First time dealing with pericarditis

[Tjwalton888]

I have recently been diagnosed with pericarditis following a marathon. The week prior to my marathon I had a common cold and this is suggested to have followed the cold post marathon. It's been 3 weeks since being diagnosed and I've been feeling pretty anxious about it all! I have the usual symptoms that seem to be the 'normal'. Just wondering how long this usually lasts and how I can prevent it turning into a chronic illness. Also tips on improving symptoms. I usually exercise 4 times a week so its killing me not being able to do anything! Thanks, Tom

[Hidden]

It took mine 2 months to clear up, but after 3 weeks i had less pain. Also, i went back to "normal" activities too soon and got it again and that one took longer.

Your specialist can help you decide when to start sports again.

X

[Tjwalton888 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply. So when you say normal activities is that just going to work, and going for a walk? My doctor told me Friday that I could go back to exercising providing it didnt make symptoms worse? I have been going to work (I dont do anything strenuous but it does involve some walking) pretty much since I've had it and some days I've felt completely normal. Yesterday I felt really feverish, thought I had a chest infection or something coming but read that can be a symptom of pericarditis. Just a little confused as to what I can and cant do. Is working to much? Is walking to much? Or should I literally lay in bed for 7 weeks lol?

[Sunnie2day]

Are you on Colchicine (standard medication for pericarditis, they usually watch closely to be sure you can tolerate it as it can have some bad side effects)?

Have you seen this BHF page about pericarditis:

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I have recurrent pericarditis - you are very wise to try to keep that chronic condition from developing. Regarding what physical activity level you can aspire to just now, you're best talking with your medic about it but in general you want to do as little as possible. Not lying in bed, per se, but just simple moving around your house and if that doesn't wipe you out the next day, try a 2.5minute walk down the pavements and a 2.5minute return. If that doesn't wipe you out the next day, add a minute every day but don't exceed ten minutes total (5minutes with a five minute return). Pushing to regain fitness whilst recovering from pericarditis is a sure fire way to relapse and possibly progress to full blown recurrent pericarditis.

Meanwhile:

Avoid heat, humidity, and mould (no hot tub, no sauna or steam bath, no long hot showers...).

Sleep with your upper body slightly elevated - a wedge pillow or two pillow laid lengthwise down the bed will elevate your upper body, the wedge pillow is a bit to get used to for side sleeping but it does help the pain and breathing, and helps keep any pericardial effusion from increasing.

Sleep on your right side - sleeping on your left or your back puts too much pressure on your pericardium.

Stick to a sensible well balanced diet - plenty of fruit, veg, and some protein.

Use the search feature here on HealthUnlocked to find several very helpful discussions about pericarditis.

Please update as you go on.