Originally Posted by
MaxD
Alysia,
Yes, pericarditis is one of the possibilities with auto-immune disease. Basically it is fluid collecting in the pericardial sac that covers the heart. Normally treated with anti-inflammatories like indomethacin, but in our case upping dose of prednisone should do wonders. If you don't wish to increase prednisone, and the discomfort is mild, you might find some comfort by leaning forward. Or try ibuprofen even. Leaning back or lying down will make it uncomfortable again.
With pericarditis, as the amount of fluid increases, it constrains the heart which doesn't have enough space to expand completely. That might be causing you to feel the heart beats.
Someone close to me developed pericarditis as a result of a very severe traumatic injury. It was uncomfortable at first, then painful - eventually developed into tamponade, requiring emergency procedure to drain the fluids out. I'm not saying this to add to your worries - before anyone even nears that stage, it is already excruciatingly painful. You seem to have a very mild case which will be treated with drugs.
Take care, and hope you get to see your GP and cardiologist soon. All the best!
Bookmarks