When I have a flare I get quite used to getting pleuritic pains. This time round they were different. No pain on inhalation, but instead I had burning sensation under bust and to left of sternum radiating into neck, jaw and shoulder.
Purposefully I ignored it for some time as I am aware of the signs of a heart attack, but knew it would be lupus related and I would be looking at a week in hospital whilst they caught up with me.
Finally I had to tell my boss what was happening as I still had 9 hours of my shift to do. Of course if you flag up chest pains when you work in an ambulance control room it is never going to be a subtle reaction so got the literal lights and sirens reaction with a side order of lectures from the crews!
I am high risk for DVT's, etc due to the antiphospholid syndrome I was admitted for loads of tests. EEG was normal all way through, Tritonin was elevated to the "grey area" - upper range of normal, my potassium was in my boots, as was my BP at 60/40 at times, angiogram showed a good strong heart with "superb" blood vessels surrounding it. Translation - not cardiac but lupus related - pericarditis.
When I was discharged the Cardiac Sister was thrown as none of her usual lectures worked - no weight issues, don't smoke, cholesterol is where is should be, I exercise and eat well, no high blood pressure. Nothing she could add to what I do as I already do everything I should to control my lupus. Basically, other that my lupus I am very healthy for my age which is good to know.
I am happy I took that step and got it checked out even though I knew it would be lupus related. When it comes to chest pain it needs to be checked - if only to give you peace of mind. If I get another attack of pericarditis I know what to expect and I have the confidence of knowing my heart is fit and healthy.