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Does anyone have periodic fever episodes that last less than 12 hours?

Posted by taonamission @taonamission, Feb 13, 2021

For the past 3 years, I have had unexplained fever spikes that last a short period of time. Usually less than 12 hours. They always start between 4 and 6 A.M. I have body rigors and temperature that spikes sometimes as high as 102.5. I generally take 2 tylenol and go back to bed and fall asleep for a couple hours. When I wake up, my temperature is usually less than 100 degrees, but not down to normal. Lasting effects are sore muscles from the excessive shivering from the rigors. But that's it.

I can generally go about my normal business once my temp falls below 100. Other than that, I have no other symptoms.

I have had extensive blood work ups and everything is normal. My gall bladder was removed but no difference. No doctors can seem to find a cause. I suspect it may somewhat related to times of elevated stress, but not always. Food and drink don't affect when it happens. In the beginning I was having them once a month, and a couple months, twice a month. Lately, it's been a few months between episodes.

Trying to find others who may have these fever episodes. I feel so alone. And the fact the doctors can't seem to find anything, doesn't help.

Any insight is appreciated. Thank you.

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barbfe | @barbfe | Jan 20 11:17am

I get unexplained fever for short periods. I have Systemic Lupus and they put it off to the inflammation caused by the disease.

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mayermcchief | @mayermcchief | Mar 13 4:34pm

I have had this happen 4x-5x in the past 2 years. I wake up at 3am (normal) and begin my day as usual. Within 5 minutes, I realize what's about to happen. I will throw up (no reason I can figure) and start sweating profusely. Then I get chills and run cycles. Now I'm in bed the next 12 hours unable to do anything but be miserable. I have to shower once or twice to warm up, use the heating pad, have towels in bed to soak up massive amounts of sweat... and it goes away as fast as it came... By 3pm, I am out of bed and beginning to recover (I am 55 and MIGHT have RA as well. (autoimmune/connective tissue disease shows on blood tests multiple times) Hard to know since doctors have been not very interested in helping me). Many things stand out - always at 3-4 am when I wake up (ALWAYS). Always gone within 12 hours. Has put me down in bed hard each time for 12 hours. Fever and chills back and forth every time. Most wild thing I've seen in my life as far as getting sick and then it's gone.

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Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Mar 13 10:59pm
In reply to @mayermcchief "I have had this happen 4x-5x in the past 2 years. I wake up at 3am..." + (show)
Profile picture for mayermcchief @mayermcchief

I have had this happen 4x-5x in the past 2 years. I wake up at 3am (normal) and begin my day as usual. Within 5 minutes, I realize what's about to happen. I will throw up (no reason I can figure) and start sweating profusely. Then I get chills and run cycles. Now I'm in bed the next 12 hours unable to do anything but be miserable. I have to shower once or twice to warm up, use the heating pad, have towels in bed to soak up massive amounts of sweat... and it goes away as fast as it came... By 3pm, I am out of bed and beginning to recover (I am 55 and MIGHT have RA as well. (autoimmune/connective tissue disease shows on blood tests multiple times) Hard to know since doctors have been not very interested in helping me). Many things stand out - always at 3-4 am when I wake up (ALWAYS). Always gone within 12 hours. Has put me down in bed hard each time for 12 hours. Fever and chills back and forth every time. Most wild thing I've seen in my life as far as getting sick and then it's gone.

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@mayermcchief Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m so glad you found this site. A year or so ago, I did some research about fevers. The article is highlighted in my comment below:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/335066/
It may or may not be helpful. I’m sure that many members will see your post tomorrow and check in with their experiences!

