First checkup since surgery... Pericarditis

[RobbieLee]

Hello folks
It's been six weeks since my surgery and I went to my cardiologist for the first time yesterday and she said I have pericarditis... hence the "specific" pain I feel in and around my heart when I breathe deep, sneeze, etc. What a bummer. I know it could be worse, but was hoping for a clean bill of heart health I will get an echo done this Friday and should know more. Other than that, the doc says my heart sounds great. In the meantime, I was instructed to take Ibuprofen 3x a day (800 mg) to see if that would reduce the inflammation. Here's hoping it does something! What I guess I have to get used to is how "complacent" the doctors can be sometimes about all of this... afterall they do it everyday. What seemed alarming to me was a "not to worry" about it from her and that I'm having "growing pains" from my surgery??? hmmmm That's one way of looking at it, LOL Of course she went on to explain it in more detail and so I guess that's just the way it is and can be a common occurrence after surgery and in rare instances, as the doc stated, recurring for some people throughout the rest of their lives!! good grief. She also said to be careful with the Ibupofen while taking the coumadin, but what's to be careful about, either I take it or I don't? right? What choice is there? She also switched me from Lortab to Darvocet as she states the Darvocet is not as strong, but effective. It amazes me at how the pain pills get handed out throughout this ordeal, as I am LOADED for bear, LOL Well, better prepared for pain than in it! Okay, I've rambled on long enough. Just staying in touch! later taters, Sharon

 

[Ross]

You'll definitely want to watch for gastro bleeding with 800mg Ibuprofen and coumadin. I'm surprised they prescribed it. I can't wait to hear Al Lodwicks input on this one.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

Ibuprofen? I hope that you are monitoring your INR daily because pericarditis has a tendency to make it go up anyway, and that's a lot of Ibuprofen. I took Prednisone when I had this right after surgery, and later Vioxx (which has never affected my INR although you should still be careful with it).

As a person with recurrent Pericarditis, I can tell you that the recurrences I've experienced aren't near as bad as the initial bout. Now I know when it's happening and I take Vioxx for a few days and - poof! - it's gone. It seems to be worse when it's cold outside. Luckily, living on the Gulf Coast of Texas, it doesn't get cold that often!

 

[terry40]

Robbielee

Robbielee

They wouldn't even let me take a 200mg ibuprofen/advil, and you'll be taking 800mg.

watch out for any bleeding/bruising and all the other warnings we are given when starting out on coumadin.

Terry40

 

[RobbieLee]

It's not helping anyway

It's not helping anyway

Hey everyone
Thanks for the heads up on this one. The pain in my heart hasn't subsided any from the Ibuprofen. I go for an echo tomorrow and will address the issue again! I'm learning that sometimes one must be "persistent" in getting the proper health care. After all, if we don't advocate for ourselves, who will? Hey, Ross, how will I know if I have gastro bleeding? Any signs? I finally got my blood to a 2.7 with 10 mgs of Coumadin a day. Other than the pericarditis causing "squeezing" pain on my heart, I feel fine.... but I must admit it sure is uncomfotable. thanks! Sharon

 

[Ross]

If you start to throw up blood or notice blood in your stools, you'll have a real good indication. I would most definitely remind the Doc of coumadin and Ibuprofen. I can't see why they wouldn't try a Non steroidal anti inflammatory instead. I'm not a Doctor, but this sounds dangerous to me.

Before I had my hip replacement surgery, they had me on the 800mg Ibuprofen and the prescribing doctor also prescribed Sucralfate to coat my stomach and prevent ulcers. Both of these drugs interact with coumadin. I wasn't on coumadin at that time, so I know it does a heavy number on your stomach. You may wish to check Mr. Lodwicks site for interactions. I'll give you the links here:

http://warfarinfo.com/interactions list.htm

http://warfarinfo.com/ibuprofen.htm

http://warfarinfo.com/sucralfate.htm

 

[mamsram]

hi robbie

read your post and thought what is pericarditis? peri, as in periscope, card as in heart, itis as in arthritis, o.k. under heart continuing problem--guess Lisa had your answer. relief,YES

Then, sneezen--GEE, I hope not much from all I read here.
Coumadin---Ross did a great job on all that info.

"heart sounds great" --thats what I would want to hear.
Complacent--not to worry?? I would not want an eye-poppin, jaw-dropping, OH MY GOD! I think theirs, meaning Drs., is a trained response.

hoping the best for you

 

[Blanche]

Sharon:
You might also watch for a sharp drop in blood pressure, skin that feels clamy, and dizziness. In years past before the net and this valvereplacement board, my husband was given high doses of ibuprofen several times. He had no ill effects. It's very likely you will have no difficulties whatever too. You're in good shape because your INR is at the low end of the range now. And, of course, when these problems happen, it's always good to be aware of any changes that might indicate further problems. Hope you get this resolved quickly.