When to call your doctor

If you have any concerns about safety, call your nurse or the hospital's patient representative office

Call your doctor if you have:

  • a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
  • increased pain or tenderness near the incision
  • poor pain relief
  • signs of infection:
    • increased swelling
    • redness
    • increased drainage
    • increased warmth
    • pus
    • foul smell
    • bleeding at the incision
    • incision coming apart
  • changes in circulation:
    • increased numbness
    • inability to feel or move fingers or toes
    • pale blue, white or abnormally cold fingers or toes
  • nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up) that won't stop
  • increased tiredness
  • a generally worse feeling than you had when you left the hospital
  • problems urinating
  • severe constipation or severe diarrhea
  • a concern about any other symptoms that seem unusual

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education Department, Surgery: What You Need to Know, surg-ah-21686
First Published: 01/15/2011
Last Reviewed: 11/25/2019