I have had recurrent paricarditis for over 1 year.  It was originally diagnosed as pulled muscles in my chest.  Only after 3 trips to the emergency room did a doctor finally figure out to perform an echo on my heart.  The echo showed a fluid build-up in the bottom lining of my heart.  Blood test have been performed extensively.  No specific virus can be determined.  I do show positive for exposure throughout my life to most common three types of virus.  I have since been treated with prednisone (steriod).  But every time I get a cold it seems to go to my heart lining and cause me to re-evolve again.  This last week was my 7 time of having this. The left side of my body felt numb and I had a massive pain sensation in my left shoulder joint...to the point it felt like my arm was going to fall off my body.  I went into the doctor and was given Clarithromycin (Anti-Biotic) stated reason the steriods cause your immune system to be less than defensive, Entex L.A, unknown, and told to continue with prednisone 5mg.   I also received a shot of toredal(unsure of the spelling) this is a anti-inflammatory.  I have found immediate relief usually within 10-20 minutes after this 60mg shot.  While it does burn going in, the relief is immediate.  To the point, Why do I have paracarditis?  I'm a very healthy person, run 8-12 miles a week, go to the gym, ride the bike, and have for years...I'm 35 years old.  Was I exposed to something in the air? Did I come into contact with something?  I don't know where to proceed from here! Do I opt for more invasive search?  Won't that just cause more problems?  Can I expect to have long term damage because of this? It's been over a year, and I need to get more information, but no one seems to be able to offer anything more than just meds?

Sincerely