Fever of 100 degrees

[KHolmes 3]

I had the surgery at 7:15am this moring. I am of course having pain. But I am running a fever. My Dr said to call if it gets over 101. I am currently at 100. Did anyone else run a fever after the surgery? I am kinda worried about an infection.

[enterprise01 0]

I had a fever between 99 and 100.5 for the first 3 days after surgery. I've been told that your body releases anti-bodies in response to the invasiveness of surgery, and thus you get a fever.

[KHolmes 3]

Were you told to take anything for the fever or just let it be?

[lisalee 0]

Kelly, a small fever is your body's natural way of killing any organism that may be invading. So, it is considered therapeutic. That is why medical professionals don't treat anyone for a temp of 99 or 100. When it goes over 101 however it can get risky.

Be sure you are drinking as much Water as you can. At least 2 liters/day. Warm Water is good too. It goes down easily and feels good.

Also, get up and walk, walk, walk. It doesn't matter how slowly you do it, just being up instead of lying flat on your back may help you to recover sooner and prevent other complications such as pneumonia.

Use your incentive spirometer religiously. If you were given one it is a plastic tool that you breath in to expand your lungs. If you were not given one do some deep breathing exercises as often as you can.

If you cough (which is quite common after surgery) hold a pillow across your abdomen to support your tummy. It may be uncomfortable but it is important to get that phlegm out of your system.

Sometimes patients can develop lung problems after surgery, from anesthesia, immobility and a weakened immune system (due to the trauma of surgery.) These are all critical exercises used and recommended in post-op patients.

If you have an infection in the surgery site you may need to take other measures but I bet that just increasing your activity and fluids will make a difference.

Good luck...and congratulations!

[enterprise01 0]

My doctor said to call him if the fever went over 101 or if it persisted for more than 3 days. A high fever or prolonged fever is a possible indication of infection.

[lisalee 0]

If it's under 101, don't take anything. That little bit of fever is OK.

[piercedqt78 658]

If you take something it might need attention and you are masking it. Keep an eye on it, maybe check it when you take your pain meds? Every 4-6 hours? Write it down along with the time. I'm sure it's just the body reacting to surgery. ~Mandy