Unexplained Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Severe Pain
Hello everyone, I'm an 18-year-old nonbinary individual and I’ve been experiencing a persistent low-grade fever since Wednesday afternoon. In addition to the fever, I’m dealing with intense stabbing pain throughout my body, which feels far worse than typical fever-related discomfort—I also experience plenty of standard body aches. At times, I endure a sharp 9/10 pain under my jaw, near my ear, occurring for about five minutes every couple of hours. Migraines have also been a part of this ordeal. While I have a history of chronic migraines, the severity recently has escalated beyond my usual threshold. Last night, I was in so much distress that my parents had to help me upstairs to my bedroom. Although I’m an adult, I still live at home. I reached out to my doctor, who simply advised me to take paracetamol to manage the fever and suggested ibuprofen for my “headache.” I’ve been following their recommendations, but they didn’t seem keen on conducting any tests. They mistakenly referenced a visit I made a month ago, stating I went in for fever symptoms, but that’s inaccurate. I actually sought care for severe flu symptoms and difficulty breathing due to my asthma, so it feels as if they suspect I’m exaggerating my condition. Importantly, I’m not experiencing any typical viral symptoms—no allergies, stuffy nose, or cough at all. Throughout this period, I’ve been ensuring that I stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water, and I do try to eat, although my nausea complicates that. The highest my temperature reached was 100.4°F last night. I contemplated heading to the emergency room due to the severity of my pain, but I ultimately decided against it; I feared I might faint while trying to get there, as walking was already very challenging. Evenings seem to amplify my fever. Right now, I’m feeling excessively weak. Although my temperature has slightly decreased, I still have a low-grade fever. Since going to bed last night, I’ve been persistently sweating. Should I be worried? Do you think a visit to the hospital is warranted? There’s a strong sense within me that something isn’t right (this isn’t just anxiety—I can tell the difference). If I experience severe pain again tonight, I doubt I’ll be able to walk well enough to seek medical assistance. For context, I also have POTS. Thank you for any insights you may have. Summary: Experiencing a low-grade fever, full-body stabbing pain coupled with usual aches, and debilitating migraines.
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 10:50:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
You're experiencing a combination of persistent low-grade fever, severe pain, and debilitating migraines, all of which understandably raise concerns, especially since your symptoms have escalated. It's important to acknowledge your feelings of distress and the difficulty you’re facing, especially with your history of POTS and migraines.
Main Points
- Persistent Symptoms: Your ongoing low-grade fever (100.4°F), severe body pain, and escalating migraines merit closer evaluation.
- Importance of Monitoring: While it's good you're following your doctor's advice, your symptoms suggest that something more may be happening that requires further investigation.
Explanation
Your low-grade fever and severe pain can be caused by several factors, including infections, autoimmune conditions, or even complications from your history of migraines or POTS. The sharp pain under your jaw may also indicate issues like tension, nerve pain, or referred pain from other areas. Migraines can sometimes exacerbate feelings of fever and pain. Given the severity of your symptoms and the potential for worsening, it's reasonable to consider seeking more immediate care if your situation deteriorates.
Next Steps
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a record of when your pain intensifies, the location, and the associated symptoms (like your fever or any nausea). This will help healthcare providers understand your condition better.
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Manage Pain and Fever: Continue taking paracetamol and ibuprofen as prescribed to help manage these symptoms. Make sure to follow the recommended dosages.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated. If nausea is making it difficult to eat solid foods, consider light, easy-to-digest options like broths and crackers until your appetite improves.
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Evaluate Your Symptoms: If you experience another episode of severe pain, increased fever, or if walking becomes even more challenging, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention, either through an urgent care clinic or the emergency room. Your intuition about your health is important and should be taken seriously.
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Consider a Second Opinion: If your symptoms persist without improvement or if you feel dismissed by your current healthcare provider, consider seeking a second opinion from another doctor, particularly one familiar with POTS and chronic pain conditions.
Your health and comfort are your top priorities right now, and it's vital to ensure you receive the appropriate care. Please take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help as needed.
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