Low grade temp - on immunosuppressants

[dbab]

I've been feeling horrible for a couple of days now.  Yesterday I had a slight temperature, wasn't sure if it was from the heat and also noticed my rashes coming out on my face, chest, and arms.  I've been fuzzy headed yesterday and today too and the FATIGUE!!!  I started feeling really horrible nausea on the way home from work and almost had to pull over a couple of times, I white knuckled it all the way home.  Layed down, nausea has subsided some but still out of it and very weak.  My temp now is 99.5 which I guess is substantial when you are on Plaquenil, Prednisone, and Methotrexate since two of those is supposed to mask a fever (my normal temp is 97.3).

I've had slight flares since starting my methotrexate however never with a fever so needless to say I'm a little concerned.  Of course, my husband is going on about how 99.5 is nothing and its so hard explaining it to him, plus I don't have to stamina or energy right now.

Since I'm on these meds, how high should my fever get before I should really be concerned?  I can call my doc tomorrow to find out but wanted to see if any of you have any thoughts.

Thanks in advance 

[Scottietottie]

Hi dbab

Personally, I let a fever run for a few days before contacting a doc unless I have good reason to suspect an infection. I always tend to suspect a virus first and they will go on their own with rest and plenty of fluids.

Obviously if I started having breathing difficulties or chest pains I would call a doc.

But that's just me.

Here's hoping you feel better soon.

Take care - Scottie 

[kim31072]

I too have this issue(and w/immuno meds)I personally would call and let the dr know as it is a new symptom and the MTX and pred can be masking a more serious infection.

Unfortunately for me  this has turned into a 2 yr ordeal with the daily fever(I am to contact the dr if it drops below 97 or above 100.6 as both can be signs that there is something else going on)

I hate it and I feel for you as well.It makes for very long days at times to constantly run fevers(I have always been a low normal too so for me the 99 range is a fever)I think it is what plays in with alot of my fatigue and general feeling unwell.

I hope you get some relief soon


Kim

[dbab]

Thanks Scottie and Kim.    Although I'm not 100%, I do feel much better today.  I still have a headache, slightly dizzy, and a little bit of backgroud nausea but I'm managing.  My temp is around 98.5 so that is much better also.  I already have a regular rheumy appt on Wednesday so I'm going to see how it goes until then.  I'm so happy it's Friday so I can just take it easy for the next couple of days.  I am hoping its not an infection but maybe just a flare of sorts, those infections are so scary when you are on these meds.

[Patze]

Hi dbab,

Wow, you must be a very determined lady not to smack your hubby upside his head!  Whew, if it would have been me, he'd be ducking right about then!

I'm glad that your feeling better today, and I hope even better tomorrow!  And I'll keep my fingers crossed that it was a minor flare and not an infection.

Take care and hang in there my friend -

Patze