persistent pericarditis

[K0510]

I've had six brutal attacks of pericarditis now since Aug. 2008, the most recent attack sent me to the ER again just two days ago.  .  Three cardiologists, a rheumatologist, and my primary care provider all shrug their shoulders and scratch their heads.  They don't know what to do, in the meantime I live in daily fear of that crushing chest pain and inability to breathe returning.  There is zero information available for me here as all of the medical personnel I've seen including the six ER dr's don't have a clue or any answers as to why this keeps happening.  I'm losing hope of getting any real medical help.  I take prednisone daily (again) along with a long list of narcotic pain meds to keep me functioning, yet it's still hard to breathe.  I don't like the side effects of the prednisone and too much narcotics is never a good thing to live with.  It's a little redeeming to see there are others who suffer recurrances as some dr's have even thought it was either all in my head, or I'm a drug addict just acting out to get the pain meds. Ha! They don't know me at all. I would give up the excruciating pain in a second if there were any answers for me.  


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