COVID Vaccine

[Sue4983]

I am sorry to rain on everybody’s parade as it were and I am no way an antivaxer but I am genuinely scared to have my jab as both my elderly parents have been very ill after the vaccine one has actually been admitted to hospital ! I am not due to have mine yet as I’m only group 6 but I wondered if anyone else felt very nervous about it ? I want to have it together some kind of life back but on the other hand their recent experiences have really shaken me

[helixhelix]

I think it’s natural to feel anxious, and far better to express that than sit and worry by yourself.

I hope your parents are both recovering, and you will be able to relax soon and consider that getting the protection was worth if for them.

Have the doctors discussed their reactions with you as so unlucky to have both affected! Perhaps you could talk to your GP about it, and ask whether it would be better for you to have one of the other vaccines as you have the same genetic make up as your parents?

[Sue4983 in reply to helixhelix]

Yes thanks for your reply . I think you’re right They both had the same one so maybe avoid that one !

[Lolabridge in reply to Sue4983]

You could do that but I would prefer to understand what the reaction was and the likely cause before I ruled out the vaccine they have had. If it was an allergic reaction hopefully you will know whether you are likely to react in the same way.

[Sue4983 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thanks for your reply .I don’t think they were allergic reactions as they weren’t immediate .They both started feeling very ill two days after with vomiting diarrhoea and dizziness .My Mum is better now but my Dad is still in hospital .It doesn’t help that he’s also diabetic but fingers crossed he makes a slow recovery .My Mum says she will have the second one but my Dad has already said he won’t which I suppose is understandable but obviously not ideal .

[Lolabridge in reply to Sue4983]

I’m sorry to hear that and hope your dad will soon be well enough to come home.

[Wobblyone in reply to Sue4983]

It sounds to me like they've caught a tummy bug. We tend to forget there are still other things doing the rounds, not just covid. Hope they are are both on the mend soon.

[Sue4983 in reply to Wobblyone]

Yeah it could be but living in different houses to get the same symptoms exactly two days after when they were O K before it seems a great coincidence

[Wobblyone in reply to Sue4983]

I just assumed they had gone together to have their jabs. Sorry, didn't realise they were no longer together.

[Sue4983 in reply to Wobblyone]

No that’s fine That’s the worrying thing about it !

[Sue4983]

Thanks for your reply Ajay That’s my thoughts entirely I think there’s a lot more to learn about these vaccines and who will be more suitable for what one .

[KittyJ]

You’re not the only one feeling nervous Sue. I haven’t decided whether to have it or not yet. My situation is different in that I’ve had a bad reaction to a vaccine before and haven’t had any since (makes me panic to just think about it) I’m not going to think about it until I get the call, then I’ll decide. I think you need to find out if the vaccine was the cause as it could have been something else seeing as they were both ill with the same symptoms, or it’s just bad luck they both reacted. Then you can start to think about how you get the vaccine or not. You don’t want to spend the coming months worrying about it so some answers might help. Good luck, let us know how you go 🤗

[Sue4983 in reply to KittyJ]

Thanks Kitty Yeah it’s very strange because they have been divorced for years so don’t live together and neither one of them knew about the others reaction !

[KittyJ in reply to Sue4983]

Ah that is very strange, I didn’t realise they weren’t the same household.

[Downtime in reply to KittyJ]

I’m the same as you. I had a bad reaction to the only flu vaccine I’ve ever had 6 years ago and I haven’t had one since. I’m worried too and when I get the call I’m going to speak to my doctor and make a decision. The problem is our lives might be restricted in the future if we dont have it,so yet again we have to make the decision to take a risk to achieve a benefit.

[Sue4983 in reply to Downtime]

Yeah that’s very worrying for you . Just wish there was more info to base our decision on ! We’re probably going to have to make a decision in February with very little to go on

[KittyJ in reply to Downtime]

It’s difficult isn’t it Downtime.

[Kalimera57 in reply to Downtime]

I had my first ever flu jab last March and a few days later I started with what has become the worst flare ever. Pre March my CRP was 12 and I had almost no symptoms. I felt really well. Since then my CRP has been up to 185 and my haemoglobin dropped to 78 ( 70 is blood transfusion ). My walking is v challenging. My GP told me it was , ‘a known risk’ for RA patients. I wish I’d known! I feel people with RA should know this. Can I ask you what were your reactions to the jab?

[Downtime in reply to Kalimera57]

Hi Kalimera, after your flu jab experience I can see why you’re worried about the Covid vaccine. I’m so sorry that you’re still affected so badly after the flare. At the time I didn’t have RA. I had the jab and felt fine then a few days later I had a terrible headache stiff neck and awful back pains and nausea. Then my eyesight became very blurred. I do have migraines but this was nothing like one and my eyes took weeks to gradually get back to normal. Strangely it wasn’t long after this that my RA symptoms appeared. Im not saying it was linked and I’m no anti vaxxer. This was purely a personal experience but I’m not sure that the jab didn’t trigger my RA. It seems to make sense that if something suddenly boosts your immune system it might happen if you’re already pre disposed.

