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Warning-sign checks

Illinois type amyloidosis: 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 urgent or emergency help for:

    • Severe or sudden shortness of breath
    • Chest pain or pressure
    • Fainting, especially during activity
    • A sustained very fast or very slow heartbeat with weakness or dizziness
    • Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, or other stroke signs
    • New inability to walk or rapidly progressing 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

    If you already have Illinois type amyloidosis, contact your care team promptly about rapid weight gain, increasing swelling, worsening breathlessness, repeated palpitations, new falls, skin wounds on numb feet, or a clear decline in strength or walking.

    These symptoms do not always mean amyloidosis has worsened, but they need prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical review if you develop persistent numbness, burning pain, hand weakness, repeated carpal tunnel symptoms, dizziness on standing, unexplained bowel changes, ankle swelling, or a decline in exercise tolerance.

    These symptoms have many possible causes, but they deserve assessment if they are new or worsening.

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