Low grade fever, increased WBC count and bilirubin. Normal? Had appendectomy
Patient: First week after appendectomy: I had headaches , nausea and constipation but was advised to stop the pain killers and symptoms stopped. End of second week: I had a burning sensation after eating followed by high fever 38C + which made me go to the hospital. They gave me medication to balance the gastric liquids - tests showed no signs of infection. On the third week after appendectomy, I have been having low grade fever (37,2 - 37,7) for the last 5 days. WBC went up to 10,000 in the first week but then reduced to 6,400. Tests and abdominal scan don t show that there are no signs of an infection. Billirubine total is a bit high. No tests for thyroid / hormones levels. Is it normal to have low grade fever? For how long after the operation? Please advise. Doctor: Hello, mardin78160, I am assuming that your surgery was done through laparoscopic approach and not open surgery. If , at the time of surgery you had a ruptured appendix with a little bit of infection of the covering (Peritonitis) , it is possible that you could still have a small pocket of hidden infection. Toatal bilirubin being a little high with the indirect fraction more than the direct fraction may indicate a little hemolysis or destruction of red blood cells which is not very serious and is temporary. I am sure that they did blood cultures also. You may be on some antibiotics. So long as they are keeping a close watch , I would not worry. Keep the hydration good. I wish you well.