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 chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat.
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 surgical team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, wound drainage, fever, worsening pain, or a dressing that becomes soaked with blood.
Also call if numbness continues after the expected nerve-block period, or if your hand becomes unusually swollen, pale, blue, or cold.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine soreness, bruising, and mild swelling can usually be discussed at your planned follow-up unless they are worsening or difficult to manage.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tennis elbow surgery. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.