Bouts of sudden onset fever/chills - Sjs related?

[Blomst]

I have now two times over the last couple of months (last time was yesterday) been hit with a bout of fever/intense flu like feeling that only lasted for a couple of hours each time. I don't know if I actually had a high temperature because I didn't have a thermometer on me either time. But it felt just like a very intense fever, with really bad chills, all over achiness and discomfort and just feeling really ill. Both times it happened completely out of the blue, and both times it subsided after a couple of hours and went back to normal.

I am wondering if anyone has experienced the same, and do you know if this is Sjogrens related?

[belovedchaos1]

It's hard to say Blomst... I know with myself personally - I started getting fevers, body and joint aches, and severe fatigue (flu like symptoms) that progressively came more frequently. For me it started at once a month... then twice a month, to eventually making me bed ridden 3 days out of the week. Each flare I was out for a whole day... gradually to the 3 whole days.

After these episodes the fever would subside but an extreme exhaustion would come over me. The chronic fatigue never really subsided.

I'm not a doctor... but it's something I'd keep an eye on. If it keeps happening and more frequently I'd try mentioning it to your doctor for possible referrals or blood work. In my case I had to keep hounding the doctors until they took me seriously. I'd say over all it took me a year to be diagnosed.

[irish]

About 15 years ago I had a low grade temp every day for about 3-years. The docs didn't believe me but there it was every day. The good thing was I did have blood work done periodically so knew that my white count wasn't up.

However, a few years later I was seen by an immunologist and diagnosed with Myasthenia gravis, Hashimotos and 2 immune deficiencies which placed me at high risk for infection. It turned out that I didn't have the ability to raise a higher temp or have higher white counts because of these immune dificiencies.

I am of the opinion that it would be wise to make arrangements with your doctor to have a standing order for blood work when your body does the chills and temp again. You could just show up at the hospital when these spells occurred. Better to arrange with hospital as they are open 24/7. You may have something show up when your body is flaring. When you have no symptoms there may be no telling bloodwork.. It would be wise to get this checked out to see just what is going on. Good luck. Irish

[Blomst]

Thanks for your replies!

Belovedchaos1, sounds like what you experienced was different from what I have experienced. I don't really have much fatigue issues now that I am on medication, and these episodes have come completely out of the blue and then gone back to normal afterwards. Also I already have blood tests done monthly (including white blood count) and they are not showing anything out of the ordinary, except slightly raised monocytes and slightly low hemoglobin.

Irish, thanks for the tips. I am on Methotrexate, so I have a standing order for blood tests anyway. If it happens again I'll make sure I go and take a blood test immediately, that was a good idea!

[belovedchaos1]

Happy to help! Hearing everyone's experiences have really helped me cope with things. Even still I agree with Irish - better to check than not too. Sjs or autoimmunity is different for everyone. Best of luck and I hope all goes well.

[susanep]

I commonly have low grade fevers and chills.

susanep