Hello, I'm 3 days post-op and I developed a low grade fever while in the hospital. They told me it was nothing to be concerned with, as my body is not taking deep breaths and my lungs are "sticky". The fever still comes and goes since I've been home. Has anyone else experienced a fever like this and also pain while taking deep breaths? Coughing about sends me through the roof.

Mona, did you get an aspirator from the hospital? It helps to clear your lungs. As far as the temp, notify your doc if it goes over 101. Good luck, hope you feel better.

That aspirator is sooooo important. My MIL's hospital didn't stress its importance, and her sticky lungs turned into partially collapsed lungs.

If you don't have one, take deep breaths making your belly expand outward, frequently. (About 5 breaths every 15 minutes).

The fever won't be an issue unless it gets high. Tell your doc if it gets over 101, but if it gets to 102, call your doctor AND go ahead to the hospital or wherever they recommend.

How long can I expect this low grade to last, if I'm doing the aspirator regularly and walking as much as possible?

It seems to be most common for the first week. If it continues beyond that, you can ask your doc. (even a couple weeks might be ok. The body often responds to trauma with an increase in temperature to ward off any buggies. It doesn't mean that infection has started. If infection does start, that's what those higher temperatures are about). Temperature is just one piece of the puzzle, always monitor how you feel as well. After day 4, you should feel a little better each day. If you suddenly feel worse, that is cause for a call to the doctor.

I'm sure you'll be perfect! No worries!

I also had a low grade fever one week post op I think 100 my surgeon said anything over 101.4 is worrisome. The chest pains can be gas use the aspiration & walk around but if it hurts really bad you might just want to get it checked out

I was just discharged yesterday and I had the low grade fever when I left. I've been using the aspirator and walking a ton. I feel like the fever is the most uncomfortable part of this as it makes me ache all over and have no energy. They told me to call or go in if it gets above 101.4. So this must all be normal.