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Warning-sign checks

Congenital protein C or S deficiency: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency medical help for possible pulmonary embolism, especially:

    • Sudden or unexplained shortness of breath
    • Chest pain, particularly pain that worsens with breathing
    • Coughing up blood
    • Fainting, severe dizziness or a very fast heartbeat

    A newborn with rapidly developing purple, dark red or black skin patches needs emergency assessment.

    Emergency assessment is especially important after a head injury.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Get urgent same-day medical advice for new one-sided leg swelling, pain, warmth or skin colour change.

    These symptoms do not always mean DVT, but they need prompt assessment.

    If you take an anticoagulant, seek urgent help for significant bleeding, vomiting or coughing blood, black stools, severe unexplained headache, or a major injury.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for treatment reviews, pregnancy planning, questions about contraception or hormone therapy, and planning before surgery or long travel.

    Also arrange a review if ongoing leg swelling or breathlessness continues after a treated clot.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Congenital protein C or S deficiency. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.