Pericarditis

[Ken59]

Hi, I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago with pericarditis effusion. The effusion has since gone but since then Ive had numerouse flare ups which can be quite debilitating at times even to the point of been taken to A and E. The thing is if no effusion and blood work ok they tell you its not pericarditis.

I have crusting and ahesion on top pary of heart so im thinking this must be the cause of my peri symtoms.

I just wondered how many others were in same situation and weather the BFH was investigating similar situations as most doctors who are confronted by people with similar condotions think no effusion then not pericarditis. There must be a link to pericarditis here .

[Cat04]

Just found your post. I had pericarditis with effusion 6 months ago following a cardiac ablation for AF. The effusion cleared after 6 weeks or so. Since then I continue to get what I call the 'Peri pain' but my gp isnt convinced until today when she asked whether i had ever been diagnosed with peri!! Now got another 4 weeks colchicine to see whether that may work.

I also have a bicuspid aortic valve with moderate stenosis, so may be that is also a contributory factor to my pain but no-one seems to want to give a conclusive answer.

I find it hard work getting people to believe that you can have peri, even more so peri without effusion, and to believe the pain suffered.

Have you looked at/joined the Facebook page

UK Pericarditis Group

[Ken59 in reply to Cat04]

Yes I joined the group when i was in hospital for 2 months with pericarditis, neumonia, chest sepsis, AF.

Im 2 years on and get the peri symtoms now and again not as bad as at first but now and again nearing it.

No effusion now.

Dictors got me on Astrovastatin , bisoprolol and I take either asparin, paracetomol or ibuferin if pain gets worse.

Had colchicen for 6 months to get rid of effusion. Was on Ameoderin for a few months as well, actually longer than I should have been.

I try not to contact 111 service best I can but there are times when the pain is like a lightning bolt going through heart thats when i take no chances and call.

Usually end up in a n e. Ecg check bloods check all usually fine. I have thickening of pericardium after effusion so i think this is causing symtoms maybe.

Came on here to put it out there . If more of us do perhaps heart foundation will put more money into research and use our comments as a guide to whats going on with oeri suffers through out the country. But if researchers dont read these comments and use them as better clues fir there research then its seams pointless placing comments.