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 if you pass little or no urine, especially if this is accompanied by severe weakness, vomiting, confusion, breathlessness or rapidly increasing swelling.
These can be signs of serious kidney obstruction or kidney failure.
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
Fever or shaking chills together with side or back pain, reduced urine, or a urinary stent or nephrostomy also needs urgent assessment.
An infection behind a blocked ureter can become serious and may require drainage as well as antibiotics like amoxicillin or doxycycline .
Contact your healthcare team promptly if you notice:
A clear reduction in urine
New or worsening back, side or abdominal pain
Blood in the urine
New leg or scrotal swelling
Problems with a stent or nephrostomy
Significant side effects from steroids or other immune medicines
Do not wait for symptoms before attending planned kidney tests or imaging.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine appointments are the right place to discuss mild ongoing fatigue, stable discomfort, medicine concerns and monitoring results.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Retroperitoneal fibrosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.