Pericardial Inflammation and Effusion

[Kathy McCain]

I have taken all standard treatments including prednisone. The prednisone worked for the effusion and initially for the pain and the inflammation.

Started at 60 mg for 1 week then dropped 5 mg every three days.
I was going crazy and could not think - Called my Doc and he told me to taper down 5 mg. per day and 2.5 per day and then stop. ECHO revealed no more effusion but as soon as I got off the prednisone the pain came back. I am back on 5 mg of Prednisone and Aleve as necessary for pain.

This situation is driving me nuts and I just want to be well. I feel like I should have never had the surgery!!

Has anyone else experienced this same situation. How did your doc treat you?
I mean what's left as an alternative??

Despondent
Kathy M.

 

[DebbyA]

Kathy,
I can't keep up! I replied to your question in the sc850r thread...

 

[ctyguy]

I had moderate effusion but no need to go to have any procedure done to resolve it. I went to the ER and they told me to take Advil for a few days until the symptoms resolved themselves. According to my cardiologiist, even though I have a mechanical valve I could take Advil for a few days to resolve the inflammation. But they didn't want me taking it otherwise as NASIDs tend to promote bleeding, not a good thing when your on coumadin.

I had similar issues, pain in my shoulder, particularly when I took deep breaths. Some were brutally sharp and stabbing. Hopefully it will pass in the next few days for you, it took me about 3 days for the symptoms to subside.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

KathyM, you sound like you are where I was about 9 1/2 years ago. I never regretted that I had the surgery, because without it, I would have been dead, but still...

I stayed on Prednisone for almost 9 months (low dose for much of that time) and gained 30 pounds. I was quite frustrated and felt like my doctor thought I was only seeking narcotics because I complained so much about the pain. What he probably knew, but hadn't seen firsthand, is that the inflammation of the pericardium can be very painful. Once the fluid left, he thought I was healed. It took a consult with a second cardiologist before we both understood what was going on. My miracle drug was Vioxx, which allowed me to get off the Prednisone. Since it's no longer available, maybe Celebrex, Mobic, or something similar. Aleve wasn't around then, so maybe a higher dose of that medicine will do the trick. Mainly it takes time. I have recurrent pericarditis, and still get flareups, but Mobic knocks it out in a couple of days.

The good news from my experience? That is how I found this group back in the days of the e-mail group.

 

[Kathy McCain]

Hi Lisa,

Thank you sooooo much for your reply! I have been going crazy. I live within an hour of Katy, my husband works in that area. Can I ask you the name of the 2nd cardio that you consulted with? Regards, Kathy

 

[Lisa in Katy]

My primary cardio is Philip Berman at Memorial City. The second is Gary Coleman. He is actually up at Houston Northwest, which is where I was working at the time. Both guys are great, but Dr. Coleman had more experience with pericarditis.

 

[strudell]

I am now just over two weeks post my AVR. When I was in the hospital, I suffered a bout of pericardial inflammation the night they transferrred me out of CICU. I though I was having a heart attack it hurt so much.

The next day my surgeon prescribed prescription strength Motrin which I'm still taking a week later.

But since that time, I haven't had the chest pain. My shoulder still hurts but my surgeon said that's from the surgery. I DID have a fainting spell in the hospital related to the inflammation (right after I had a bowel movement.) THAT was scarey, waking up surrounded by white coats. Luckily the nurse was right there and I didn't hit my head.

 

[WayneGM]

Post-op I suffered pericardial tamponade (i.e. effusion causing CHF) and had to get drained surgically and was hospitalized for a week complete with new drain tubes (and more holes). Despite the setback I have absolutely no regrets about havin the OHS. I ultimately got over it and my heart is fixed. I could ask for more.

 

[mrwjd]

I had very sharp pain, esp. shoulder for some time after surgery; was prescribed massive doses of ibuprofen for the inflammation. Twice more I have had extended periods of much milder pain, which is livable but worries me. On a recent x-ray with my primary, the quarter-sized round scar in the pericardium had sagged into a cup shape, with soft, not clear edges. I'm concerned that there has been some change in the pericardium--I don't like to run to my cardiologist with every little thing, though--if it is little. Has anyone else had this happen?

 

[Phyllis]

I can't help you with your question- only to tell you never to hesitate to call your cardio. That is what they are there for- nothing is a "little thing" when it is your body!

 

[ponygirlmom]

Started at 60 mg for 1 week then dropped 5 mg every three days.
I was going crazy and could not think - Kathy M.

Hee hee! Imagine taking it for SIX WEEKS!!!!!

I hope it's working!