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
Seek emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, vomiting blood, heavy uncontrolled bleeding, or symptoms of a stroke such as sudden weakness or trouble speaking.
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 prompt same-day medical advice for:
Fever or signs of infection, especially with a known low white cell count
Bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure
Black stools, blood in urine, or repeated nosebleeds
Rapidly worsening weakness, dizziness, or breathlessness
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical follow-up if you develop increasing fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, more bruising, repeated infections, or a gradual change in breathlessness.
These symptoms may mean that blood counts need checking, but they are not always caused by MDS.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Refractory anemia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.