Mari, I use to use basil body temp method to watch days of ovulation. The thermometer is very sensitive and goes from about 95.0 95.1, 95.2, 95.3, up to 100* there is a dip, I use to run about 97* then a rise to 98.9 the days prior to ovulation. Don't remember the exact temps, but I always ran low , then the spike.

All 4 siblings plus myself all have lower than normal tempertures.

We all run normal right around 96 to 96.5

So if I show up at the doc saying i'm not feeling well and have a temp of 98.6....then I am sick.

It's been this way for as long as I can remember.

Abbie

When I was a kid,I accidentally bit into a mercury thermometer. I swallowed some of the mercury. At the time,they said that it was so little that It wouldn't hurt me. I wonder now,because of all of my problems.

The subject just got swept under the rug when I talked about it. This is my first post about this subject. BF

Hey BF...
It's funny you bring up the mercury thing.

When I was in my early teens I had an uncle who use to collect mercury from different machinery where he works. When we visited he always let us play with very LARGE amounts for hours on end, every day that we were there.

I sometimes wonder if playing with the mercury has any affect on my health today???? I guess all I can dois wonder.

Abbie

I, too, have a lower set-point normal temperature.
Normal basal temperature most of my adult life, typically 96.8.
Nowadays it seems to run 97.1.

I, like you, Mari, have difficulty with my Dr. and her RN understanding that. When I call in to appoint, saying "I have a fever", then go in for my appointment, they'll note it as "NL" @ less than <100.

Good suggestions here.

BTW, Steve, I still prefer and trust the old mercury thermometers --- which unfortunately can no longer be acquired. (I accidentally broke mine last year!)

Abbie, as children/teens, we also "played with" mercury! Fascinating element!

I do not believe in the accuracy/reliability of digital thermometers.
Anyone think similarly?

Hey Abbie. I did a little research on Mercury Poisoning. The toxic affects include damage to the brain,kidneys,and lungs. Mercury Poison can result in several diseases,including acrodynia(pink disease),Hunter-Russell syndrome(a complicated,and rare disorder)and Minamata disease( Symtoms include ataxia,numbness in the hands,and feet,general muscle weakness,and vision,hearing,and speech problems. BF

Hi Theta Z I still use a mercury thermometer also. IT's difficult to shake the thermometer down to get the mercury below 98.6 F when you are sick. They probably put a safer fluid in the new ones. BF

Steve,

About ten years ago the health department in my county had a thermometer exchange. When you brought your mercury thermometer to the library, they gave you a digital thermometer.

The new thermometers are explained here:
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4915115...eter-work.html

M

Steve,

A disadvantage of the new thermometers is that the batteries die. There are no replacements available for that kind of battery so you have to buy a new thermometer.
I recently bought a light powered thermometer.
Here is a picture of one similar to mine:

https://www.lehmans.com/p-698-solar-...ermometer.aspx


M

Thank you Mari. That's a good idea. Getting a small item that has a solar powering cell to keep the battery charged.

I have a solar powered calculator,and it's been working flawlessly for over 10 years now.

Thank you for the information. BF