Anyone else run a frequent or constant low-grade fever with RA? If you're not running a fever, do you often feel like you're running one? I currently have a 99.5 fever, which is fairly typical for me lately. Often, I feel feverish, but temp is normal. My rheumatologist referred me to an infectious disease doctor to make sure I didn't have anything infectious prior to starting different meds, and everything came back ok on those tests. Is a low-grade fever fairly normal for those with RA? This has been going on with me for about 8 months.
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I run a bit high all the time. Hi Jiliah,
yes I've had a low grade fever that comes and goes with my Ra. I've also asked this question on here before and others have said when their RA is out of control they get low grade fevers. I also feel a lot of the times feverish with no temp, like my bodies really warm. It happens for me at nights if I don't go to bed by 8 or 9 and almost feel like you have the flu.
Is your ra under control? Has your rheumy suggested adding some more medications to the mix to help? I also get very very drained and tired when my RA isn't controlled real well.
Kelly
[QUOTE=JuliahRA]Anyone else run a frequent or constant low-grade fever with RA? If you're not running a fever, do you often feel like you're running one? I currently have a 99.5 fever, which is fairly typical for me lately. [/quote]
As has been said it is not unusual to run a slightly elevated temperature with RA. Inflammation, the scourge, is most often responsible. When I was first diagnosed, and then again recently, my RD instructed me to call if my temperature was 100.6 over a four hour period. It is worth noting that many people, without a chronic illness, experience a rise of temperature in the early evening hours that returns to the more "normal" 98.6, which is not always "normal" for everyone.
[quote]Often, I feel feverish, but temp is normal. My rheumatologist referred me to an infectious disease doctor to make sure I didn't have anything infectious prior to starting different meds, and everything came back ok on those tests. Is a low-grade fever fairly normal for those with RA? This has been going on with me for about 8 months. [/QUOTE]
It is great that you checked-out OK with the infectious disease doctor.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=17593
[quote]Fever: A mildly elevated temperature is not unusual in a person
with active inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis. However, a true fever
(temperature is above 100.4 degrees F or 38 degrees C) is not expected and
can represent an infection. Persons with rheumatoid arthritis are at
increased risk for infection because of their disease and frequently because
of their medications. Many of the medications used to treat rheumatoid
disease suppress the immune system of the body that is responsible for
defending against infectious microbes. Furthermore, these medications can
increase the risk of a more serious infection when a bacterium or virus
strikes. It is important for persons with rheumatoid arthritis to notify the
doctor as soon as a fever occurs so that infections are treated at the
earliest time possible. This can minimize the chances for many serious
complications of infections.
[/quote]
Best wishes for a quick and lasting response to your new meds. Shug
I tend to have elevated temps (99.0-100.7, normal for me is 97.3) for weeks at a time, but then may go weeks without. It's always good to check that an infection isn't responsible, but I think the elevated temps are common with RA and also with Fibro.I have been feeling feverish but have a sub normal temp when checked.
I feel feverish almost every day. Typically in the evenings, but not exclusively. It's always low grade and barely noticeable to the touch. I was told my Rheumy that it's not uncommon. I feel the general malaise of a low grade fever or the start of the flu. By morning, I usually feel fine and start all over...