Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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goawayRA 10/21/2013

Just discharged from the hospital after 3 days for pericarditis. THE WORST PAIN i've ever experienced yet from this disease - I thought I was literally dying. They thought I had a blood clot in my lung and finally diagnosed me with pericarditis. Has anyone had experience with this awful complication?

Also - what is the safety of taking birth control with lupus - anyone know? I tested negative for the antiphospholipid syndrome and thought I was ok to stay on birth control, but now I'm not so sure...

nanny1611 10/21/2013

Sorry that I don't know the answer to your question, but here is an article that might provide some helpful info.
http://www.lupusinternational.com/Living-With-Lupus/Overview/Contraception-what-s-safe-.aspx

MButterfly 10/21/2013

yes, ma'am.
I had this. And it's is a TERRIBLE pain. One should not be aware of one's own heartbeat, let alone be distracted by the pain it causes. I just got over a bout with it this past summer. It was wicked. (2nd time I've had it).

I have to say though....pancreatitis is more painful.

Unfortunately, both CAN be deadly if not treated. I'm so glad you got treated and diagnosed.

MButterfly 10/21/2013

BC pills do not cause pericarditis - this I know fer sure. You can discuss that with your Rheumy, but generally they're safe if you don't have clotting disorder.

goawayRA 10/22/2013

YES! So strange to resent your own heartbeat because of the aching pain it causes. And not to mention my heart rate was in the 120-130 range for three days until the inflammation calmed down. Hmph.

Thanks for the responses!

SleepyT 10/22/2013

I spent 3 days in ICU with it. I thought I was dying and so did the ambulance medics that picked me up and took me to the ER.

They took me off BC, but that was because I did have clots and stroke. I agree the pericarditis was the worst pain I've had yet.

Take good care and try not to stress. For years everytime I got heartburn I had anxiety that it was coming again!

MButterfly 10/23/2013

Oh gurl, I had that too...extremely high heart beat. And it hurts - it's a very strange and alarming feeling.

At least now I know what to look for. I've had a few bouts with this, but after the first time...I knew what to do - get to the doc/er FAST. Once treatment started (after the 1st time) it didn't seem to last as long (the first time I had it for over a month!). Since then it's usually no more than a week with treatment.

it blows either way...

deleted_user 10/24/2013

I had this also. It just hurt to breathe at times. I can't say it was my worst symptom though, that would have to be migraines. I am glad you are doing better.

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