Still Have Fever

[Monty]

I will be 3 weeks post op on Thursday. I can't even tell that I have had OHS. I feel great except for a fever every now and then. Last Monday through Thursday no fever, then on Friday, Sat, and Sun. a small one (under 101 or around 100). This morning I had one around 101. If I could shake this, the surgery would have been nothing. I have talked to my Cardio. here in Nashville and they have me on 800mg motrin. My blood work came back good. He says come back and see him Nov 30. (He thinks I have a little Pericarditis) I have been on the Motrin since leaving the Cleveland clinic(Nov 4). Has anyone ever had this and for this length of time? My surgery was on OCT 28 @ CCF. This is the only thing holding me back from a full recovery.

[geebee]

Monty,
I don't know exactly how common it is but I think a lot of people have slight fevers after OHS. I think it takes awhile for your system to find its way "back to center". I had a fever after my first surgery that kept me in the hospital a week longer than anticipated. I also developed chronic pericarditis after my second surgery that lasted a period of about 15 years (2 - 3 times/year). Pericarditis is not uncommon since the pericardium is so traumatized by surgery so that is probably a good call by your doctor. Chronic pericarditis is much less common so don't be concerned by my story. Just trying to make you feel as if you are not alone with this problem.
Fevers can make you tired and I even find they cause me to get very annoyed. Motrin (or other similar products) will more than likely work but you may end up needing antibiotics if there is a determination of some type of infection. Seeing the doctor and having some bloodwork done is probably your best bet right now.
Good luck and smiles, :)
Gina

[McCln]

I have to agree with Gina. Get with a doctor and get antibotics. You do not want this to get worse. I had problems with alergies two weeks after getting home. So be sure to get the fevers checked. Good luck and keep us posted.

[tobagotwo]

As you said your blood work's good, there's not much you can do but wait. An infection should have shown up there, if you had one. 101 is the edge-point that my hospital gave, as they said that the body's thermostat is off kilter for a while from the cooling process used during the surgery. You're right there. It shouldn't surprise you that you're not 100%. Your bones are still knitting.

Give it a little more time, Monty. And try not to push yourself when your temp is off, as it signals that your body is not happy yet. If your muscles are very fit, then your body has to find other ways to talk to you, and this is one.

Three weeks after surgery is nothing. You're still healing, and you can still set yourself up for a nasty setback, if you're not listening when your body is signalling you.

Best wishes,

[lemonstuff]

I know how gross that fever makes you feel. I had a bout with it after my surgery as well. I agree with others that if your blood work came back clean and your cardio/surgeon is aware of the situation there isn't much more you can do other than wait it out.

My surgeon said a small percentage of people develop the low fever and it usually doesn't last very long. Sort of your bodies little way of adjusting to the new valve. They told me to keep an eye on it, and wait it out. And they mentioned if I had severe uncontrollable chills to get into the ER.

I hope you get over the fever and to feeling more like yourself!
Stephanie

[catwoman]

Monty:

I ran a fever 7/22-24, 101, aching, headaches, etc. Cardio (who is in Dallas, 50 miles from my home) said it was probably viral, very common post-op and referred me to my PCP. I woke up 7/25 back to normal, but had blood cultures run to rule out bacterial infection. Nothing showed. At the time, I suspected viral.
I took a mountain of Tylenol during those 3 days...