Forum Discussion
Hospital stay for fever
I guess a bit of a moan. I came to hospital ED a week ago because my temp hit that magic 38. I had finished my 4th AC 2 weeks earlier and was about to start taxol. When I came in I had no idea what a journey this would be. They decided to give me antibiotics 'just in case' although there were no signs of bacterial infection. And they started testing, and testing, and testing but everything they try comes back negative but I don't get any better. The fever is getting higher and higher and although ive had bad headaches and now a dry cough, they still don't know the cause. The antibiotics ended up being the cause of the headaches and maybe some of the bigger fevers but even now that I've stopped them I haven't had the miraculous recovery promised. Also, they told me about 4 days after my cough started that it was probably because I've been lying down and resting too much. There was almost an accusation that I've just been being too lazy but at no point did anyone say my lungs would pack in if I didn't walk around...and I always thought when you are sick, you rest. I just want to go home. I miss my husband and kids and I feel like this place just makes me sicker . I can't get more than a couple of hours sleep at a time because of the constant OBS, blood tests, scans and medications. I'm feeling frustrated and angry and scared. Has anyone else had a fever like this that just went on and on with seemingly no cause?
15 Replies
- My siblings and I had a viral pneumonia when we were kids. At the time I was one of the first cases in Qld. It took the Dr a while to figure out a different antibiotic for it and I was weeks in hospital. Once it responded well my bro and sis got better quicker.
- Glad you are back home, good luck with the rest of your treatment.
- Good grief! Well I'm glad you're home now. Onwards and upwards. K xox
- Glad it’s sorted out - like you, my infection taught me a lot about how my body works and not taking it for granted.
- Pleased to hear that they found it! Best wishes for the rest of your treatment
Take care - Glad they tracked it down! Take care, stay well xx
- Thank you all for your support. They did track down the culprit. It was a fungal lung infection that can affect immuno compromised people. It was a loooong two weeks but I did learn a lot about being more of an active participant in my health care instead of feeling like things were being done TO me. I am home again and hopeful to stay healthy enough to get back on the chemo train.
- Please ask them to consider if you need an echo for your heart. I don't want to scare you but just wondering if it is cardiac related to chemo. Sometimes they can just get focussed on your temp and not the chemo risks. Is your oncologist consulting? Perhaps call his team or breast care nurse to chat. She can be an advocate for you.
- I had a couple of fevers and then one really bad one. Underlying cause of all was bacterial from a long lasting seroma. That seems unlikely in your case as antibiotics are essential for sepsis (not ‘just in case’) and therefore unlikely to be discontinued until the fever abated. Unfortunately this problem may take time to clarify and treat. Hospital is by far the best place to monitor your condition. Best wishes for a quick resolution.
- Oh @Lythe you poor thing. I am sending lots of white light your way. Hopefully the new week will bring answers and you will start to feel better soon. That sounds hard and scary. I agree that hospitals just make you feel sicker, but hang in there. Can you bring your temp down with a fan and cool cloths. When our daughter had rotovirus in hospital once we did that and made her feel much better. xx
