Schroeder Gets Tests to Find Cause of Fever

Plans for celebrating William J. Schroeder’s 53rd birthday on Valentine’s Day were put on hold Wednesday as the artificial heart patient underwent a series of tests to determine the cause of a lingering fever.

“At this point, we’re going to wait and see how he feels,” said Robert Irvine, a spokesman for Humana Hospital Audubon, where Schroeder underwent the world’s second permanent artificial heart implant on Nov. 25.

Irvine refused to specify the nature of the tests but said doctors were confident that the tests would disclose the cause of the fever, which has reached 105 degrees. The results might be available today, he said.

Irvine said that the tests had not been arranged earlier because doctors had thought the fever was caused by the flu and “would go away.”

Schroeder’s temperature was normal Wednesday but has been elevated on and off since Feb. 1.

His condition remains satisfactory and his vital signs were good Wednesday, but his regimen of therapy has been reduced until he feels better. Schroeder has had daily sessions of physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as lengthy walks around the hospital.