Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy: 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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
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 or stoma team promptly for:
Increasing abdominal or pelvic pain rather than gradual improvement
Repeated vomiting, abdominal swelling, or little or no stoma output
Very watery or unusually high output, especially with thirst or reduced urination
Fever, spreading redness, pus, or an opening surgical wound
Persistent bleeding from the stoma or wound
A stoma that becomes dark, very pale, cold, or suddenly much more swollen
Ongoing pouch leakage or painful, badly damaged skin
New difficulty passing urine
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.