Reverse total shoulder replacement: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, or an arm or hand that suddenly becomes cold, pale, or blue.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your surgical team promptly if you develop increasing wound redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or new numbness or weakness in the hand.

   Also call if swelling in the arm does not improve or your sling, dressing, or pain plan is causing problems.

   A fall or sudden change in the shoulder’s shape, movement, or pain needs urgent assessment.

   Do not try to push a suspected dislocation back into place.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   These are not routine recovery symptoms.

   Questions about exercises, sleep, medicines, work, or expected stiffness can usually wait for normal office hours or a scheduled follow-up appointment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Reverse total shoulder replacement. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.