When do you know it's time to run to the emergency room for an anastomotic leak from rectal surgery? In treatment for stage III rectal cancer.  3 wks post op, have been having pressure rectally, chills, HA. Told Oncologist. Tested blood WBC 12,000. I told him, Infection, he told me -allergies.
2 days later. Felt faint in shower kneeled down (250cc of drainage came out rectally). Told surgeon - have fever when not on Ibuprofen, on have low temp. Surgeon sees me & tells me, I have a small leak, not an abcess. Next day I go for chemo & surgeon tells chemo doc that I have a leak & an abcess which was drained.  I'm on anti-infectives, but still have pressure pain.  Is not better yet or has gotten worse.  Confusion is s/s of sepsis, peritonitis, chemo, abcess, & leakage is the same. I do have more pain & s/s if I don't take ibuprofen.  What to do so I don't die cause of medical stupidity or seem like a crazy lady running to the ER for nothing?  Thanks for ranting....

Summarized question: When should one go to the emergency room for an anastomotic leak from rectal surgery?