APS + Pleurisy + mechanical valve or heart issue? Meet this criteria?

[Holley]

Ok, I went to the emergency room on Monday with chest pains on my right side under my right breast. They did a lung x-ray and diagnosed me with pleurisy. The x-ray also showed a small amount of fluid in my left lung. I spoke with the cardiologist covering for my doc and he didn't seem to have any concerns or feel I needed a cardiology follow up. A family friend who is a doc is urging me to get scans done. I have a mechanical mitral valve. Anyone been in this scenario? If so, what happened?

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

Both pleurisy and pericarditis, or fluid around the heart, is common in systemic lupus erythematosus, nevertheless, seeing a specialist would be sensible. My GP referred me to a cardiologist, who then ordered a number of tests.

I am not suggesting you have SLE, but merely giving you my experience.

IMHO, given you have a mechanical mitral valve, I would insist on seeing a cardiologist. At the very least, an ultrasound of your heart, will give you piece of mind.

With good wishes,

Ros

[Holley in reply to lupus-support1]

Thanks, after reading your post and some responses to my previous post, it sounds like it might be a good idea to get checked for lupus, not that I need more ailments mind you