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Relatively new to pericarditis, pain under lowest left ribs
Hello, I was diagnosed with pericarditis about 3 weeks ago, with a lot of chest pain and also back pain which increased greatly if I tried to lie on my back at all, and radiated into my left shoulder. I am a woman, late 60s, with a history of one heart attack, from which after several years I had seemed to heal completely and I was back to my normal activities and exercising. Now, I don't know what could have set off this pericarditis. Currently I am still really fatigued and almost all of the pain has moved to an area right under my lowest left rib area. That pain is sharp at times, other times not though, but I cannot lie on my right side because it sets the pain off in a major way - which is weird - since the pain is only on the left. My doctor has me on colchicine and tylenol (I can't take NSAIDS). I am feeling like I am at a standstill where pains in the chest/back have mostly gone, but the pain under my left ribs is still there and hanging on. My doctor just shrugs her shoulders and says it is probably part of the pericarditis. But has anyone else had pain under their lowest left ribs caused by the pericarditis?
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Pericarditis is inflammation of the sac that surrounds, or encapsulates, the heart. It can have several possible causes. Please see this:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pericarditis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352510
Note that improperly administered vaccines can also cause pericarditis. If the needle pierces a vein, and the contents are injected directly, they immediately find their way back to the heart, which is what venous blood does. From there, it can cause inflammation or even an immune response that starts in the heart.
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1 ReactionYes, I have had it varying in pain intensity for over 2 years now.
I had pericarditis after ablation. Lasted about 10 hrs. Dr prescribed a medicine for gout. New pulsed field ablation is supposed to reduce damage to pericardial sac.
I thought I should post an update. After a year of pericarditis, many tests and doctor visits, multiple trips to ER, and a trip to Mayo with testing there, I was diagnosed with autoimmune recurrent pericarditis about 6 months into it. I am on Arcalyst to treat it and that medication works extremely well. I will be on Arcalyst at least a year; many people are on it for longer depending on the situation. I don't see any pericarditis support group on Mayo here but am hoping one will develop.
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1 Reaction@arflmi33 It is very kind, and conscientious, of you to come back and to report your news. It is an excellent outcome, and I, for one, am very happy to see it.
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3 ReactionsWonderful news, @arflmi33. You sound like have settled into your diagnosis of auto immune recurrent pericarditis and pursuing your best life. Kudos!
You mention Connect not having a support group specifically for autoimmune recurrent pericarditis. I searched from the home page and your comment is the only one that appears.
I also searched for Arcalyst from the home page and did not find related discussions. Here is information about the drug. I am so happy for you that you found a treatment that is providing relief!
- Rilonacept, brand name Arcalyst (https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/rilonacept-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20071855
@arflmi33, it may help to share more, if you are willing so others have more background and encouragement to keep asking questions. How does this diagnosis help, what difference has it made pinning it down? Is there anything you think of that would be helpful for others struggling to be aware of, to seek out?
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1 ReactionWelcome to Connect, @sharibraid2026
I am glad to see you post. You mention having pericarditis for over 2 years.
Have you found anything that helps? What are your symptoms?