Had a rectal abscess, how to know if I'm getting a fistula?

I thought I had hemorrhoids starting on Wednesday, but the pain got worse until it hurt to move at all. Went to the ER on Sunday and had surgery that night to get the abscess removed.

Feeling better now, just wound maintenance. I was told by one doc we don't need to pack it, and one doc said to pack it, but packing/ unpacking it is literal hell so...we're not packing it.

I'm showering after each bowel movement, told to take aoftwners and avoid wiping as much as possible.

BUT I have a fear of forming a fistula. My question is: how do I know if I have one?

I'm in the adult incontinence briefs just to be safe, but I can't always tell if the little bit of coloration I see when I take them off is just the wound or waste leaking. The incision was so close to my anus that I can't "feel" if it's coming out of both holes or not.

I guess I'm hoping someone will reassure me that there's DEFINITE signs (blood, intense pain, etc.) Of one and I can stop worrying...any help in this?😅

*not sure if it's okay to post here, but this is the only other sub I could think of..thank you!!