Pericarditis

[IHeartKingThistle]

DH was diagnosed with pericarditis about a month ago after some scary heart symptoms. He has anti inflammatories and has been told his heart is fine in itself, he just has to take it easy until the virus goes away.

He still feels awful, totally fatigued and is basically out of action. He's very active normally and is frustrated as hell.

Anyone know if 4 weeks plus is normal for this? We have a lot of plans for the summer and don't know whether to start cancelling things, not that that is the main concern! I just want him to feel better

If he was told he would be fine in 4 weeks and isnt, he should go back for another check. If he is exhausted etc, the check should include a sonogram of the heart to check that it is pumping properly, there is no regurgitation at the valves etc, a normal ECG wont show that.

Also, ask for blood work to be done, CBC, inflammatory markers and glandular fever test, it is possible that something else has jumped on board while he was low (so to speak)

Thanks @SeaToSki . He's had the whole shebang of tests, multiple ECGs, bloods, echocardiogram, chest x Ray, blood pressure. He wasn't told a timescale tbh, just told it can vary.

I will suggest he goes back though. Every time he thinks he's improving he slips back again.

So keep pushing the cardiologists, ask for a stress test with echo.

Also investigate other options, viruses etc, cardiologists are notorious for only considering their field, so maybe go to the GP to look for other issues.

Meanwhile have him take 100% recommended daily amount of magnesium, eat a banana a day for potassium, make sure he is drinking milk for calcium and take about 3000iui of Vitamin D daily. All these levels get trashed when you have a cardiac incident and are essential for good heart function.

Thank you, will do

Also a significant cardiac event like pericarditis can destroy your confidence and mental toughness. There is something about your heart working that is fundamental to your sense of intrinsic safety. He may well be reeling mentally and not know it yet and it it this that is playing out in the exhaustion. Encourage him to be gentle with himself, to build up slowly, to go for a massage and maybe take a holiday with you and just sit on the beach. Has he cried or raged about feeling like he was going to die (because he probably did feel like he was going to die even if he hasnt told you yet)

I bet that's part of it. Nope he's a very laid back bloke so he's just being patient, but he's definitely struggling. He had to pull out of his tennis club championship and he was absolutely gutted. He's definitely scared to do stuff. But I do think most of it is physical.

3.5 years later we still seeing effects of pericarditis. DH never really got his energy back 100%. Easily tired but grateful is good as he is.. bout 85% of former self.

@WLAH how awful, I had never even heard of this. Was your DH active before?

He wont been into exercise but worked hard physically. Now would have take regular breaks or tires easily

I had this in my early twenties, many years ago - I seem to remember it being about 6 months getting really back to normal. I have been fine ever since

I really can see how it could take that long. Glad you've been fine since then.

Well we're a week on and he's no better. Well he's not really having the heart symptoms any more but still feeling the virus - fatigue and all the rest of it.

I think we're looking at cancelling our campervan holiday next week. It's only UK but lots of driving and walking, can't see it working. Plus just read the small print and heart disorders and medication both invalidate the insurance

He had a couple of great days earlier in the week then went right downhill again.

How is your DH getting on now