Concerns About Potential Infection Following Back Surgery
On January 8, I underwent a microdiscectomy at the L5 S1 region. The procedure appeared successful, and I'm progressing well in terms of recovery. The surgical site is healing nicely, with some minor flaking and itchiness. However, approximately three days ago, I began to feel somewhat unwell. When I checked my temperature, it peaked at 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the evening. As someone who experiences significant anxiety regarding my health, I found myself frequently monitoring my temperature after noticing the increase. After a few hours, my temperature returned to normal at 98.6 degrees. The following morning, it dropped further to around 98.1. Yet, later that evening, I felt warm again, and my temperature measured between 99.1 and 99.3. Now, on the third consecutive night, I again have a slightly elevated temperature and continue to feel warm and off. Although the surgical site looks healthy, and I am not experiencing an increase in pain, the recurring feverish feelings in the evenings worry me. What might be the cause of this situation? Is it possible that I have developed a deep tissue infection related to my recent surgery? Could intermittent mild fevers result from such an infection? I’m also concerned about the possibility of sepsis. Does it typically present this way in the initial stages? Additionally, I want to mention that I stopped taking Mounjaro a month prior to my surgery and resumed it at the lowest dose about a week and a half ago, with my second dose taken four days ago. Might this be a factor in my current symptoms? Please be gentle in your responses. I am feeling quite anxious about what’s happening.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 10:20:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging time during your recovery, and it's completely understandable to feel anxious about your health, especially after surgery. You have raised important concerns about your symptoms, and I’ll help you understand what might be happening and what steps you can take.
Key Points:
- Fever Post-Surgery: Mild, intermittent fevers can be a common reaction after surgery and may not always indicate a serious infection.
- Monitoring Symptoms: It's important to keep track of your symptoms while focusing on general recovery.
- Consider Medication Effects: Resuming Mounjaro may play a role in how your body is responding, although this would typically be less significant than post-surgical changes.
Explanation:
After a surgical procedure like a microdiscectomy, it is not uncommon for patients to experience mild feverish feelings as part of the body’s healing process. The body is responding to the stress of surgery, and it's possible that fluctuations in your temperature can occur due to normal healing.
Your surgical site looking healthy and the absence of severe pain is a positive sign. Deep tissue infections typically present with more severe symptoms, including significant pain, swelling, redness, and systemic symptoms like persistent high fever.
Regarding your concerns about sepsis, it can present with various symptoms, including a high fever, confusion, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Mild fevers and warm feelings in the evening alone, especially when they are resolving during the day, are generally not indicative of sepsis, especially with a stable surgical site.
Resuming Mounjaro, especially at a lower dose, may alter how your body feels during recovery; while it’s essential to monitor any side effects, it is typically less likely to be the direct cause of fever.
Next Steps:
- Continue Monitoring: Keep track of your temperature and any other symptoms, like fatigue or changes in pain level.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids, which can help with your body’s recovery.
- Rest and Recovery: Prioritize adequate rest and avoid overexertion, as this can be crucial in the healing process.
- Communicate Your Concerns: If your symptoms persist, worsen, or you notice new symptoms (like increased pain or swelling), it’s important to reach out for medical advice.
If your fevers continue or you have other worrisome symptoms, please follow up with your healthcare provider for a thorough assessment. Remember, your anxiety is valid, and focusing on positive steps can provide some relief. Take care of yourself; healing takes time, and you're on the right path.
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