After any surgery, it’s normal to have questions about your healing. Understanding what problems should be seen in an emergency room versus what problems can be managed in a doctor’s office can be confusing.
Below is a guide for NON-EMERGENCY symptoms related to total joint surgery of the hip or knee. For problems that should be seen in an emergency room, please visit, http://riversideonline.com/medical-services/emergency-and-trauma-care/right-care-right-place-right-time.
Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room if:
- You have difficulty breathing.
- You have chest pain.
- You develop loss of consciousness or altered mental status or confusion.
- Stroke symptoms
- You notice loss of color or warmth to your limb.
For non-emergencies, please contact either your Total Joint Navigator, Riverside orthopedic office or Riverside Nurse.
Total Joint Navigator (Newport News/Williamsburg):
- Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 757-503-7748
Total Joint Navigator (Gloucester):
- Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 804-695-8564
Riverside Orthopedic Office (Newport News and Williamsburg)
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 757-534-9988
Gloucester
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 804-693-0529
Non-Emergent Symptoms May Include:
- Severe pain.
- Increased swelling
- Fever of above 100.5
- Redness around the incision.
- Blood or fluid coming from the incision.
- Pus or bad smell coming from the incision.
- You notice that the incision has opened.
- You develop a rash.
- Inability to urinate.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Constipation that doesn’t improve with stool softeners.
- Any problems, questions or concerns related to your surgery.
Riverside Nurse
Contact Riverside Nurse for any questions you may have regarding your discharge instructions or general health information. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for patients residing in our local Virginia service area at 757-595-6363 or 800-675-6368 toll free.