pericarditis

jmayk8 · Post by **jmayk8** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 6:16 am

I just did a search on this and found some old posts. Does anyone know anything about it? In the past, I would randomly have stabbing heart pains that would last a few seconds and it would hurt to take deep breathes. Now I feel like I have it again, very dull pain though but, in the left chest area by my heart. I am also currently taking lialda, only 1 pill every 3-4 days. I just googled lialda and pericarditis and it says they are linked somehow. I wouldn't be surprised it I had it esp with all the other auto immune things I have going on and also with my positive Ana. I don't know which dr to contact, GI, pc...? Does anyone have any experience or info on it?
Thanks,
Jenny

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 8:09 am

Jenny have you ever been tested for the HLA-B27 gene? The reason I ask is that iritis which manifests itself as inflamed capillaries (redness) in one or both eyes (your other post) and it also can cause pericarditis like symptoms noted as pain in the chest. Any pain in the lower back or in the area of the ribs (front or back) if you inhale deeply?

The HLA-B27 gene is more common in those with celiac and in those with IBDs.

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 8:20 am

Jenny,

Usually people are pretty sick with pericarditis. If we play the odds, you may just have a pulled chest muscle or "slept" wrong.

That said, it still warrants a call to your PCP to explain your symptoms and concerns. Remind the PCP about the lialda and immune predisposition. Joe's suggestion makes sense too - a test for the HLA-B27 gene.

Love,

Polly

jmayk8 · Post by **jmayk8** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 3:26 pm

thanks guys...
Joe, I put in a call to my PCP last week to send a referral to Dr Yost but, havent heard from them. I really think my PCP's office thinks I am some sort of hypocondriac..Ill ck in with them again tomorrow.
Jenny

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 4:55 pm

Hi Jenny, I'm sure they will put the request through. Patients who take charge of their own futures are often thought of as hypochondriacs...it's a lazy term used sometimes by offices that can't deal with this.

I think it's great that you are taking charge if your health, what a great inspiration you are Jenny.

Will you be back in town late this week, Nestlé would love to say hello.

Let me know.

Take care

jmayk8 · Post by **jmayk8** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 5:02 pm

Thanks Joe, It gets so frustrating sometimes! I am looking forward to having an appointment with Dr Yost. I think he will be helpful in leading me into the right direction with my 'autoimmune issues'.

jmayk8 · Post by **jmayk8** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 5:06 pm

The Lialda really helps keep me in 'remission'. I only have to take 1 tablet every few days and I feel great except for this heart/chest pain. Is there another med I can request that is similar that doesn't have this as a side effect? I think I will contact my GI tomorrow too...

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 8:12 pm

I think its great Jenny that you take charge of your own health, that is key, don't ever be worried what others think of you, whats important is how you pursue your own path to wellness.

I'm sure Dr Yost will be an important next step.

As far as another med, if D is the issue, entocort would be the most direct of the MC meds with minimal side effects. It does sound like you have a fe autoimmune issue brewing.

I hope you have a great week, take care. :-)