(Note: Temperature measurements are in Fahrenheit)
One thing many people don't know is people with chronic illnesses like Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and Hypothyroidism tend to have abnormal body temperatures. Some may run a 1-2 degree higher-than-normal body temperature, but more often than not, our bodies run cold, unless we're having a flare at which point they tend to elevate, or, of course, unless we're sick.
My normal body temperature hovers between 96.8 and 97.2 degrees. The only time I run a "normal" temperature is when I'm having a flare. Then it's right back down again. The issue is, however, when I'm sick, if my temperature is over 99, I'm running a fever. 100-101 for people who run a 98.6 temperature is considered a low-grade fever; that's a 1.4-2.4 degree difference. At 96.8, 99 is a 2.2 degree difference, and at 97.2, it's a 1.8 degree difference. So while 99 isn't considered any form of a fever in the average person, it is for me. When I hit 100-101, I'm in intermediate fever range, and if I hit 102+ I'm in high grade fever range. It's just how my body functions and a tip-off as to how severe my infection actually is.
The problem with this, however, is the fact many doctors will shrug off a 99 degree temperature as a 'fever.' They'll definitely shrug off a 98.6. I'm fortunate in the fact that I see my doctor often enough that they have a long record of my body temperatures. They see that I run cold, so when I came in the other day and I was running 99, the nurse actually said, 'You have a mild fever today.' I swear, my jaw almost hit the floor. I was not expecting that. But it made me immensely happy.
This is the value of finding a doctor that you can trust, that cares and knows you and your history, and has good people working in their office that pay attention. They're hard to find, God knows. I went through so many doctors for so long, and all of them ran so many tests on me, I looked like a junkie from the track marks on my arms (not hyperbole, it was horrible... I would actually get suspicious looks from security guards and police officers at the college I was at, at the time) and the ones that didn't know what to do with the results just threw pills at me that either did nothing or had side effects that were so terrible I had to stop taking the medications, at which point they would get frustrated and give up.
I wouldn't give up the doctor I have now for the world.
As it stands now, I'm sick, and I'm running a temp of 99.6. If I'm the same or any worse in the morning, I'm going to give his office a call and see if he wants me to come in.
My recommendation to any of you reading this who have abnormal temperatures but have difficulty getting it through to your doctor: Keep a temperature record. Keep a thermometer by your bed and take your temperature before you get out of bed in the morning, and write it down - time, date, temperature, every day, and show it to them. Doctors only see your vitals when you're in the office; if you have something that's different when you're not there, whether it's your temperature or your blood pressure, make an at-home log. Be an active part of your own health care, and you'll make headway. I promise.
