Pericarditis

[Likethecolorblue]

I had a pacemaker put in and one of the leads caused leakage. The fluid had to be drained from around my heart and the pacemaker lead corrected. However, now I am experiencing fatique, shortness of breath, feet goes numb. The doctor put me on colchicine but did not tell me I have Pericarditis. Because I smoke, the doctors say I have COPD. Prior to my pacemaker, I was out shopping, cleaning house, cooking. Now, I am pretty much limited to my bedroom, get up a couple of hours and back to resting. I researched my symptoms (which I began to have stabbing pains in my back, short of breath, fatique, etc. From what I read, I believe I have pericaditis. I am 82 year old female in the US. I am trying to walk with a walker for a little while. Does walking help with Pericarditis? Or should, I just rest and continue with Tylenol? Any suggestions on how to deal with this will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[Captain_Birdseye]

Hi,

I'm sorry you're going through this. I have myocarditis - so similar in that it's inflammation in the heart, but myocarditis is the muscle, pericarditis is the heart lining.

In both conditions, the overwhelming advice is to rest. Completely. You might find the pain is helped a little by sitting forward, and by lying on your right hand side at night. But get some clarification from your doctor about it... including a diagnosis. You don't want to self diagnose and potentially miss something...



[Likethecolorblue in reply to Captain_Birdseye]

Thank you! Do you nsaids? I can only take tylenol as I am taking Eliquis. I also find that lying on my right side or leaning forward helps with the pain. I will try to be patient and hopefully it will run its course. God bless you and thank you!