Hi Jan,
I hardly ever post on these boards anymore, although I have been McDougalling for over 7 years (along with an elimination diet) to control my lupus. You mentioned you have pericarditis. I'm so glad you're okay!! I noticed earlier in your journal that you mentioned arthritis, so I wanted share some information about lupus. Pericarditis is pretty unusual, but it is fairly common in lupus. Here are the 11 symptoms of lupus, from
https://www.lupusresearch.org/understanding-lupus/diagnosis-and-treatment/diagnosis/:
1. Malar rash – a butterfly shaped rash across cheeks and nose
2. Skin rash – raised red patches
3. Photosensitivity – unusually strong reaction to sunlight, causing a rash or flare
4. Mouth or nose ulcers – usually painless
5. Nonerosive arthritis – inflammation in two or more joints.
6. Cardio-pulmonary involvement – inflammation of the heart lining and/or lungs
(this includes pericarditis)7. Neurologic disorder – seizures and/or psychosis
8. Kidney disorder – increased protein or clumps of red cells in urine
9. Blood disorder – anemia caused by damaged red cells, low white cells or low platelet count
10. Immunological disorder – when your immune system attacks healthy cells
11. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) – positive blood test not induced by drugs
Lupus is typically diagnosed if you have 4 of these symptoms. Another symptom that is not mentioned here that my rheumatologist asked about is Reynaud's phenomenon, which is where your fingers or toes turn white or blue when cold.
Anyway, I thought I would mention it because lupus is not typically something you would hear about in the ER. It can be difficult to get in to see a rheumatologist depending on the area (although many doctors have more appointments these days), but a GP can test for ANA and some other things that might help, and if they see anything concerning, they can refer you to a rheumatologist, which would be helpful. When I first got my lupus diagnosis I was terrified that my doctor would want to put me on a bunch of scary drugs, but the only medicine I take for it is Plaquenil (i.e. hydroxychloroquine), which has gotten a lot of press lately re: coronavirus, but it is actually a very safe drug with basically no side effects for most people when taken in appropriate doses. It has made my life way better. I also find that diet is extremely important. I did an elimination diet early on, and I know what foods work for me and what ones don't. Eating 100% McDougall is awesome, but beyond that, I am very bothered by beans, rice, tree nuts, and a couple of other foods. But elimination diets are very personal. Each person has to go through and figure out what their individual triggers are. Many people are bothered by nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants), but I do okay with those in moderation.
One other thing to note: for many people, the first big episode of lupus begins with a big sun exposure. If you were out in the sun prior to your pericarditis starting, that would be a big clue.
Anyway--feel free to PM me if you want to--and best of luck to you. I hope you are feeling better, and I don't want to scare you. I have found it to be very helpful to know what was going on and to create a plan to manage it effectively.
Jenna