sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Shoulder arthroscopy: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency medical help for trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, sudden major arm swelling, or a hand that becomes cold, pale, blue, or severely weak.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the surgical team promptly if you develop increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage around a wound; a fever; pain that is getting worse rather than settling; repeated vomiting; or numbness that lasts longer than the team said to expect.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    These can usually be handled during routine office hours.

The article also says

Use the contact number provided by the treating facility if you have concerns about pain control, wound care, your sling, exercises, or medicines.

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