Hi there,
I'm new here and hoping to hear back from some people who either have or have had Pericarditis. I've had it for about three weeks now - started off with just mild chest pain which got worse over a couple of days and ended up in the ER four days later. They did a bunch of tests and the bloodwork, chest x-ray, EKG all came back normal. When they did an echocardiogram a couple of days later it didn't show any fluid build-up, but both the technician and the cardiologist said that didn't mean I didn't have it, just not as severe as it could be. I was prescribed Indocin, but it bothered my stomach so much the doctor said I could just continue taking Aspirin every day until the pain stopped. I was off of work for two weeks as I was too tired to do anything, was feverish and just felt overall very ill.
I started feeling a bit better a couple of days ago (not feeling as tired, no fever) so went back to work. In the last two days though, I've developed a really weird feeling right at the top of my throat. It almost feels like my throat is closing in and feels like it's difficult to swallow (almost like there's something stuck in my throat). It's giving me a really "chesty" cough that sounds like there is definitely something in there or in my lungs. I also keep feeling light-headed, and have had bouts of nausea and diarrhea for the last two days as well. I also feel quite winded and out of breath after walking up the stairs or doing anything else physical.
Anyone know if these are also common symptoms for someone who has or is getting over Pericarditis? I did some research on the 'net and apparently the lump in the throat feeling could be a sign of GERD, but the doctor's said all my other symptoms definitely point to Pericarditis. (the chest pain,fever,fatigue, hurt to lie down, etc).
If anyone has any insight or has experienced the same thing with Pericarditis, please let me know. I'm going to follow up with my doctor in the next couple of days (or sooner if it gets worse) but hearing things from other "patients" is always a great sort of info as well.
Thanks so much!