Hurrah an appointment with rheumatologist, but I’ve got a fever

[SWinNorfolk]

Hi all,

Thanks so much to those who welcomed me here just over a week ago, I have taken all advice and info onboard and have managed to get a private referral appointment this weekend. I’m preparing all my symptoms notes. However, like most places during Covid they don’t want you to go in if you have any Covid symptoms like a temperature. What should I do? I’ve had a low grade fever for about a week and it’s one of the things that convinced the drs to do the ana test. Should I say nothing so I don’t lose my appointment? Maybe I should go for a Covid test tomorrow in advance? Anyone else suffer from temperatures but don’t know what causes it?

[PMRpro]

Lots of people with autoimmune disease run low grade fevers. What is your temp? Best to call them and ask - because here you don't get in the hospital if you have a raised temp.

[SWinNorfolk in reply to PMRpro]

So it’s above 38, my urine test cake back normal, I thought that might have been the issue. Thank you, I think I’ll call and check, if I can get through to them, ha!

[PMRpro in reply to SWinNorfolk]

You wouldn't be allowed past the door here - but I'm not sure what they do. Probably test for Covid, but this isn't the UK!!

[SWinNorfolk in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, I’ve called to ask what to do and they’re going to call back. I think I’ll go for a Covid test if possible just to rule it out.

[Spanielmadlady]

Ring and check then if they advise testing hopefully you've got time.as Pmrpro says low grade fever without cause isnt uncommon in AI mine used to run at about 37.4 for no apparent reason

I have my 🤞 for you . Good luck xx

[SWinNorfolk in reply to Spanielmadlady]

So it’s above 38, my urine test cake back normal, I thought that might have been the issue. Thank you, I think I’ll call and check, if I can get through to them, ha!

[Spanielmadlady in reply to SWinNorfolk]

I wouldnt call above 38 low grade 🤔.if you cant get through how about trying 111 or your gp and ask them ? X

[SWinNorfolk in reply to Spanielmadlady]

Thanks so much, I’ve called for advice and they’re going to call me back. May go for the Covid test anyway to rule it out. Appreciate the support x

[Spanielmadlady in reply to SWinNorfolk]

👍 xx

[stiff19 in reply to Spanielmadlady]

That’s interesting, I’ve had this, 37.2-37.4 and I’ve been recently suffering low intermittently 34.9-35.4. I was prompted to check a few times as felt suddenly burning hot , giddy and nauseous . It does go back up 🤷‍♀️ I am writing it in diary to ask about .x

[Spanielmadlady in reply to stiff19]

There have been a few times I've expected a roaring temp as I've been hot clammy etc but no always low grade.its a mystery and just something that happens in AI illnesses 🤒🤷‍♀️ xx

[SWinNorfolk in reply to Spanielmadlady]

my temp stayed at over 38 all day yesterday but down to 37.4 today. Going for a Covid test today so hoping I can still attend my referral on Sat, fingers crossed if I prove I don’t have Covid (hopefully) and that I can keep my temp down.

Seems like the fever is something I’m going to have to adjust to happening randomly. stiff19 im keeping a diary too, will let you all know what the rheumatologist says on Sat about fevers.

[stiff19 in reply to SWinNorfolk]

yes let us know how u get on 🤞and good luck with your Covid test and with your referral

Best wishes 🙏

[Spanielmadlady in reply to SWinNorfolk]

If your test is negative I dont see why you cant attend your appointment.i dont seem to get them as much now I'm stable but if its low grade I just tend to leave it as it can come and go from 1 minute to the next.ill be thinking of you so keep us in the loop xx

[SWinNorfolk]

Thank you all for the help in the lead up to my appointment. My temp stayed high, I managed to get my negative Covid test result in time for the appointment and took paracetamol and ibuprofen before just in case. Thanks to all the advice from people you all on here I went in feeling already supported and prepared. Short version is I got my Lupus diagnosis and err emollient up with lots more blood test, MRI and chest X-ray, was good to feel heard.

Now I’m going to continue reading and learning how to look after myself properly.