When do you know it's time to run to the emergency room for an anastomotic leak from rectal surgery?

370>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 %26amp; tells me, I have a small leak, not an abcess. Next day I go for chemo %26amp; surgeon tells chemo doc that I have a leak %26amp; an abcess which was drained. I%26#039;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, %26amp; leakage is the same. I do have more pain %26amp; s/s if I don%26#039;t take ibuprofen. What to do so I don%26#039;t die cause of medical stupidity or seem like a crazy lady running to the ER for nothing? Thanks for ranting....
Reply:You have very good reason to run to emergency.Don%26#039;t think your crazy.If anyone does who cares it%26#039;s your life and body not theirs.If your not feeling comfortable with the Doctors please see some more.Don%26#039;t wait and worry what they may think.Their are some very good Doctors and some who are not.I sure hope you get better care.%26quot;GOD BLESS YOU%26quot;
Reply:Call for a 2nd opinion, tell them it is an emergency. If you can%26#039;t wait, go to the ER of another hospital.
Reply:Wow! That sounds painful.


Right!


Let%26#039;s start by talking about Early signs of Anastomotic leakage first.


This will present itself with bleeding rectally (bright red blood), especially after passing stools. On some occasions you may witness mild bleeding without you having gone to the toilet. Early signs are prior to the onset of infection.


The second degree signs of Anastomotic leakage occurs after the onset of infection, eg peritonitis. This is a serious stage though and needs serious attention, or hospitalisation.


The better management of this problem is to prevent it before it occurs.


This is achieved by keeping your stools (bowel contents) soft all the time.


* Drink as much fluids as possible (minimum of 2 Lt a day)


* Avoid spicy foods


* Avoid gas-forming foods eg cabbage


* Get stool softners (eg Lactulose) from your GP or Pharmacy


* Avoid constipating medicines if possible eg co-codamol


* Also, avoid Aspirin or any aspirin-containing drugs as they make bleeding worse.


* Going to the toilet a bit more often is recommended as this lessens chances of getting costipated.