After a hospital stay

After surgery — what to watch

This card is general education, not medical advice. Your written discharge instructions and your own care team always come first. When in doubt about a serious symptom, do not wait — call 911.

Pending clinical review (v1.0) — follow your discharge instructions first.

GREEN — normal recovery

Incision looks the same or better each day
Pain slowly easing on the written plan
A little more activity each day, within the limits

Keep the routine: daily incision check in good light, limits honored, follow-up kept.

YELLOW — call the surgeon's office today

More redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage at the incision than yesterday
Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
Pain rising despite the medication plan
No bowel movement by the day the discharge papers flagged

Call TODAY — start at the top of the who-to-call chain below. Catching this early usually keeps it small.

RED — emergency

Incision opening up, or bleeding that soaks a bandage
Chest pain, trouble breathing, or one leg newly swollen and painful
Confusion, fainting, or can't keep anything down

Call 911 or go to the ER now. Do not drive yourself.

Who to call (in this order)

The home health agency on your discharge papers, if one was ordered
The doctor or clinic listed for follow-up
The hospital nurse line, if your papers list one
Still unsure — or it feels like an emergency? Call 911. Never wait on a phone call.

Sources: MedlinePlus — Surgical Wound Care

Talk to a Person: (432) 901-6465

All warning signs