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
Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, or sudden severe weakness.
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 increasing redness, warmth, swelling, wound drainage, fever, worsening pain, a severe headache that changes with position, or new trouble passing urine.
Seek urgent medical assessment for new or worsening weakness, numbness around the groin, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
A painful, swollen leg also needs urgent assessment because it can be a sign of a blood clot.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Attend routine follow-up even if recovery is going well.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Laminectomy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.