PERICARDITIS: Does anybody have any answers???

[FoxyG79]

I was very ill, in hospital for 2 weeks and off work for 4 months due to pneumonia and PERICARDITIS in 2015. Looking back, the symptoms had started 2/3 months earlier but I ignored them! No cause was officially found but in the end they drained the excess fluid from my heart sac. I was discharged but it took me about 4+ months to get back to work.

Since then I have had 3 more separate bouts of pericarditis, symptoms being chest pain, extreme tiredness and short of breath. Thankfully none of these episodes have been as severe as the first time. Each time I have had ECG, xray and blood tests and sent home with high dose ibuprofen, paracetamol, codeine and told to rest.

The most recent time was May 2019. I had to take time of work and it makes normal everyday tasks ridiculously difficult and exhausting. Even just putting a loads of washing on took it out of me - not good when you have a home and children to care for!!

As I feel a bit better, I have begun swimming a little as its a gentle and relaxing way of exercise. I managed 10 lengths of the 50m length pool the first time, (it took me 45 minutes!!). This week I did 16!! I'm very proud of myself!!!

Anyway, I suppose Im writing this as I feel like nobody knows why it keeps happening and how it could be prevented or fully cured?? I have been tested for any auto immune problems and all tests were fine.

Not sure there are any answers but ANY suggestions would be appreciated as it really gets me down. I am 40 next month but so tired I feel like Im 80!!!

[woodlandwonders]

Morning!

I have private messaged you

[Hidden]

I know exactly what you mean, and that it makes you feel like an 80 year old.

Ive had it 3 times in the past 2 years, in my case they dident know why but possibly becase of my right side enlarged heart.

It can be cause by an impact to the chest even if it dident really hurt or some medications.

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