When to Contact Your Healthcare Team
What should I expect during recovery?
Side effects from anesthesiaThe use of medications to temporarily block pain, sensations, and awareness during procedures and surgery. There are many different types of anesthesia that a CRNA can provide. and surgery are normal after any medical treatment. Examples of these side effects include feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), vomiting, pain, a sore throat, and feeling sleepy or tired. While these symptoms are uncomfortable, they can often be easily managed at home with rest, medication, and proper care. Your anesthesia professional, such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)Sometimes called a CRNA, nurse anesthesiologist, or nurse anesthetist, these are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who specialize in administering anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. , can answer any questions you have about the side effects of anesthesia. Learn more about Anesthesia Risks, Side Effects, and Complications.
Sometimes these symptoms, along with others, can be a sign of something more serious, such as infection, bleeding, or other problems. Your aftercare instructions will tell you about what to expect while you are getting better, and which symptoms can be warning signs of serious problems.
Different surgeries have different risks and problems, so make sure you follow the specific instructions your healthcare team gives you. Your aftercare instructions will tell you how long someone should stay with you once you are sent home from the hospital after your surgery or procedure.
When should I contact my healthcare team?
Call your healthcare team right away if you have any of these warning signs:
- Severe abdominalSometimes called the “belly” or “core,” this is the part of the body below the chest and above the pelvis. (belly) pain
- Throwing up or not being able to keep food or liquids down
- Fever (temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C)
- Extreme itching, hives, or swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Increased pain or tenderness near the incisionA cut through the skin and tissue that is needed to perform surgery. Not every surgery requires an incision. The opening is usually "closed up" with stitches or staples after the surgery.
- Pain that does not get better with medicine or rest
- Severe constipationNot being able to have a bowel movement. This can happen for many reasons including surgery, medicine, or eating too much fat and not enough fiber. or diarrhea
- Not being able to urinate
- New numbness or tingling
Do not wait to call if something does not feel right. It is better to call and stay safe. Your aftercare instructions will tell you how and when to contact your healthcare team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about when to contact your healthcare team.
What are the signs of an infection?
General signs of an infection after surgery include:
- Fever (temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C)
- Increased swelling, redness, warmth, drainage, and bleeding at or around your incision
- PusA whitish yellow, yellow, green, or sometimes brown fluid that comes out of the body as a sign of infection or inflammation. from the incision that may be yellow or green and smell bad
- Incision wound edges are pulling apart (dehiscence)Separation of surgical wound edges.
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, be sure to notify your healthcare team right away.
What are the signs of abnormal bleeding?
Depending on the surgery or medical procedure, some small amount of bleeding may be expected. Signs and symptoms of abnormal bleeding may include:
- Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or confused
- Pale skin
- Bleeding from the incision that soaks through bandages
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Feeling like your heart is racing
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, be sure to notify your healthcare team right away. Note that different surgeries and medical procedures may have specific signs of abnormal bleeding to watch for. Make sure you follow the specific instructions from your healthcare team.
When should I go to the emergency room?
Rarely, anesthesia and medical treatments may cause severe problems that need emergency care. Signs and symptoms of severe problems include:
- Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Sudden confusion, numbness, slurred speech, facial drooping, or weakness
- Vomiting that doesn’t stop
- Tightness or swelling in the throat
Note that the signs of infection and bleeding may also require emergency medical care. Your aftercare instructions will tell you about signs and symptoms that need immediate medical care. Make sure you follow the specific instructions from your healthcare team. If you feel that something is wrong, do not hesitate to call your healthcare team, 911, or go straight to the emergency room.
When in doubt, call your healthcare team and trust your feelings. Even if you just feel “off” or something doesn’t feel right, it is always better to notify your healthcare team.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation for any specific anesthesia technique, drug, or treatment. Users should consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions regarding anesthesia care. For complete terms, see our Terms of Use.
Was this helpful?