenous fluids, support for organ function and, where necessary, surgery to control the source of infection.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

after-hysterectomy-mom-of-6-loses-both-legs-to-sepsis-what-to-know-about-post-surgical-infection

Sepsis

Post Surgical Infection

sepsis signs

Hysterectomy

infection after surgery

trisha stevens

sepsis treatment

xfg-variant-in-spain-covid-19-cases-rise-amid-respiratory-infection-surge

XFG Variant In Spain: COVID-19 Cases Rise Amid Respiratory Infection Surge

sorority-rush-sees-ozempic-trend-what-young-women-should-know-before-using-glp-1-drugs

Sorority Rush Sees Ozempic Trend: What Young Women Should Know Before Using GLP-1 Drugs

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

A 46-year-old mother of six in Oregon, US, lost both legs and suffered multiple life-altering injuries after developing a severe infection following a hysterectomy. According to a lawsuit alleging medical negligence, Trisha Stevens underwent the hysterectomy in October 2024. The lawsuit alleges that her infection was not diagnosed on time and treated promptly, which eventually led to peritonitis, septic shock and multiple organ failure. Stevens and her husband are seeking $68.5 million in damages from several doctors and Legacy Health. The allegations have not been established in court yet. Stevens lost both legs above the knees, her right hand and parts of her left hand. She also lost parts of her lips and tongue and suffered spinal cord damage that left her paralysed from the waist down. “I came home having lost both of my legs and my right hand. My left hand was left unusable after the necrosis. I lost parts of my lips and tongue, and I live with paralysis in a body that no longer responds the way it once did,” Stevens told local news outlet KGW. Her husband, Brian, now cares for her as she navigates the physical, mental and emotional consequences of the sepsis. What Is Sepsis? Also read: ‘Life-Saving’ Martha’s Rule To Expand To Emergency Departments Across England: What It MeansSepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body's response to an infection gets dysregulated, damaging its own tissues and organs. It can develop from infections affecting the lungs, urinary tract, skin or gastrointestinal system, as well as infections after a surgery. Without timely treatment, sepsis can progress to organ failure and death. In severe cases, it can cause septic shock, in which blood pressure falls dangerously low and organs receive insufficient blood flow. Stevens' case involved peritonitis, an inflammation of the tissue lining the abdominal cavity, followed by septic shock, according to the lawsuit.Severe infection and septic shock can disrupt blood circulation and reduce oxygen delivery to tissues. When blood flow becomes critically inadequate, tissue can die, which is known as necrosis. In some cases, surgeons may need to amputate affected limbs to remove dead or severely damaged tissue and prevent further complications. However, limb loss is not an inevitable outcome of sepsis. It represents a severe complication that can occur in some critically ill patients.       Warning SignsThe US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies several possible signs of sepsis: Fever, shivering or feeling unusually coldConfusion or disorientationRapid heart rate or a weak pulseShortness of breathClammy or sweaty skinExtreme pain or discomfortAfter surgery, worsening abdominal pain, fever, unusual bleeding, wound discharge or a sudden deterioration in general health warrants urgent medical assessment. Symptoms should not be dismissed simply because a patient has recently undergone a procedure. Sepsis requires immediate evaluation and treatment. Management may include antibiotics, intravenous fluids, support for organ function and, where necessary, surgery to control the source of infection.

after hysterectomy, mom of 6 loses both legs to sepsis: what to know about post-surgical infection

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

After Hysterectomy, Mom Of 6 Loses Both Legs To Sepsis: What To Know About Post-Surgical Infection

XFG Variant In Spain: COVID-19 Cases Rise Amid Respiratory Infection Surge

Breaking Bad Actor RJ Mitte Dies At 34: How He Challenged Stereotypes About Cerebral Palsy

IPF: Bristol Myers’ Experimental Drug Shows Promise Amid Limited Treatment Options

Health Conditions A-Z

XFG Variant In Spain: COVID-19 Cases Rise Amid Respiratory Infection Surge

After Hysterectomy, Mom Of 6 Loses Both Legs To Sepsis: What To Know About Post-Surgical Infection

Sorority Rush Sees Ozempic Trend: What Young Women Should Know Before Using GLP-1 Drugs