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Pericarditis and Lupus

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Posted 10/26/2012 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I am a 38yr old mother of 5 kids recently diagnosed with lupus,along with the lupus i have been battling with pericarditis and pleural effusion.I have been admitted in the hospital 5 times since my diagnoses for chest pains and shortness of breathe,my 2nd to last visit the doctor's withdrew fluids from my lungs and that seem to help with the pleural effusion,but the chest pains dont seem to go away i pretty much sleep sitting up as it is very painful when i lay down.I am currently doing a prednisone burst for a week then i go back to my regular 10mg of prednisone.I have never taken so much medication in my life as a matter of fact other than having kids i've never been sick a day in my life.I wanted to know is there anyone in this forum with lupus that also have pericarditis how do you deal with this on a daily basis or any tips on how to get some rest.
Posted 10/26/2012 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I am sorry to hear that you are suffering with pericarditis. I suffer with it chronically. As to getting rest, I sleep propped upon three pillows at bed time. I also have issues with my breathing and complex sleep apena issues, so I'm on oxygen 24/7 and use a VPAP machine when sleeping.

The only thing I find that truly relieves my pericarditis is high dose steroids and a drug called colchicine. It's a drug used to treat gout, but they have found it helps pericarditis. It does cause issues with diaherra. I am currently taking this medication for my recent bout with pericarditis. My cardiologist said I will need to be on it at least 3 months. I have had lupus a long time, and have some other serious health issues. I can feel for you, I would try to get some help with the children so that you can rest. Stress makes lupus so much worse.

If I can help with anything please ask away.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 10/27/2012 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Barbara,I took your advise about propping up with the 3 pillows and i seem to have gotten a bit more sleep than usual.I am on colchicine but that doesn't seem to work at all,on wednesday my doctor recomended that i go see a pulmonologist.I have 4 teenagers and a toddler,the toddler has suffered the most since my diagnosis cause i am not able to do the things i use to do with her,she is now enrolled in school unil 6pm,so i can try to rest and go to my appointments without tagging her along.I try not to stress but who doesn't and stressing do make lupus much worse.I'm happy i found this forum cause i had no one to consult other than doctor's about my issuse's.

thanks
Ella's mom
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