Difficulty In Lying Down And Walking. Had Pericarditis With Pleural Effusion.
I have had pericarditis with pleural effusion twice in the past year and now I am having symptoms again. I was not sick before my first diagnosis, second or now this one. My cardiologist is extremely busy and doesn t seem concerned with figuring out why this keeps happening (perhaps it isn t life threatening enough for her). It is a huge issue for me since I can t sleep lying down or walk across a room without almost falling down. Is there something I am doing wrong? How can I kick this for good? I am a 44yo female in fairly good shape and was in excellent health before the first episode.
Recurrent pericarditis and pleural effussion in a lady can be classically due to sarcoidosis or collagen vascular diseases. TB is always a possibility. What was your diagnosis last year? Was the fluid ever tapped? It would give a fair idea about diagnosis.
Pericardial effussion can cause compression of the heart and can be fatal.
If not done in past, I would suggest a pleural/ pericardial tapping (removal of fluid for examination) and make a firm diagnosis.
I feel akward to say this... but pericarditis can be life threatening and has to be attended timely. If your cardiologist is too busy, you can always obtain a second opinion from some other cardiologist!
-Dr. Tushar
You found this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Difficulty In Lying Down And Walking. Had Pericarditis With Pleural Effusion.
Hello. Recurrent pericarditis and pleural effussion in a lady can be classically due to sarcoidosis or collagen vascular diseases. TB is always a possibility. What was your diagnosis last year? Was the fluid ever tapped? It would give a fair idea about diagnosis. Pericardial effussion can cause compression of the heart and can be fatal. If not done in past, I would suggest a pleural/ pericardial tapping (removal of fluid for examination) and make a firm diagnosis. I feel akward to say this... but pericarditis can be life threatening and has to be attended timely. If your cardiologist is too busy, you can always obtain a second opinion from some other cardiologist! -Dr. Tushar