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 severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, vomiting blood, heavy bleeding, sudden severe abdominal pain, or a painful swollen leg with breathlessness.
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 wound redness or drainage, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, difficulty eating or drinking, new trouble swallowing, persistent diarrhoea, or ongoing weight loss.
Seek urgent medical advice for fever, a swollen abdomen, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, or marked dizziness.
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 Gastrectomy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.