Pericarditis

[Evreham]

I don't know what to do, very strong Co-codamol doesn't touch the pain and there doesn't seem to be anyone to talk to. I can't take Ibuprofen due to Kidney Disease.

I am a reasonably fit 76 year old , play golf 2-3 times a week, don't smoke, little alcohol.

My first episode with chest pains came on suddenly out of the blue in December 2023, phoned 111 and was told to go straight to A & E. I was kept in for 36 hrs and had every test they could think off but was discharged with suspected food blockage as cause of pain. However I was referred to a Cardiologist who diagnosed Pericarditis straight away but no treatment was offered and I didn't realise it could reoccur.

I had a further episode in March and my GP sent me to A&E again. There I was prescribed Colchicine for 3 months.

I had further episode 3 weeks later although not as bad and I just rested up and it cleared in a matter of days.

After 3 weeks of Colchicine I developed painful itching all over my body and it was agreed to stop the Colchicine.

During each of the first 3 episodes the pain only lasted for about 3 days then it took another 4-5 days to fully recover.

I am now suffering the 4th bout with severe pain that has lasted for 7 days now and shows no sign of abating.

Any help /suggestions would be really appreciated.

[Tos92]

Sorry to hear you’re having another bout of painful pericarditis. The BHF helpline is useful and they have cardiac nurses that can offer good advice. I’ve attached their number below. They are closed at the weekends however, will be open from 9-5pm tomorrow. It might be worthwhile giving them a call and seeing what they suggest for the pain.

0808 802 1234

I hope you feel better soon.

Tos

[Crowortak]

So sorry that you are experiencing this. It is certainly the most painful thing that I have experienced. I hope you find some peace.

[fishonabike]

I am sorry to hear that you are going through this - you were probably not warned that pericarditis can be very painful and can take a while to clear up, and, as you have painfully found it can return - you probably need to get a bit more assertive with your doctors and push for effective pain control while the inflammation settles and clears up

also has anyone pointed out that rest is the mainstay of treatment? serious rest to let your heart recover - this type of inflammation is very difficult to treat, as you have experienced, and there is not much by way of medication to help resolve the inflammation, so rest and time are the main options - but you should be able to get something more effective to help with the pain

have you tried looking up the other few posts on this subject within the group? there may be some helpful info in those

I hope you find some relief soon

[fishonabike]

PS try this: healthunlocked.com/bhf/post... - it mentions some Facebook groups you could look up

[Fran55cat]

so sorry you are suffering like this. Pericarditis is miserable. I like you had recurrent bouts of pericarditis and am allergic to ibuprofen and only got decent pain relief when the cardiologist prescribed codeine. This worked a treat.