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 coughing up blood
Sudden loss of leg strength or inability to walk
New loss of bladder or bowel control
Rapidly increasing abdominal swelling, severe abdominal pain, or heavy bleeding
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 increasing incision redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain, persistent vomiting, new numbness, difficulty urinating, or constipation that does not improve with the recommended plan.
Seek urgent medical care for a new or one-sided painful, swollen calf.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Questions about medicines, wound care, activity, or returning to work can usually wait for routine contact with your surgical team.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Disk replacement - lumbar spine. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.