Dirty South: The surgeon introduced me to Staphylococcus, and the hospital placed me on a ward the nursing staff called Dirty South

About the book

* WINNER OF THE BOOKY AWARD FOR "MOST EFFORTLESS PROSE" - A gripping, masterfully written true story of medical survival and his fight for justice." * ** CRITIC'S CHOICE: MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW - "Deftly crafted, informative, emotionally and intellectually engaging... an unreservedly recommended addition to biography, memoir, and medical curriculum lists." — Jim Cox, Editor-in-Chief ** The surgeon left a 3mm needle tip inside him. Under oath, he called it nothing but a "blur" on an MRI You've trusted a doctor before. You'll trust one again. Andy Hageman did too, right up until an operating table at the University of New Mexico Hospital changed his life forever. What followed spine surgery in late 2019 was permanent disability, a Staphylococcus infection, and a recovery ward so grim the nursing staff themselves nicknamed it "Dirty South." Then came six years of litigation against a system that decided that because he could still walk, he hadn't suffered enough. He disagreed. This is his account. This is the true story for readers who demand the unvarnished version: A raw, unflinching biography of survival every patient tells a story, but few dare to name names An insider's view of medical trauma in modern America, where the odds are stacked against the patient A life story spanning two remarkable careers on opposite sides of the Atlantic Gallows humor sharp enough to cut through the pain and honest enough to earn it The warning every future patient deserves before signing a consent form Andy Hageman built two celebrated careers award-winning hotelier and British television personality, then ESPN Radio broadcaster and two-time Sports Play-By-Play Commentator of the Year. When he writes about what hospitals can do to a patient, it isn't speculation. He lived it. And he has the court transcripts to prove it. If you love real life stories and true story books about medical disaster, patient rights, and institutional betrayal, this memoir was written for you. If you've ever trusted a doctor with your life — read this first. Scroll up and click "Add to Cart."