Pericarditis

[pattypatchwork]

Hi, rather an eventful afternoon/evening on Thursday. Went to rheumatology for my fortnightly blood test ( have had my methotrexate dose increased) and the nurse saw me wince as I took my coat off and also when i yawned. I explained that I had developed a pain in my chest, under my ribs on the left side. Due to my having taken my dose of methotrexate that morning, I was told to go straight to a and e. I have to say that the staff at Salford Royal could not have looked after me any better than they did. As soon as the triage nurse found out that I have lupus, am uv sensitive and immunosuppressed I was taken immediately to a room in resus, had the lights turned off and the door left open. I have had umpteen blood tests done, an x-ray and ct scan and my heart constantly monitored. No blood clot or issue with my heart, thankfully. I have slight fluid on my left lung, probably caused by the methotrexate and a cyst on my liver. Was allowed home after 8 hours.On Friday I received a call from an A and E consultant who had had another look at my ct scan and noticed "unusual stranding " and inflammation around my heart and would I please go back as soon as possible .....

Me being me, tried to negotiate with him as to when "as soon as possible " could be and we agreed on today,Sunday. I've had further blood tests and an ecg and am waiting for another CT scan. I may have pericarditis.......

[RosieA]

Oh gosh, what a worry for you, however, it sounds like you are having great support. It was really great that the initial nurse was so on the ball and that the care afterwards has been very careful re diagnosing what is wrong but also in not exacerbating your Lupus. I too have pericarditis and am waiting for my appointment early next month to start on immunosuppressants. You have made me realise that I continue to put down left hand sharp pain under left side ribs as just my ribs - like you though I can get sharp pain when breathing deeply. Please let me know how they plan to treat you. I gather pericarditis is quite common in Lupus and that it can be treated effectively. Lots of rest and TLC needed for you whatever the outcome I should think. All the best xx

[pattypatchwork in reply to RosieA]

Hi, I had another set of bloods taken and an ecg done and 6 hours later, they told me that I thankfully, don't have pericarditis on this occasion but a chest infection caused by a virus. No antibiotics due to it being a virus but have to drink plenty of fluids. If the pain worsens, if I cough up blood etc, I have to go back x

[Oshgosh]

how worrying.im glad you’re being looked after

[RosieA]

Reassuring about your heart. Lots of rest now as you recover from the virus. What a great service you received. I hope you recover soon. x