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mayermcchief | @mayermcchief | Mar 14 4:13am
In reply to @mayermcchief "I have had this happen 4x-5x in the past 2 years. I wake up at 3am..." + (show)
Profile picture for mayermcchief @mayermcchief

I have had this happen 4x-5x in the past 2 years. I wake up at 3am (normal) and begin my day as usual. Within 5 minutes, I realize what's about to happen. I will throw up (no reason I can figure) and start sweating profusely. Then I get chills and run cycles. Now I'm in bed the next 12 hours unable to do anything but be miserable. I have to shower once or twice to warm up, use the heating pad, have towels in bed to soak up massive amounts of sweat... and it goes away as fast as it came... By 3pm, I am out of bed and beginning to recover (I am 55 and MIGHT have RA as well. (autoimmune/connective tissue disease shows on blood tests multiple times) Hard to know since doctors have been not very interested in helping me). Many things stand out - always at 3-4 am when I wake up (ALWAYS). Always gone within 12 hours. Has put me down in bed hard each time for 12 hours. Fever and chills back and forth every time. Most wild thing I've seen in my life as far as getting sick and then it's gone.

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(In response to taonamission)

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artemis1886 | @artemis1886 | Mar 15 10:10pm

Have you had an emg/nerve conduction test along with a biopsy for small fifer neuropathy? Neuropathy causes temperature dis regulation. Sometimes I am really cold and can’t get warm. Other times you just get too hot. A neuromuscular neurologist does the testing. It can be over 100 degrees in Texas and I am freezing. I have all types of neuropathy there is and Sjogrens along with lupus rash.

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awri620 | @awri620 | Sep 5 9:07am

Yes! Exactly how you have explained. I just had one this morning and went online to see if I could find anything helpful and found your post. These started for me about probably 7-8 years ago (I’m 48). We should stay in touch on thread as we research and get tested. I used to think it was related to drinking alcohol, as it seemed to happen when I would (randomly still tho) but I didn’t drink anything yesterday or last night and still had an episode this morning. Please keep this thread updated if you find out anything and I’ll do the same. Thank you!

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ashley226 | @ashley226 | Oct 2 9:30am
In reply to @taonamission "Thanks @johnbishop . I looked over your links. Not sure I really fit into the Still's..." + (show)
Profile picture for taonamission @taonamission

Thanks @johnbishop . I looked over your links. Not sure I really fit into the Still's category. I'm hoping at some point to find someone, anyone, suffering from these short term fever episodes, so I won't feel so alone and freaky.

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@taonamission did you ever get answers for your periodic fevers? You have explained my same situation with short term, mid grade fevers, always starting in the middle of the night (around 2-4am for me). I typically take ibuprofen, eventually fall back to sleep and wake up with a very low fever or feeling fine. Just usually a bit fatigued, sometimes a little achy.

I have also noticed a consistent symptom of chest irritation that causes me to cough quite a bit before the body aches and chills kick in with the fever. This happens every time. My chest XRay and MRI came back clear.

My blood work has also come back normal and you’re the first person to post the same symptoms I have. So happy to hear I’m not going crazy! Any help or advice? Are you still getting fevers?

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1 reply
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Terrez | @terrez | Oct 3 1:17pm
In reply to @ashley226 "@taonamission did you ever get answers for your periodic fevers? You have explained my same situation..." + (show)
Profile picture for ashley226 @ashley226

@taonamission did you ever get answers for your periodic fevers? You have explained my same situation with short term, mid grade fevers, always starting in the middle of the night (around 2-4am for me). I typically take ibuprofen, eventually fall back to sleep and wake up with a very low fever or feeling fine. Just usually a bit fatigued, sometimes a little achy.

I have also noticed a consistent symptom of chest irritation that causes me to cough quite a bit before the body aches and chills kick in with the fever. This happens every time. My chest XRay and MRI came back clear.

My blood work has also come back normal and you’re the first person to post the same symptoms I have. So happy to hear I’m not going crazy! Any help or advice? Are you still getting fevers?

Jump to this post

@ashley226

I was talking to a neighbor this morning and she said her husband has stills disease, I had never heard of it .
His symptoms were the same as yours in that he would get high fever’s a couple times a day around the same time and sweat really bad.
A very smart doctor figured it out after no others could.
I don’t know if it’s what you have or anything about it but wanted to mention it and hope it helps you.

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