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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for:
New loss of bladder or bowel control
New numbness around the genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs
Rapidly worsening weakness or inability to move a limb
Severe trouble breathing or swallowing
Chest pain, fainting, or sudden shortness of breath
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, increasing wound redness, drainage or swelling, worsening pain, or new or increasing numbness or weakness.
Also call for a severe headache that is worse when upright, especially if clear fluid leaks from the wound.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine questions about wound care, medicines, activity, work, and follow-up can usually wait for normal contact hours.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Foraminotomy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.