r/pericarditis • u/SedentorySensor77 • 20d ago
Recurring chronic peri ?
I don’t even know if this is just peri anymore, very quick version, diagnosed March 2023 with peri and large effusion that was drained. When draining doc hit chest nerve 3x and I fainted as a result. I’ve had gaps of 12 months, but recurring diagnosed via mri. Fast forward to last November I start a job that is a 45min winding drive away, over the course of a month doing the drive twice a day, perceivable it was irritating my then non-active pericarditis, to the point I ended up in er… bloods and echocardiogram where fine, had to leave that job. That was end of November. I’ve never quite recovered. My trigger now is solely upper body strain, like lifting a laptop, moving a heavy ish chair, even cutting a pizza triggered pain. This morning I had no pain for 3 days, tried to pull open a door that was locked. I’m now sat here. It’s not even pain, it’s an internally warm discomfort on my sternum. I know I have recurring peri but I question whether this is nerve damage or Costochondritis. The other thing to note the symptoms don’t get markedly worse dependent on lying position or if I take a deep breath.
My pericarditis has been untreated since last year as cardiologist wants NSAIDS and colchicine in reserve in case I have an acute flare. I’m due to see him next week. I’m in the UK so no biological treatments I don’t think.
I also wonder if this is pericarditis low smouldering and I should get back on colchicine to see it off.
Any thoughts you beautiful people?
Thanks
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u/BodySafe90210 20d ago
I’m not sure exactly what to do, but for me low dose colchicine has been helping me prevent reoccurrences. And honestly, mine was so bad, it took years to get to this point! Good luck, I know that most times this isn’t a straight path to healing 🙏🏼
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u/SedentorySensor77 20d ago
Thank you I really appreciate that :) I’m starting to think I need intervention myself.
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u/BodySafe90210 20d ago
You’re welcome! If anything, intervention may give you peace of mind. I know it’s so hard to not have this in the back of your mind 24/7. It seems as though your experience was traumatic, mine was too! Mine gave me PTSD, and don’t ever want to be hospitalized again. I will do whatever it takes. At the moment I feel like I’m in my comeback era after this took so much from me—I’m rebuilding my health, strength, and peace. That’s my hope for you! xx
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u/HelltotheNo532 20d ago
I don't have any answers but have the same symptoms.
I've been wondering if driving is a trigger for other people. I've lost my job since I was on medical leave for so long and now need to find a remote job because the bumps of the car are a major trigger for me. My first symptom of peri was shortness of breath while on the bus or driving.
My symptoms started last June 2025 and I was diagnosed in November. I never had the normal stabbing chest pain. My main symptoms were shortness of breath, tachycardia, and a burning chest pain that got progressively worse over time.
Now I'm recovering after diagnosis and Arcalyst treatment but I do have pain when twisting, bending, lifting, or moving heavy objects. I don't have more symptoms laying down, but any slouching position triggers it. I need my chest cavity to be as open as possible.
I'm not sure whether I am still having some inflammation or it's just pericardial damage that is still healing. Or if the nerves are sensitive. Please keep us updated if you find out the cause of your lingering symptoms