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 fainting, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, uncontrolled bleeding, or another rapidly worsening condition.
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 or stoma team promptly for:
Output that is repeatedly much higher or more watery than expected
Persistent pouch leakage, worsening skin damage, or wound drainage
Increasing redness, swelling, pain, or fever
Signs of dehydration, such as marked thirst, dizziness, dark urine, or reduced urination
A new bulge, narrowing, retraction, or marked protrusion of the stoma
Seek urgent medical assessment for severe abdominal cramps with vomiting and little or no stoma output, significant bleeding into the pouch, or a stoma that becomes dark, grey, or black.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine questions about supplies, diet, work, or planned reversal can usually wait for normal clinic hours.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ileostomy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.