Chronic myocarditis

Hi 👋🏼

So my myocarditis is ongoing - 5 months now and it has no tolerance for activity at all. My Rheumatologist thinks a short course of corticosteroids might help but my cardiologist doesn’t seem convinced. I’m getting a second opinion. He’s sent me for a stress test - since two recent attempts of a 30 min walk have caused such severe chest pains a few hours later that have me ambulanced to A&E, I am frankly a bit scared of what sprinting on a treadmill will do.

This is hell.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

If it’s an exercise stress test... they won’t get you sprinting! They will monitor your heart while you walk first slowly, them slightly faster, till you get any signs. No signs and they’ll quicken it up. They are there to take care of you!

There are other stress tests. Are you sure it’s an exercise one?

[Hidden in reply to Kristin1812]

No I’ve asked my cardiologist which it is thanks for letting me know - my doctor said “we’ll push you to your limit” :/ !

[HHH2017]

Hi Bear, I've also just replied to you on another older thread. I am managing a short walk without major chest pain now but still experiencing discomfort and our diagnosis seems to have been at a similar time. Have they given you a cause for your Myocarditis yet? They gave up with mne and just labelled it 'viral' but as you see a Rheumatologist I wondered if the 2 were linked as they can be. Your rheumatologist therefore might know a bit more about your symptoms and treatment?! I would really like to hear how you get on and I hope the stress test goes well.

I was thinking of asking my cardiologist if I could undertake the exercise stress test as I'm quite scared to try any exercise on my own.

[Hidden in reply to HHH2017]

Hi, yep I’ve read your other post too - mine was viral; textbook onset but has carried on and on. I was never hospitalised; it was all very “mild” (not my word!) despite lots of reassuring results, the MRI showed small areas of damage - dialation of atrium and area of ventricle not contracting properly. That was at 8 weeks so who knows what more has happened. I am at 5 months now and can’t even do a short walk. I completely sympathise; I am obviously better than the start, but can’t imagine ever recovering at this rate. I think the stress test is to diagnose issues rather than assess fitness ability of the heart, but you’d be better to ask your cardiologist because this is all new to me. I am half worried I’ll keel over and die on the treadmill or a couple of hours after (when I walk, it’s hours later I get super severe pain).

[lizzie1986]

it's been such a long road for you! hope you start to feel better soon! sending positive vibes your way ....