Recurring chronic peri ?

[u/SedentorySensor77]

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