Pericarditis

[Fairykissez]

So Ive been in the ER all day. Woke up at 2:30 in the morning feeling like an elephant was sitting on my chest. Anyone else had this??? Does it go away?? They put me on a predisone taper which I am not looking forward to cause I get horrible insomia and low blood sugars.

Also do I need a cardiologist now or just let my rhuemy treat?

[tomsmom]

Fairykissez,
That must have been so scary.  I haven't had had pericarditis but I've read posts from others who have.  It should respond to the prednisone.  I have the same problem with low blood sugars on prednisone tapers.  Oddly, I don't have the problem when I do medrol (methylprednisolone) tapers. Who did the ER tell you to follow up with?  I'd call the rheumy and ask their opinion as to whether you need to add a cardiologist to your current team of doctors.
I hope you get some relief soon.
Take care.

[Mr. Duffy]

Hi Fairykissez,
I hope you feel better soon. I know how painful pericarditis can be. I have chronic pericarditis myself and have been taking a low dosage of prednisone for several years. One of my doctors just increased my prednisone this week because I have been having a lot of chest discomfort. My cardio doctor sent me for a chest xray. That was OK. I had an Echo today and will get the results next week. My doctor seems to think that I may have bronchitis this time. Prednisone has saved my life, so I'm not afraid to take it. I hope you do well with the prednisone and feel better soon. Take care and hugs to you.
                        Mr. Duffy

[irish]

I am betting that you will see a cardiologist at some time during or after this illness. The cardio may do testing to see if you have had any damage or if there is something more that should be done. Good luck. Irish

[Fairykissez]

Thanks everyone so much for your support.

Another question, how long does it take for the predisone to work? Im sweating is that common with predisone? Ive never taken this high of predisone.

[Jozee]

I just got out of ICU 2 weeks ago. I have constrictive pericarditis. The sjogrens is causing the sac covering the hard to harden (dry out) in me. The heart has to expand before it "pumps" the blood out to the areas of the heart. When the sac is 'Hardening" or "thickening" it can't expand enough to get a good pump to send blood throughout it.

It was so painful it dropped me to my knees. When I tried to take a breath it did it again and again for about 2 minutes. It felt awful. I spent 2 days in ICU.

[Jozee]

Forgot to say that on November 1st they are referring me to a cardiologist.

There is a lot of info on the internet if you know if you have "Pericarditis" or "Constrictive Pericarditis".

[Narablueeyes]

Forgot to say that on November 1st they are referring me to a cardiologist.

There is a lot of info on the internet if you know if you have "Pericarditis" or "Constrictive Pericarditis".

That's frightening!!  Positive thoughts and healing energies going up for you.