Another Infection!

So after me feeling like I was recovering from nearly 4 months of Pericarditis, I started to go rapidly downhill about a week ago!

Didn't feel the same as when I 1st started with Pericarditis, so gave it a few days then yesterday called GP for a phone consult, 90 mins later duty Dr called me back (not my usual GP), she said she would like to discuss with my GP and call me back later, 10 mins later she called to say she had made a F2F appointment with my GP for later yesterday, only telling you this to show that the system can work sometimes.

Anyway, saw GP who said I have another infection which has again got on my chest, he prescribed antibiotics (just to be safe) and prednisolone, took 40mg prednisolone last night and again this morning, my resting HR is normally low 50's since last night and all today it's ~80bpm, i'm not concerned as it is still well within normal range, but should I be?

Thanks

Gaz

[Sunnie2day]

I'm so sorry, Gaz, it sounds as though you've had a relapse, or 😱 a new infection. Relapse is not fun but a new infection is much more not fun - it's a warning of 'recurrent pericarditis' so you need to find out from your GP is this is a relapse or a new infection. Either way you have both my deepest sympathies and empathies. This condition is a wretched beast I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

My heart rate runs a bit high (65-75) at the best of times but when I'm in a flare it sky rockets to 90-95. Best to ask your medic if your numbers are anything to be worried about.My cardiologist says to panic when it's over 85 for 24-48 hours but your medic may have a different panic number depending on your specific history and current status.

[Hidden in reply to Sunnie2day]

Thanks Sunnie, GP was pretty confident it was a new infection! But he didn't seem concerned about it affecting the Pericarditis, I am just going to cross everything 🤞

Did manage to just speak with a GP, he wasn't concerned as it is well within normal. Told him I was more concerned that it may be a reaction to the Prednisolone and whether I should carry on with it, he said I should but told me to call immediately if it worsens!

So I guess i'll ride it out till I finish the courses.

Thanks again for replying.

[Hidden]

Thanks, good to hear others opinions, I agree and i'm not concerned, I just don't remember it being elevated like this since pre SCA 😱

No stress in my life, more likely too much fun and excitement in the last 20hrs 😜

[Chappychap]

Relapses are such a drag, but at least it sounds like you're getting the medical support you need.

Best of luck for a swift recovery!

[Hidden in reply to Chappychap]

Thanks Chappy, yea I’m quite lucky with my GP practice, always a quick response.

[Hidden]

Best of luck Gaz-chops, hope you are sorted and well soon.

[Retirement65]

Hope your feeling better soon think it makes us feel more anxiety this time of the year as we want to be well and enjoy Christmas but it is the worst time of year for respiratory infections etc you could do without when your trying to get over something else but I’m sure once the antibiotics and steroids take affect you will start to feel a bit better at least very soon in the meantime take care and rest 😊

[Hidden in reply to Retirement65]

Thanks, yeah It is the worst time for 'bugs' hard to avoid them all!

[Geejay1709]

Morning Gaz, my resting heart rate is usually 'low' like yours at around 55bpm, but recently been as high as 89, which clearly is not normal for me! The consultant didn't make anything of it...Fingers crossed its 'just' an infection and resolves quickly with your meds😊

[Hidden in reply to Geejay1709]

Cheers, it's down to high 60's today, so hopefully that's the meds working their magic 🤞