Question about Pleurisy and Pericarditis

Hello and thanks for taking the time to answer my questions :)  So far I've been diagnosed with Fibro and being watched for Lupus.  I've had a  positive ANA, anemia, joint pain, sores in the mouth and nose and a whole bunch of other symptoms.  To all those who have suffered from either Pleurisy and or Pericarditis can you please describe to me what it's been like for you.  Recently (past few months) I've been experiencing chest pain that comes and goes.  It wakes me up 2-3 times a week and hurts so bad when I take a deep breath that it causes me to cough.  Sometimes it happens during the day but is never as severe.  Can this pain come and go from day to day or is it pretty steady until treated?  Thanks again and I wish you all the best!

I had a bout of pleurisy back in 2000 a few days before my diagnosis.  Actually, it's the symptom that finally convinced my doctors I had lupus.... It was hideous. I truly thought I was going to die.  I didn't know what it was.  The pain was something I'll never forget.  It was much worse if I was laying on my back, but even moving at all while in bed was excruciating.  I think there are definitely different degrees of severity with pleurisy or pericarditis.  For me, it was hugely severe.  Like a hot knife stabbing me in the chest and ribs.  BAH! I'm getting goosebumps thinking about it...... My bout of pleurisy was non stop for 3 days. It didn't let up at all. I think the inflammation had gotten to a point of no return.  The third night, I was admitted to the hospital.  So I'm not sure if it lets up for most people or not. For me it sure didn't!! 

 

I'm sorry you're having this.  It's torture.