peri carditis? Anyone?

[PinkGigi]

hi just diagnosed after months of getting no help on the NHS with peri carditis after picking up a virus in hospital. I’m really scared. On colchicine and a beta blocker and off exercise which I really loved. I’m waiting for further tests and scans. Is there anyone who’s had peri carditis who can share their story with me to give me some confidence. I’m actually feeling pretty low about all this. Thanks

[Hidden]

you can, by using the search box top left of this page, see what others have said about this. They may not come back to this forum but you can message them.

The social prescriber at your doctor’s surgery may possibly have his or her finger on the pulse of what’s available to you locally.

[wattsy1985]

Hi, Have you taken a look at the bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

You can speak with one of the nurses at the BHF who might be able to offer some additional support and advice that might put your mind at ease.

[Mollydex]

hi. I had it during the covid first lockdown down. Like you I found it very scary and was taken in to hospital , but at that time hubby could not visit me. I ended up on the same meds as you and no sport . I was and am again quite sporty. I stayed on the colchiene about three months then came off and slowly returned to the gym. ( I do also have other issues with my heart but had those for several years ). I’ve never had it since and run , go to the gym cycle etc. I just had to wait really for the inflammation to subside. I wish you the best in your journey. Chat to your consultant mine was fab once he knew I really wanted info and to return to my active life .

[Twosumsmum]

I had pericarditis that lasted for months following an ablation needing multiple cardioversion to return me to rhythm. It was the most painful and miserable time . The only way I could relieve the pain was to lean forward , I got into the habit of sitting bolt upright in bed leaning over a pile of pillows. I had colchicine for several months and the arrhythmia nurses prescribed codeine phosphate and paracetamol tablets for pain . It did return a short time after discontinuing the treatment so I had another round of meds with success. My heart goes out to you , I am a vegetarian as I am prone to gout , while on the colchicine the nurses recommended I stay strictly veggie so the colchicine could all be working against the pericarditis and not any inflammation my joints my have from animal protein.

[fishonabike]

Pericarditis is not a common condition, do most doctors have little experience of it - as Mollydex says it causes inflammation of a membrane (sac-like skin) around the heart and this causes pain and makes it hard for the heart to work as well as it should - it is important to rest until the inflammation has gone before gradually (very gradually in small steps) becoming more active - too big of too sudden an increase can trigger recurrence, so please be very cautious

As Hidden points out, others have posted on this and you can find the posts by searching for "pericarditis" using the search option

[honeybubs]

Hi PinkGigi I had myopericarditis - inflammation of the heart and the lining of the heart. I felt absolutely awful. Ended up in hospital for a week. It took months of rest before getting back to normal. Just take it easy rest as much as you can then ease yourself into doing more gradually very light exercises and short walks is goodwhen you are up to it. Hope you feel better soon x