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 help for trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, or sudden severe weakness.
New loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals or buttocks, or rapidly worsening difficulty walking also needs emergency assessment.
After front-of-neck surgery, rapidly increasing neck swelling or breathing difficulty is an emergency.
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
Contact the surgical team promptly for:
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or opening of the wound
Fever or chills with worsening wound pain
Pain that is rapidly worsening or not controlled as expected
New leg or arm swelling
Persistent vomiting, inability to drink, or severe constipation
New or worsening numbness or weakness
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine questions about activity, medicines, work, or follow-up imaging can usually wait for normal office hours.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Spinal fusion. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.