Just my view. I totally think the vaccine is the answer and I just wish I could feel easier in my mind about having it. x

[Kalimera57 in reply to Downtime]

I feel the same as you. I realise that the vaccine is essential but if I end up sicker than I am now I will be very distraught.

[Sue4983 in reply to Kalimera57]

Hi Kalimera That sounds bad I wish they did tell you all this beforehand When I have the flu jab I normally get a bad headache for a few days but that’s it really I’m just worried about the COVID vaccine because of my parents reactions to it My Dad is still in hospital and all they’re saying is it could have contributed to his illness but wasn’t the cause It’s very suspicious that a fairly healthy man whose never been in hospital in his life ends up there two days after having the jab !

[Kalimera57 in reply to Sue4983]

That is very worrying. How old is your father if you don’t mind me asking? Which vaccine did he have? I’m not an anti Vader but from my experience with my flu jab I am very concerned. I hope your father is out of hospital soon.

[Sue4983 in reply to Kalimera57]

Hi there He is 86 but in quite good health normally It was the Pfizer one Thank you that’s very kind

[Basilly]

I have had my first vaccine and apart from a sore arm, I felt fine. I am on abatacept. I hope that helps to relieve some of your worries about it.

[Sue4983 in reply to Basilly]

Thanks for your reply Basilly I don’t mind getting a sore arm or even feeling slightly fluey which most of us with Rheumatoid are used to anyway It’s just the symptoms my parents had were horrible ! Glad you’re feeling O K

[bpeal1]

Please discuss this with either your rheumatologist or GP. Is it possible to speak to the doctors treating your parents to see if they know what the reaction was? Hopefully gathering as much information as possible will help you make a decision.

[Tourk]

Hi sue, you are not alone in feeling this way about the vaccine. It does sound as if you have more reasons to worry about having it than most.What is worst the virus or the vaccine. I had covid so mild I didn't release until a couple if weeks later when it cleared my lungs.

I've been taking vitamin D for years. There is a link between low levels of vitamin D in your blood stream and being seriously ill / dying from covid.

My mother is 94 and haveing the vaccine has given her peace of mind, no reaction what so ever.

I'm not going to have the vaccine, I wouldn't even if I hadn't already had covid. My mother was looking forward to having peace of mind.

I understand why you are so concerned, I would not advise anyone not to have the vaccine, but I would suggest that you talk to your doctor.

More than anything give yourself time to relax. You do have a choice. It may be that your parents had the Pfizer vaccine. It has been linked to all sorts of problems. (Norway is the only country that has published).

Find out what vaccine your parents had. And adviod it

[Sue4983 in reply to Tourk]

Thank you for your reply Good advice

[BigJazza]

Vomiting and diarrhoea are unpleasant and I'm sorry to hear about your parents but neither are dead and yet Covid is a proven killer. I'm nervous too but I'd rather die from the vaccine than Covid. Your call. I know what mine is (and I can't wait for next Monday!)

[Hidden in reply to BigJazza]

Well said, BigJazza. There have not been any deaths reported from covid vaccinations and thousands from the virus. We're weighing a small risk against a high one. I had my vaccination last Friday with nothing but a bit of stiffness in my arm for the next two days. That said, I understand that when people have had previous bad responses to vaccines, or seen family members have them, it is a more difficult decision.

[catcat01]

I will not have the vaccine until I know more about possible side effects. I have had too many reactions/ side effects to perscribed drugs and food to just go ahead. The worst thing for me is I believe my R.A. was triggered by a perscribed drug to help me stop smoking. I had never had any aches or pains anywhere and regularly ran half marathons, now I need help with every day things. My symptoms started within 3 weeks of taking the drug. I know I’ll never know for certain but it is what I believe

[Sue4983]

That’s awful I’m sorry to hear that Mine started after a very stressful breakup and being left with an eleven week old baby The doctors won’t say that’s why but you just know your own body don’t you ?

[catcat01 in reply to Sue4983]

You do know your own body as you say. How old were you when you started, it must have been impossible for you mentally and physically to deal with your own illness and look after a new baby. My heart goes out to you xx

[Sue4983 in reply to catcat01]

I was 33 yeah it was very hard but I had a lot of help from my Mum who lived in the next road

[Hidden]

I understand why you are worried, but I would have thought that being a lot younger than your parents - inevitably - would mean your risk is less. There have been millions of vaccinations and hardly any severe side-effects, but perhaps you could get some reassurance from your consultant.

