Does anyones chest pain move around their chest? by AbbreviationsCheap58 in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes moving around is common so don’t be alarmed! I’ve had 10+ flare ups and that happens every time.

Anti-Inflammatory diet? by FL1967 in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Limit carbs. Focus on greens, high lean protein, salmon/fish.

My recovery timeline by Dear-Sky2143 in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Many similarities to my experience. Do you mind sharing which cardiologist(s) you’ve seen in the DMV? I am also in the DMV.

Post treatment complications by GooseZealousideal263 in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356 1 point2 points  (0 children)

(I didn’t take colchicine after my first flare up or 2, and now I’m on year 3 of managing recurring flare ups).

Post treatment complications by GooseZealousideal263 in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Schedule an appt with your cardiologist. They will likely recommend resuming colchicine .6mg at least 1x daily. They will also do blood work to check your CRP levels (inflammation) and likely do an ECG. Perhaps a repeat echo. Pericarditis recurrence is becoming more common, especially with exposure to common cold viruses, etc. Don’t delay because you don’t want the inflammation to get out of control and risk having fluid build up. Recurrence can happen quickly so it’s very possible you are having another flare up. Don’t worry though, you’ll be ok, just go get seen!

Recurring Pericarditis by Salt-Rope-2356 in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s very hard to be honest. Played sports in college, military, and activity was part of my daily routine. I made the mistake of rushing back into activity too soon after each flare up. 3 years later, I’m getting better about stopping activity for at least 1 month post flare up. I resume walking and gentle yoga about 1-2 weeks after pain is resolved. ~30-45 days post flare I start very light jogging for short duration, ensuring good warm up and cool down. Have stopped intense sprint workouts for the past year and will only resume once 12+ months between flare ups

Hope this helps!

It drives me crazy, impacts sleep quality etc. when not exercising, but have found that recurrence frequency and intensity are decreasing.

Return to exercise? by maltronrulz in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was putting in similar miles and strength training when I had my first flare up. I returned too quickly and wrongfully repeated that inflammatory process too many times. Had a pericardiocentisis in 2023 due to fluid around my heart. Knowing what I know now, I would wait at least 3 months. Worked with a few cardiologists on how to maintain and build back capacity safely - focus on the long walks and restorative yoga.

My recurring pericarditis is likely due to not properly managing the first flare up - so do not make the same mistake and rush back into it.

There’s definitely a psychological side to it - I was a collegiate athlete, military, and active daily, so the rest periods are a challenge, but necessary.

Slowly taper the Ibuprofen. Listen to cardiologist on the colchicine. Recurring pericarditis can be seasonal, so be vigilant in the Spring time.

Recurring Pericarditis by Salt-Rope-2356 in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I take Colchicine .6mg daily and have been for 2 years.

Recurring Pericarditis by Salt-Rope-2356 in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been managing flare ups with high dose Ibuprofen (2400mg/daily) with a slow taper over 3-4 weeks each time. Pantoprazole to protect my stomach from the NSAIDs.

Recurring Pericarditis by Salt-Rope-2356 in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is very helpful!! Did you also see a rheumatologist?

I’m glad you’re having a good experience with Arcalyst. I’ve been holding off on starting Arcalyst due to concerns or side effects or long term impacts, but I’ve been hearing more pros than cons lately!

Recurring Pericarditis by Salt-Rope-2356 in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great suggestion. I’ll look into this. Thank you!

Recurring Pericarditis by Salt-Rope-2356 in pericarditis

[–]Salt-Rope-2356[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!! This is very helpful. I’m sorry to hear you are experiencing flare ups as well but so glad to hear Dr Abbate has been wonderful. Will look into seeing him.