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, fainting, heavy bleeding, sudden severe abdominal pain, a rapidly swelling abdomen, or severe confusion.
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 your surgical team promptly for worsening wound redness, swelling, drainage, fever, repeated vomiting, increasing abdominal pain, inability to eat or drink, new rectal bleeding, or difficulty managing an ileostomy.
Call promptly if an ileostomy stops producing output along with cramps or swelling, or if output becomes very watery and you develop thirst, weakness, dizziness, dark urine, or much less urine.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
These are not routine recovery symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Total abdominal colectomy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.