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Warning-sign checks

Angiodysplasia of the colon: 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

    Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, fainting, chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, confusion, or marked 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

    Seek prompt medical advice for new or recurring blood in the stool or symptoms suggesting anemia.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up is based on whether the angiodysplasia caused bleeding and whether anemia has resolved.

    A clinician may repeat a complete blood count and iron studies after treatment or iron replacement.

    Improvement in energy can take time even after bleeding stops.

    Routine repeat colonoscopy solely to inspect a successfully treated lesion is not always needed.

    The timing of any further endoscopy depends on symptoms, blood-test results, the quality of the original examination, and usual colorectal cancer screening needs.

The article also says

Keep track of visible blood, stool color, dizziness, shortness of breath, and changes in exercise tolerance.

Tell the care team if symptoms return.

Recurrent bleeding does not always mean the previous treatment failed; another lesion may be responsible.

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