Post Precardiotomy Syndrome

[Kathy McCain]

This is what my cardiologist told me that I have.
In other words a propensity to pericardium problems.

I have been prescribed Colchocine for this as an inflammatory drug.

This drug has been around for a long time but is usually used to treat gout.

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[briansmom]

My son had to take this and it made him very nauseous. I would ask for a prescription to counteract nausea also. He did not take it for chest pain he took it for the severe foot pain he had after OHS.

 

[harleygirl528]

Hi Kathy,

I too was diagnosed with post pericardiotomy syndrome...also known as "Dressler's Syndrome." I am six weeks post op and still having some minor issues with my lungs: Atelactesis, which is partial lung collapse.....very common after thoracic surgery and best treatment is incentive spirometer and coughing....something I admittedly haven't done enough of; and pleural effusions, which is much better now and I did NOT need a thoracentesis...best treatment for this apparently is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen. sounds like Colchine is an anti-inflammatory drug so sounds very appropriate. I also continued taking my pain medication because I found breathing so painful...it made it easier to take deep breaths which is essential.

I also had a small amount of pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart), which resolved on its own, Thank God!
There are a combination of issues that present with post pericardiotomy syndrome, none of which are very fun and I definitely feel for you. Hang in there, it does get better. No matter how much it hurts, try to use your incentive spirometer. I think I prolonged my situation by NOT using the spirometer enough and not coughing...it hurt so much that I just avoided it but maybe if I had done it more I wouldn't be six weeks post-op and still having issues.
If you google "Dressler's Syndrome" you will get a lot more information.
Take care of yourself and hang in there! I'll be praying for you!!

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Kathy - Also you can click on this: http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24196 for some more information on Colchicine, etc.

Hope you're feeling better soon .

 

[WayneGM]

I was prescribed Colchicine as a preventative measure after having pericardial tamponade 3 weeks post-op. I took it for 16 weeks. My cardio warned me that there could be a side effect....it is known to cause "the runs", and he was right. However, "the runs" were much easier to deal with than the pericardial inflation and fluid problems it helps prevent. Best wishes and good luck.

 

[kfay]

Kathy, I too had this after my first OHS in 1980. After reading about Lorie's problems with it, I called my local cardio and asked if I was at a higher risk for it this time around since I had it last time. He told me that yes, I would be. He told me that "usually" if you are going to get it you will get it in the first week or two after surgery. He advised me to "hang around" the Mayo clinic as long as possible and he would prefer me to stay there for a week afterwards even though my Dr's at the Mayo are saying I can fly home the day I am discharged. I don't remember much about having it other than I ran a fever for a good week and a half to two and I remember the sensation of my heart rubbing in my chest. I was sent home on steroids.

Kim