A low grade fever (<101) can be normal 24-48 hours after general anesthesia. This is due to something called atelectasis. The recommendation for these low grade fevers in the early postoperative period is to take deep breaths, cough or laugh. It is also ok to take Tylenol to lower your temperature unless your pain medication contains Acetaminophen or Tylenol. You may also take an anti-inflammatory if I have not advised against it, you have not had a rotator cuff repair, fracture repair or any procedure with bone grafting.
If your fever is > 101, lasts longer than the first 48 hours after surgery, is accompanied by chills or if you are concerned or have any questions about your fever, please call our office at 703-435-6604.
