Fever symptoms

[wilbertjellyfish]

This is probably for those if us who have interactive adrenal glands. About 18 maths ago I had frequent, weekly, bouts of fever like symptoms.

I was hospitalised eventually and my steroids increased. Since then I hadn't had this. However the past month it has happened a few times with last night the worst.

You are hot, feel cold and want wrapped up, no appetite, drifting in and out of sleep, sore all over, vomiting. The feverish bit has passed this morning but I feel weak and tired.

I'm also devastated as I'd taken the day of work to drive my son to his college interview and I'd been really looking forward to it.

Anyway, my question is, does anyone else have this or have any ideas what to do.

I was going to ring the GP but fell asleep and missed the time to ring.

[Slinkyminx]

sounds like a stills flare. I still get them out of the blue last one on account of flu jab. I get fevers evening and night. Cuddle up as I’m freezing cold. Then cold wet flannels to get the temperature down. My consultant usually increases prednisolone up to 30mh for ten days I also get the stills salmon pink rash.

[Slinkyminx]

have you taken your temperature? Do you have a rash?

[wilbertjellyfish in reply to Slinkyminx]

Thermometer had flat battery and it was 1am. Typical. I'm better today.

[Slinkyminx in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

Good to keep an eye on it 👍

[ABwn in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

Take care .

[tyncwmmarchhywel]

Hi, you sound really unwell, not had those symptoms in a long time, from being diognosed, dead with the untreated fatigue of R A .Hope you get it sorted soon,no joke feeling like that.

[wilbertjellyfish in reply to tyncwmmarchhywel]

It's definitely no joke. I spoke to my rheumy nurse who recommended I keep a diary. It could be extreme fatigue and my body doesn't cope because of the adrenal thing. I feel better now...just very weak.

[medway-lady]

I don’t but wanted to say, you sound very poorly so perhaps ring 111 for advice until you can see your GP. I hope you’re feeling better soon. Xx

[wilbertjellyfish in reply to medway-lady]

Thanks. I might ring the GP tomorrow. I've also developed a weird lump on my shoulder, it's not sore but quite hard. ....it does however keep my bra strap in place..every cloud.

[springcross]

If you've missed the time to ring your GP, I would definitely ring 111 as you need to talk to someone about it. Hope you get some help.

[Inanotherlife]

You poor thing, hope you get some in to see someone today and start feeling better soon c

[Runrig01]

So yes, I have a similar issue. You may be aware I have severe adrenal insufficiency, producing zero natural cortisol. I have a current chest infection, and I’m off my immunosuppressants, having missed 6 out of the last 10 weeks, missed 2 for antibiotics, and 4 for foot surgery. The last few nights I’ve had horrendous night sweats, and I find it wakes me around 4-5am, which is when our bodies should be making cortisol, ready for us waking up. So I put it down to low cortisol, although I am following sick rules and double dosing. I’m normally on 4mg prednisolone for my AI, but currently on 10mg. I wake to a mass of curls, where my head has been sweating, then dried in. Have you tried contacting your endocrinologist. I think mine is a combination of the low cortisol and the start of a flare from missing so many meds. Sadly I was due my Covid vaccine on Monday, but had to cancel as I’m still unwell. Now torn whether to have it, once antibiotics are finished, but perhaps not stop the mtx for the 2 weeks., like I normally do. I figure some antibodies are better than none. I should add, I do wake to other low cortisol symptoms like nausea, struggling to stay awake, and low blood pressure of around 88/58 till my steroids kick in. Hopefully you’ve managed to speak to someone now. 🤗

[wilbertjellyfish in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks for the comprehensive reply. I don't have an endocrinologist....I did have an acth stim test two years ago showing low function and am currently on 16 mg pred for the RA because nothing else works.I have issues staying awake. Missed phoning the GP at 8.30, phoned at 8.38... no appointments left. I'll try tomorrow.

[Runrig01 in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

Your adrenals shouldn’t be an issue at the moment on your current dose. Your body only needs the equivalent of 3-5mg a day, anything above that, your HPA axis switches off as your body recognises it’s getting enough cortisol from your steroids. Most endocrinologists will only see you once you’re down to 5mg, wh n your adrenal glands should be waking up again, for that reason. Anyone on therapeutic doses will get low cortisol results, due to the adrenals still sleeping.. Current guidelines advise against doing the acth test till your down to 5mg or less. Rheumatology conditions their selves can cause severe night sweats, which is more likely the issue, especially if your not getting other low cortisol symptoms. Headaches is another sign my cortisol is low, if I wake up with one. Hope you get answers soon 🤗

[Green230461]

I get flare ups like this two jumpers blanket fire on husband in shorts and tee shirt was told it is part of RA and would pass. It did! Heating bill is crazy in our house- higher in summer 😡

[YuzuShiso]

Similar situation for me. I finally made it in to see my rheumatologist today after feeling very unwell and canceling two previous appointments, first for Friday and then Monday, due to fevers, chills, waking very sweaty, exhaustion, nausea, stomachache, joint pain, diarrhea, etc. I increased my prednisolone dose Friday to 15mg/day (had decreased to 9mg/day), and finally was awake and well enough to see my doctor today.

He said the results from the blood test and urinalysis were not too bad, and although the ultrasound imaging of hands showed some inflammation, since I’m already on Cimzia and prednisolone, he doesn’t want to place further strain on my weakened immune system with additional medication. Plus he is guessing the joint pain/synovial inflammation is related to adrenal issues causing low cortisol levels rather than increased RA activity, which means that the most sensible approach at the moment is to watch carefully for low cortisol symptoms and increase prednisolone as necessary even as I attempt to taper.

He said at this point I am the one with the most expertise in assessing symptoms and to go with my subjective experience. My husband is actually really good at pointing out when he thinks low cortisol is an issue and urging me to increase my dose.

It is so difficult to manage these complicated conditions with overlapping symptoms. Very disappointing to find oneself very unwell and unable to follow through on plans. Really feel for you and hope you can get some relief soon.

[wilbertjellyfish]

Definitely difficult. I've been increasing and decreasing the dose for the past seven years trying to get off them but I think that ship has sailed so I'm currently trying to reduce them but 1 mg every 3-4 weeks. Still we can fight on. Tomorrow is a new day and today I feel normal.