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 vomiting blood, passing a large amount of black or bloody stool, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, sudden severe abdominal pain or difficulty waking.
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
Seek urgent medical advice for new confusion, unusual sleepiness, fever, worsening abdominal swelling, reduced urination, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or increasing shortness of breath.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine follow-up, contact your team if you have increasing wound redness, drainage, ongoing nausea, poor appetite, swelling or pain that is not improving.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Portacaval shunting. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.