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Warning-sign checks

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens: 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 now for a leg or arm that becomes rapidly swollen and severely painful, especially when the skin is blue, purple, dusky, blistered, numb or cold.

    New weakness or difficulty moving the limb also requires emergency care.

    Call emergency services for possible pulmonary embolism symptoms, including sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting or severe light-headedness.

    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 are taking an anticoagulant, seek urgent advice for heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting blood, black stools, a major head injury or a sudden severe headache.

    Contact your regular healthcare team sooner if swelling begins increasing again, a new sore develops, medicine is difficult to take, or you notice unusual bruising or minor bleeding that continues.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for stable, gradually improving swelling or discomfort after treatment.

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