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Warning-sign checks

Adhesion: 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

    Emergency evaluation is especially important for severe or constant pain, fainting, confusion, fever with worsening abdominal symptoms, blood in the stool, or a very tender or rigid abdomen.

    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

    Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms suggest another obstruction.

    Seek urgent medical care for repeated vomiting, increasing abdominal swelling, significant cramping, or inability to pass stool or gas.

    These symptoms do not always mean that bowel damage has occurred, but they need prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for ongoing or recurrent abdominal or pelvic discomfort, unexplained menstrual changes, pain during sex, or fertility concerns.

    Keep a record of when symptoms occur, what they feel like, whether they relate to meals or bowel movements, and how they affect daily activities.

    Bring a list of previous operations and, if available, operative reports.

The article also says

After treatment for a bowel obstruction, follow the discharge plan provided by the hospital team.

Ask what diet and activity are appropriate during recovery, when to resume usual medicines, and which symptoms should lead to reassessment.

Contact the treating clinician if pain, nausea, bloating, or bowel changes return.

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