Thank you in advance for your response. Long term side effects of steroids are many and this should be discussed with you NOW by your rheumatologist since you already have been on them a long time. John's Hopkins, YES, is the best place to go in DC for your second opinion, especially since they will know and have access to the latest, and greatest treatment modalities for your condition. Recurrent pericarditis is fairly rare and thus many cardiologists, myself included, do not treat, and do not know of the most recent therapies. I hope you find this information useful.
Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.
Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem. Information contained within this forum is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.