Shoulder replacement: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, or an arm that becomes suddenly 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

   Seek prompt medical advice for increasing redness or swelling, wound drainage, fever at or above the level given in your discharge instructions, pain that is rapidly worsening, or new numbness or weakness after the nerve block should have worn off.

   Get urgent assessment after a fall or if the shoulder suddenly changes shape, becomes unstable, or you can no longer move it as expected.

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

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   For routine questions, contact the team during normal hours about medication side effects, sling use, exercises, wound care, or a recovery that is not progressing as expected.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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