Danger Signs and When to Call Your Doctor
Record Your Temperature Daily
Please record your temperature daily in the evening and weigh yourself daily at the same time every morning and keep a chart of both. Please bring this chart with you to your wound check and follow-up appointments with your doctors or surgeon.
When to Call 911
You should call 911 or your local emergency number to be taken to the nearest emergency room for any emergency situation, such as:
- Chest pain not related to your incision or angina pain, similar to the pain you had prior to surgery
- Extreme shortness or breath or difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding, especially if you are on warfarin (Coumadin)
- Fainting, severe lightheadedness or changes in mental status
When to Call Your Surgeon
Call your surgeon (617) 632-8383 (24 hours a day, seven days a week) if any of the following occur:
- Your incision is warm, red or swollen or there is increased tenderness or pain
- Any of your incisions have ANY fluid or drainage coming out
- You have a fever of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Your weight has gone up more than two pounds in one day or five pounds in a week
- You have severe pain or increased swelling in either leg
- You have palpitations
- You feel dizzy or weak (if severe, call 911)
- You notice any of the following, especially if you are on warfarin (Coumadin)
- A lot of dark, large bruises
- Black or dark bowel movements
- Pain, discomfort or swelling in any area, especially after an injury
- Severe or unusual headache (if symptoms are severe, please call 911)