myocarditis or something else?

[Pinky20J]

Hi, I had elevated BNP test result back in May followed by an echocardiogram which the consultant described as ‘not normal’. Based on my symptoms (breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations) he diagnosed myocarditis. I’m on beta blockers but the symptoms have not gone away. I have some days where I think it’s getting better then the next day I am not well again. I’ve had a CT scan and my arteries are clear. Is it just myocarditis or could it be something else?

[Captain_Birdseye]

Hiya,

I hate to say, but this sounds very familiar. I was diagnosed with myocarditis back in July and I still have ongoing symptoms. Can be ok for a few days, couple of weeks even and then it flares up again. Sometimes it's stress, other times it seems to coincidence with my monthly cycle so I'm thinking hormones might play a part.

Would your cardiologist refer you fir a cardiac MRI? This would show if there's any inflammation still at work. Beta blockers and painkillers are the only meds I take now - still getting pains, palpitations/flutters and shortness of breath. Full story in my previous posts if you're interested.

It's not the easiest condition to recover from as rest and time is the only real treatment, and like all heart conditions it is a drain mentally as well. You're not alone, there have been a few folk posting with myocarditis recently, and it seems that most of us have it for a bit longer than expected.

[Pinky20J in reply to Captain_Birdseye]

Thank you so much for your reply. I feel more at ease now. My consultant wants to do an MRI when the inflammation should be gone - so a year after first diagnosis.

I hadn’t considered hormones playing a part with flare ups. I do know that if I feel ok and then vacuum the house, that makes it flare up! Any kind of physical activity apart from walking on flat surfaces can make it flare up.

I will have a read of your previous post. Thanks for taking the time to respond, I really appreciate it.

[Larneybuds]

Good morning. I am four months post op ....surgery for mitral and tricuspid valve repair and have had ongoing problems since my own heart surgery. What i would say is if you are still concerned about what you have been told ask for further advice and push for it. After just coming out of a local hospital myself... not the one where I had my surgery, I was told all sorts about my heart and one of the doctors told me my valves were still leaking which really concerned me. I have just had an appointment a few days ago with my consultant who categorically said from checking recent scans and an ECG on the day, there are absolutely no leaks in my valves and he doesn't need to see me for another 6 months. This is why I say....if in doubt get it checked out. Sometimes even the experts do get it wrong unfortunately.All the best and i hope the rest of your recovery improves for you x

[Pinky20J in reply to Larneybuds]

Thanks for your message. I’m sorry to hear what you’ve been going through.

Thanks for your advice. I as wondering about getting a second opinion so maybe I’ll do that.

Hope you feel better soon x

[Larneybuds in reply to Pinky20J]

Thank you.... I am slowly getting there lol. I would get a second opinion, especially if it puts your mind at rest. Good luck x

[JAMESWW3]

I had myocarditis back in February and they put me on tapered dose of Prednisone after 1 day of taking it I was starting to feel better but I have myocarditis again I just got diagnosed with it yesterday and got prescribed Prednisone again the symptoms you are having is what I have had and am currently having

[Pinky20J in reply to JAMESWW3]

Sorry to hear that James. Hoping you are feeling a little better soon