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Warning-sign checks

Surgery: what to expect: 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

    Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, stroke-like symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, or confusion with severe weakness.

    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 your surgical team promptly for worsening pain, repeated vomiting, trouble eating or drinking, difficulty passing urine, wound opening, new drainage, increasing redness or swelling, or a fever that meets the threshold in your discharge instructions.

    Seek urgent medical advice for one-sided calf pain or swelling, new shortness of breath, or symptoms that are worsening quickly.

    These symptoms should not wait for a routine follow-up appointment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus

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