Hi,
I have been having fairly severe chest pains on my left side for the past three or four days. When I talk, they are worse. If I sneeze or yawn, they are muchworse -- quite sharp.
The chest pains emerged about two weeks after a pericentesis during which 400 cc of fluid was extracted. The pericardial effusion was detected by accident following a virtual colonoscopy and was subsequently confirmed by an echocardiogram. That was about a month ago. Just before these pains started, I had a follow up echocardiogram and was told that some fluid had recurred, but not enough to be cause for alarm ... yet.
Although rrelatively asymptomatic until a few days before the procedure, I've been short of breath and feeling pressure in my chest ever since. But, as mentioned, in the past three days or so, the pain is much more pronounced, whether sitting, walking or lying down, and has moved to my left side Breathing hurts, and talking is painful. Yawning or sneezing hurts like anything. My temperaqture is normally around 97.5; over this period, it has fluctuated from 92.5 to 98.4.
For whatver it may be worth, since this began, both my legs, from ankle to shin, have been aching as well. I can't reach either my cardiologist or my internist. Any advice would be welcomed!
Thank you!