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 severe trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, signs of a stroke, or heavy uncontrolled bleeding.
These symptoms require emergency assessment whether or not MDS is the cause.
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
These changes may mean blood counts should be checked sooner.
Seek urgent same-day medical advice for:
Fever, chills, or feeling suddenly unwell, especially with low neutrophils
New shortness of breath at rest
Bleeding that is difficult to stop
Black stools, blood in urine, or vomiting blood
A rapidly spreading rash of red or purple spots
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Contact your usual care team for routine advice if fatigue, bruising, breathlessness, or infection frequency is gradually increasing.
Also report new medication side effects or symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
The article also says
Follow any fever or infection plan provided by your hematology team.
Infection can become serious quickly when white blood cell counts are very low.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Myelodysplastic syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.