Pericarditis

[lauralee77]

Anyone ever been diagnosed with it? I was having some chest pain and rapid heartbeat and when they did an echocardiogram, they found a moderate amt. of fluid around my heart. Not so bad that they have to go in and take some fluid out with a needle, but enough to put me on a 40 mg a day prednisone. When they did another echocardiogram a week later, the fluid was still there to the same degree. YOu would think the steroid would've knocked it out, but now my rhuemie is decreasing the steroid already even though the fluid is still there. I've read that most cases of pericarditis resolve themselves and go away on there own. I find this really strange. I don't really understand this, but i have an appt. with my doc. in a week so we can discuss it. I just wondered if anyone else had been diagnosed with pericarditis and how bad it was.
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[leahb133]

I have had that before, they didn't go in and drain it with a needle. I do remember i was having a flare though so they put me on a high dose of prednisone and I guess that is what resolved it.

[Lily]

Hi,

Think I mentioned before that I was diagnosed with it. Had it on two occassions, and it was helped quickly by high pulse doses pred for a few days - often that works for me . All I know is it hurts like &@*#%$ and feels like I imagine a heart attack would. I dont think I had fluid no-one mentioned it and they didnt have to drain it or anything. (((((((((lauralee)))))))))

love
Lily

[rudi]

Hi,

I have had Pericarditis also on 2 occassions. High doses of Prednisone helps.

God bless and Take Care,
Rudi