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Warning-sign checks

Elbow replacement: 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

    Call emergency services for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, or a suddenly cold, pale or blue hand.

    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 increasing redness, warmth or drainage; fever; worsening pain after initial improvement; an opening wound; new hand weakness; or persistent numbness.

    Contact the surgical team urgently if the elbow changes shape, you hear or feel a snap, or the joint becomes unstable after an injury.

The article also says

Contact the surgical team about wound care, exercises, medicine side effects, persistent swelling or returning to activities.

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