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 trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, uncontrolled bleeding, or a hand that becomes cold, blue or suddenly difficult to move.
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
Seek urgent same-day advice for increasing redness, warmth or drainage from the wounds; fever; worsening pain not controlled by the agreed plan; marked swelling; or numbness that continues longer than your team said the nerve block should last.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Contact your surgical team during routine hours if you have questions about dressings, sling use, exercises, medicine side effects or a recovery that is not progressing as expected.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rotator cuff repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.