Any one have pericarditous?

Been away from site for a few week - navigation really changed! After lots of support from this site, I got a consultation with heomotologist. She was dismissive of my symptoms saying they were stress not APS. At the same time my mums doctor went to a seminar by Dr.Hughes, and realised she wasn't getting the right support.

My husband and I agreed to take about 6 months activity working on stress reduction before trying anything else.

My mother has had pericarditous for a long time now, she is also extremely stressed. it will be end of August before all her results come in and she sees a specialist and she has been told not to fly.

We have therefore decided on a de-stress plan. Together with my dad, we will take a road trip in camper through France and Italy, then meet my husband for a couple of relaxing weeks in Greece. (Where I live, so we understand health system there)

So, to my question - I've arrived in UK to find my mum much tireder than I had expected, she has trouble getting her words out and is frustrated at lack of energy. She also seems quite swollen- especially legs/ankles. Her doctor approved our plan, but it cuts me up she seems too weak to enjoy it.

Has anyone else out there had pericarditous and can recommended anything to take the edge of symptoms? Even a slight help would make big psychological difference.

thanks for reading

[Hidden]

Thanks a lot. Unfortunately, the doctors haven't been able to find a cause. It is her second bout, and to be fair to hospital and gp, I do think they are trying so I wasn't after medical advice. She takes probiotics, and I believe we have a plan in place to reduce stress. What I'm hoping for here is little symptoms relieves - eg I tryed a cooling Rosemary leg rub, which seemed to help (unfortunately, it perked her up enough to spend too long on her feet the next day!)

How did you cope with fatigue? Is it better to push yourself to help build strength a little or totally relax and let body heal?

Again, thanks a lot.

[Hidden]

Thanks. Relax it is then! I'm totally sure some autoimmune - she seems a classic case (has never been able to recover from viruses well, recurring miscarriage- had me while taking heprin- ect.) Fortunately her doctor also agrees, has booked a specialist for when she gets back.

Luckily, we can keep each other company and relax and enjoy the scenery without my dad feeling the need to sit still ( he is diabetic and really needs to exerciser, but lets it slide when mum is sick) ,

Anyway, thanks for replying - I wanted to be sure rest was best (my mums retired nurse and likes to get people moving, possibly contributing to her last bout lasting for a year)

Hope you have a nice summer too.

[Hidden]

Our local hospital is one of those that consitently crop up in the news as being the worst in the country.

I am sure I had pericarditis. I was in agony only eased by sitting in a chair leaning forward all night while on oxygen. The nurses on duty considered my agony insignificant and did not even make notes.

I eventually had to resort to self diagnosis and treatment. Because the NHS was so useless I now have the best doctor I have ever met ; Me !!