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
For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or heavy bleeding, call your local emergency number.
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 healthcare team promptly for persistent vomiting, worsening throat symptoms, increasing abdominal pain, fever, difficulty swallowing, or a small amount of bleeding that continues.
Seek urgent medical assessment for:
Severe or rapidly worsening chest or abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds
Black, tar-like stools or substantial rectal bleeding
Shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, or marked weakness
A hard, swollen abdomen with severe pain
Trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine questions about the pathology report, diet, medication, or follow-up appointment can wait for normal office hours unless your discharge instructions say otherwise.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Small bowel tissue smear/biopsy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.