pericarditis post Cryoblation for ongoing Atrial Fibrillation and benefits

[WoodyFeral]

hi I have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation I had a cryoblation in march and got pericarditis shortly afterwards. I’m still having shorter bursts of afib with +170bpm HR. I work full time with SEN in school, my duties have had to be modified and there’s lots I can no longer do as I’m in so much pain from my inflamed pericardium. I can’t clean, shop or cook at home so I’ve applied for PIP. I have an interview soon I’m looking for advice for the interview, thankyou

[Captain_Birdseye]

You'll need to answer any questions as though you are having your worst day, everyday.

I didn't/haven't applied for PIP following myopericarditis, I've continued working - but it is difficult on the worst days as sleeping is nigh on impossible, and the pain is distracting at best... I truly would not wish it on my worst enemy. Have you been prescribed anything to help with the pericarditis? Do you have any difficulty breathing because of it? Try to include all your symptoms and explain how they impact your day to day life.

I'm not sure if there's a rule about the length of the condition, some benefits state your condition should be expected to last at least 12 months - pericarditis usually (in textbooks) is expected to last less than 3 months and managed with medication/lifestyle changes. This isn't to put you off, but just to be prepared to respond if it comes up.

[Schora1]

Hi, focus on your worst days during the interview and if they turn you down appeal. I’ve had pericarditis now since 2006 and was finished from work on the grounds of ill health.

You might like to join our pericarditis UK group, where you will find a vast amount of people, some of whom have gone on to have pericardiectomy.

There is currently a team of top specialists in the UK and the USA carrying out research and updating information out there to doctors.

I’ve been under three of them Professors Maya Buch (MRI)and Helen Lachmann (The Royal Free in London)and Cardiologist Nick Newall at Liverpool Heart and Lung.

Dr Pantazis at the Royal Brompton is also on the team.

It has been found too many doctors and cardiologists are not fully knowledgeable about pericarditis or even know how to determine thickening or inflammation on an Echo.

[Schora1]

Forgot to mention the standard treatment for peri is colchicine and anti inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, ibuprofen. Treatment with steroid meds are mainly being avoided due to increased recurrence on tapering.