Hematoma

Hi all,

I posted yesterday about my ongoing hematoma saga and today I really feel bad. My temp's been around 37.5 since last night and I called my doctor again today to tell him. He told me to stop taking the antibiotics and he said it might be from the antibiotics taking all the good flora out of my intestines that could cause the fever and that having been on antibiotics for two weeks should have killed the infection from the hematoma. They won't do anything until my temp reaches 38.0. A temperature is a temperature to me - it means something is wrong somewhere. Anyone ever hear of this before?

Tomorrow's Christmas Eve and I can just feel in my bones that I'm going to end up back in the ER.

Hi Paula

Hang in there. My docs were not at all excited about a temperature of 99.5 F (37.5) either. They were not excited till it got to 101 F (38.3) so your doctor's advice is pretty consistent with what mine told me. I recall being told that they were not sure just how long a low-grade fever (under 100 F) might hang around and that I should check the temperature regularly (it should be on a downward trend) and pay attention to the pain level, which should decrease as you get better.

I kept an eye on my temperature and watched for spikes (sudden increases in temperature) which seemed to happen in the afternoon and subside in 4 or 5 hours, but over a few days time it didn't spike as high or as often. You might want to keep a written record of your temps so you can remember when you talk to the doc.

Increasing pain and a spiking fever were the things I was asked to watch for after I was out of hospital.

Pay attention to your body but try not to panic. You can always call your doctor anytime, I'm sure he would rather you call for reassurance than be worried. I called my doc quite a bit.

Lots of good thoughts and prayers are headed your way this holiday. Take care.

Kathy
LAVH 12/08, infected pelvic hematoma 12/08