acute pericarditis 10 days in.....

[brookiebean]

Hello!

I was diagnosed with acute viral pericarditis 10 days ago.

My question is whether my ongoing symptoms are normal....  

I am taking aspirin three times a day and haven't missed a dose and I'm being extremely careful not to push my body to do things however I still feel extremely exhausted and SO weak!

I can't really leave the house unless I'm driven to my destination and basically dropped at the door to somewhere I can sit.  

When I try to leave the house for fresh air my I can't walk further than 10 meters without resting and I'm literally shuffling.  

I am working from home and I'll feel OK some days but then get I'll suddenly get hit with an overwhelming sleepiness and weakness and need to rest from work.  

I still can't lie down without pressure so have been sleeping propped up.  

The last symptom and perhaps the most bothersome is a fluttering vibrating feeling in my chest area.  It feels like palpitations but my heart rate seems to stay even and low.  In fact my resting heart rate is normally around 55 however it has dropped to 43/ min.  

My hope is that all of the above is normal for pericarditis and if so I will carry on and try to be patient!  I'm normally always moving so this is quite a shock to my system!  

I wish all of you who are suffering on here strength and sending you positive vibes.  Thanks in advance for any comments or information.

Best,  Brooke

[brookiebean]

Hi ed34,

thanks for your message.  no the pericarditis hasn't gone.  I'm now at one month and expect it to take a while yet before it (hopefully) goes away.  I spoke to my doctor again and was assured that my weakness and fatigue are normal for the illness and I now understand that it might carry on for some time.

[ed34]

was your ailment treated and cured? I would have thought it could take longer than 10 days to completely go?