Pericarditis - any experiences? How long should symptoms last?

[pixsix]

My dh saw the gp on Tuesday after suffering from chest and arm pains and total exhaustion for several days. We had all had rsv (our ds was in hospital with it) and then a bad tummy bug - maybe norovirus- and he originally thought he was just tired from that which is why he didn't go to the doctor sooner. The doc thought it could be pericarditis and dh went to the hospital for an ecg and bloods on Wednesday. He has a follow-up appointment with the gp this Tuesday to discuss the results but he has not heard from him which he was told meant there was nothing urgent to worry about on the ecg.

We are both worrying though because the symptoms don't seem to be getting better. He is still exhausted, breathless when climbing stairs and is too tired to do much at all even everyday tasks. He is sleeping most of the time. The pain is still there and is worse when he lies down.

Has anyone had this? If so, how long did the tiredness and pain last? Did you make a full recovery? How much time off work was needed?

TIA for any help at all.

Bump

I've only had pericarditis associated with severe pneumonia so cannot answer your question. My chest pain was intermittent and lasted about 2 weeks and was eased by leaning forward - not an easy position to sleep in though! Sleeping propped up helped. I was off work 2 months ( still not fully back) but this was due to the effects of pneumonia and other lung complications. I do know of someone with pericarditis who took 6 weeks to fully recover. I think rest is advised. Has your dh had an echocardiogram? I hope he recovers quickly.

he may need fluid draining from around his heart at some point - would need to be an in-patient usually to do this. Don't want to alarm you but if you think he is getting worse it would be wise to phone GP/NHS Direct or 999 if he is clearly in a lot of pain and having trouble breathing. I don't know much about the condition but do have a close relative who had it who definitely needed hospitalisation. they didn't do a great deal other than drain it and give IV antibiotics for the underlying infection but they constantly monitored breathing and heart rate to be on the safe side.

hope your DH recovers very soon.

Thank you both for your replies.

magso your illness sounds really nasty, I hope you will soon be completely better. Did the person you know make a full recovery after 6 weeks? Were they able to go back to work and get on with life as normal after that time?

thirtysomething thanks for the advice. He's not having difficulty breathing but is breathless at times. He has an appointment with the doctor tomorrow but we will call someone sooner if it gets worse.

Dh has not had an echocardiagram or any mention of fluid being drained. Perhaps that will be something the doctor will mention tomorrow. It's so worrying not to know how long he can expect to be feeling so bad.

Thanks again to you both.

Piksix in answer to your question - as far as I know yes a full recovery (he looks all right and is very active with his kids). He went back to work a bit too soon ( after only a week or so off) and needed to slow up again.
The Gp is the best to answer your questions. It does sound like your dh has had an awful time. Hope he recovers well.