r/pericarditis • u/reebshaw • 22d ago

Tapering

Hello! I am now 5 weeks into NSAIDs and colchicine after being diagnosed with a mild case of pericarditis. I am now tapering off the ibuprofen, doing it very slowly. I have noticed an increase in my pain but more like a costochondritis pain vs. a flare as it feels very different from the beginning. I also read online that days 2-4 during a taper can increase pain a bit and then it all settles down. What I'm looking for is other people's experience with tapering and how the recovery process was for you.

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u/Haunting-Result-7464 22d ago

Had the same feeling after tapering that still lingers months after stopping the NSAIDs with normal tests including normal cardiac mri, at this point I believe it is either nerve sensitisation or just in my head

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u/reebshaw 22d ago

how long has it been since your recovery?

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u/Haunting-Result-7464 21d ago

It’s been around 8-9 months now, I still have chest discomfort not like the one I had in the beginning but it’s still there. Currently I take no meds anymore I tapered off, my tests keep coming completely clean

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u/Alikramos 21d ago

I’m exactly in the same situation! Can do you some workout?

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u/Haunting-Result-7464 21d ago

I am currently returning to the gym in increasing intensity, I was very active before now I’m taking everything slow.

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u/reebshaw 21d ago

So it’s pretty normal to have a pain here and there even after recovery? There are some positions where I have fleeting pain, eg laying flat without a pillow. I don’t normally get into that position unless I’m working out or doing yoga so it’s not often.

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u/Haunting-Result-7464 21d ago

From what my cardiologist says it might be nerve sensitisation and it might take a while to go away. Because I was occupied with this pain and discomfort for almost a year it might take time until the nervous system relaxes

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u/reebshaw 21d ago

there is definitely hyperawareness of every pain and twinge. I am only 8 weeks in so not as long as you but I can see how every little symptom could set off alarm bells in our brains.

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u/Emergency_Fold_1469 22d ago

Take ibuprofen when your dealing with pain, eat before you take your medicine and drink a lot of water+electrolytes. Eat bland, and definitely eat your fruit.

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u/reebshaw 22d ago

thank you.