Taking Rectal Temperature

Ok guys, I am rather embarrassed to be asking this because it barely even makes sense, but I'd appreciate your input nonetheless!

My son is 5 weeks and seems to have had a slight fever the past few nights (I have been really sick with a virus so I am worried about him picking it up). He feels much warmer than his twin brother. He also feels so warm that a family friend who didn't know he had been warm for a few days commented on it when she held him yesterday. Under his arm, he has registered at 100.1 (that's with a degree added to adjust for the method). So, I have been taking his temp rectally to confirm when his underarm temp shows a bit of a fever.

Here's the weird part: rectally, his temp is coming up as anywhere between 98.3-99.2. Hardly a fever at all!!

I have taken it several times, with 2 different thermometers. Has this ever happened to anyone else? I don't want to seem crazy calling the doctor when they said only to worry if his temp is 100.4 or more rectally, but I don't trust the read of 98.3-99.2 because I know he is at least a bit warm. He's not warm in the mornings though, only at night.

Any thoughts?

 

The rectal temperature could be correct since it is more accurate than an under the arm temp. Are you putting the thermometer in far enough? That would be my only thought. It has been a while since I have taken a rectal temperature, but I know when I first did it - I barely had it in and it wasn't reading the correct temp. Just a thought - or you could just be getting the correct temp. Good Luck - sorry if this wasn't much help!

 

Oh the joys of the rectal temp! First of all make sure the thermometer is far enough in - that's the hardest part! A half inch is plenty, make sure it's lubed well and it's more comfortable if he's on his tummy. Generally I take auxillery temps (under the armpit) because it's less stressful and I'm less likely to get pooped on.

Keep in mind, though, that he may be a warmer person. Sean is very warm all the time, but James is cool to the touch.

 

how long are you keeping the thermometer in? it should be at least 30 seconds (time it - because it's longer than you think) or up to 2 minutes if you're little ones aren't fussy/wriggling around.

my ped will only accept the rectal reading. so that's the most accurate. also, if you've used two thermometers rectally, and they are the same, that's an accurate reading.

still, if you're nervous, call the ped and explain. they went into pediatrics, so they know they're going to get calls at all hours from parents. if they didn't want that, they could have been podiatrists!

 

I bought a great one at BRU that is digital and FAST. I believe it was less than $20. I'm sorry I can't provide the name of it right now. It's in the girls' room and they are asleep. It also has a marking on the - what the heck is it called? The part that you insert? Whatever that part is called (so sorry, I'm tired), there is a mark on it so you know you should not insert it past that point.

 

I trust the rectal thermometer. Ben has ALWAYS been very warm to the touch. For two years now I have fretted on and off thinking he has a fever. But he never does...he just runs warm and he always has!