[Sue4983 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply Yeah that’s true but they’re probably healthier than me ! I will talk to Guys if I can get a telephone appointment

[66ra]

I had my first oxford jab 8 days ago no side effects apart from a headache for a few days ,that could just have been due to the start of a cold .Try not to worry and get correct information from NRAS or National health. good luck sta.y safe

[Sue4983 in reply to 66ra]

Thanks for your reply Yeah I’m going to go for that one if I can

[Arthurthecat in reply to Sue4983]

This is my personal history. Had Oxford vaccine Sunday lunchtime. Felt nauseous for about 12 hours. Then slept. Woke fine. Rushed about! As you do! Felt nauseous and achy all over with tenderness in arm with jab Monday. Went back to bed about 1pm. Tuesday better but not normal. Wednesday, today, feel really well and healthy, and hope have had good immune response. Personally I chose not to take methotrexate 20mg on Saturday and won’t take Benepali 50mg today. Was given conflicting advice by medical professionals- as I was when I was preparing for surgery- every case varies and difficult to predict. I have taken Sulphasalazine 2g each day. Will take a weeks break on the others. So relieved I have had the vaccine. Have tried to shield since March but made tricky every time teenage son has had to go in to school. I have been trying to walk once a day masked with one other person for weight control ( failing!) and mental health. Btw had flu jab since had RA and always been fine- and not had flu since started having them. So absolutely delighted I have had the vaccine. If my poor son inadvertently brings it home now and I do get it at least it is likely that I will survive. Fingers crossed it never comes to that.

[Durrell]

Hi Sue I’m sorry to hear both yr mum & dad have reacted to the vaccine.. my bosses are both in their 80tys both had the 1st (both shielded) he was fine, she had a really bad headache, felt nauseous & slight diarrhea , thankfully nothing more.. I’m extremely nervous too!! I’ve heard it’s younger people who are feeling unwell with the 2nd jab more so than elderly.. A girlfriend of mine is a young community nurse (well 30ty) several of her colleagues have had the 2nd jab & been quite unwell with it, though they think is is because they had their 2nd jab far to early, the at least 10 week guidance is there for a reason & it seems several had had it way before this.. Anyway yes I’m nervous along with many others I’m sure.,,

[Sue4983 in reply to Durrell]

Thanks for your reply This is what happened to my Dad but the diarrhoea became so severe they admitted him to hospital and the dehydration from it has now caused pneumonia so he is still in hospital My Mums wasnt so bad so she’s managed to stay at home It’s very concerning The hospital are now saying it was severe gastroenteritis but we will never know really

[Durrell in reply to Sue4983]

I prey your lovely dad makes a full recovery & can return home soon, you take care & have a really good chat with your health/vaccine provider should you decide to continue.. I genuinely think this whole virus & our responses is genetic, how we are made up etc..

[Sue4983 in reply to Durrell]

Thank you for your kind words Durrell Take care of yourself

[Gymcactus]

Hi I had the Pfizer vaccine on Saturday and apart from a sore arm at site of jab, all went well. I take Methotrexate and Sulphasalozine.

[Sue4983 in reply to Gymcactus]

That’s good to hear glad it went O K

[Leics]

I’m booked in for Covid vaccine this Friday I have had a very swollen arm after a vaccine before and the last flu jab did put me in bed for a couple of days. My immune system is seriously depleted and this is why I’m CEV as I’ve been shielding for almost a year I’m going to take my chances because getting the virus would probably be a death sentence for me so I’ve got some paracetamols ready and am prepared to stay in bed if needed hopefully it won’t happen. After this amount of time having not been out except for the flu jab and one hospital appointment since last February I’m very fed up of feeling that my condition puts loads of stress on my husband who is my carer as he has had to work through most of the pandemic and it must have been terrible for him to feel he has put me at so much risk almost every day that he’s had to work. Although shielding isn’t going to stop anytime soon at least with a wing and a prayer the stress will be better for all family members and I have the prospect of a less restrictive future. So sod it I will take my chances with the vaccine. It is a very personal thing though and I understand your concern. Good luck with your decision and maybe some advice from your medical team.

[Arthurthecat]

I should have said I was very nervous. I booked on the link. Panicked. Cancelled the booking but then thought how much I felt like a sitting duck apprehensive about schools going back, and swiftly rebooked. Anticipated I would feel unwell. But it’s worth it for the relief I feel now.

[Sue4983 in reply to Arthurthecat]

So you have you had it now ?

[Arthurthecat in reply to Sue4983]

Yes. Sunday just gone. Was unwell for a couple of days. Nausea and achy and headache. Just took paracetamol and went to bed. Now today Wednesday. Fit as a fiddle! So glad I did it

[Sue4983 in reply to Arthurthecat]

Oh that’s good must be a relief now !