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
Call emergency services for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or sudden coughing of blood.
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 sooner if you have increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or a dressing or cast that becomes wet or damaged.
Seek urgent advice if:
Fingers or toes become pale, blue, cold, increasingly numb, or difficult to move
A cast, boot, or splint feels dangerously tight
You feel a sudden pop followed by loss of movement or support
Bleeding continues despite firm pressure
Pain becomes severe or is not controlled by the agreed plan
These may indicate a serious anaesthesia problem or blood clot and should not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is used to review the wound, remove or check stitches, adjust the splint or brace, and progress therapy.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tendon repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.