AstraZeneca vaccine

[Pink006]

Hi Everyone, I wanted to share that I've had RA for 10years and have travelled pretty well until the 2nd AstraZeneca vaccine 6 weeks ago. I've experienced flare ups in my knees, shoulders, wrists and hands. I've been on Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine, I've now been prescribed Upadacitinib. I just wanted to share that my rheumatologist stated not to regret having the vaccine because if I've reacted like this to a tiny dose of the virus then imagine how I would have reacted if I had caught COVID. I hope that can reassure others.

[Tangerine25]

I am very sorry you are experiencing a flare and hope you feel better soon. I do not know if I have RA, but I also started having a flare of some sort 8 weeks ago. Exactly 2 weeks after I got the first Pfizer shot, with severe aches and swelling in multiple joints. I was worried about getting the second Pfizer shot but realized that if I react that strongly I would be for sure hospitalized if I caught COVID, so I had my second shot 19 days ago and my flare hasn’t worsened and I am immunized! I suspect in my case the vaccine helped my immune system show me what was hiding in me for years and might help speed up my diagnosis.

[Zara0123]

Thats really good to hear and I'm glad you've shared as I was getting worried about having the vaccine booster September onwards.

[Sheila_G]

I was ill after both vaccines (Astrazeneka) followed by mild flare ups. Not sure what it means but not looking forward to the booster although I will definitely have it.

[Knit12]

After my first Astra Zeneca shot my meds (baricitinib) stopped working, which was a nightmare as they had been going really well up until then. My consultant arranged for me to have my second vaccine early before starting me on my new medication.

I think that the vaccines seem to have similar make up to our RA drugs, hence why they are giving our drugs to severely ill hospitalised Covid patients. I have talked to several RA patients who have experienced problems after the vaccine, but like you I would far rather be vaccinated than experience Covid with our conditions without it.

I am waiting to start a new drug which I know that during the trial phase they gave to Covid patients.

[Tangerine25 in reply to Knit12]

Hi Knit12, fingers crossed that the new drug works for you 💕.

[Goldsky]

Hi Pink, yes I have had a flare since having Astra Zeneca too. My rheumatology specialist nurse told me that lots of people have, after the Pfizer one too.Hopefully the flare will stop soon. Better than getting Covid though obviously.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Stowe]

Thank you for sharing this, I hadn't thought about it like that as I have felt worse since my 2nd vaccine. ☹ I hope your feeling better soon. X

[gilox]

Well done & thank you for sharing,I had the Pfizer,no problem with the 1st, but 2nd one had a slight fever & ached all over, but I’m finding this humid weather an absolute nightmare! Left foot so swollen it’s difficult to get a shoe on, fingers really sore ( didn’t help when I slammed the car door on the middle finger right hand ouch!😮) hate to say it but I’m looking forward to Winter ( almost) take care .

[AgedCrone]

Your rheumatologist has a very good point….I had really nasty central nervous system after effects to both theAZ vaccinations I had……& my rheumy made the same comment.I’m still waiting for blood tests as to whether I shall have a booster if it is offered.Tbh with winter looming…..I might decline & hibernate!

[Zara0123 in reply to AgedCrone]

I don't blame you. I have been hibernating since last year February. Every time I build the courage and plan a trip to get the shopping I read about more people catching the virus after having both vaccines and I cancel my plans. What I'd do to take a trip to Tesco's 😄

[happytulip in reply to Zara0123]

I'm with you on everything you say.

[Zara0123 in reply to happytulip]

One day we'll both get a chance to venture out...in the near future 🤲 🤞Till then best to stay safe 💕

It really is the little things that count!! 🛒 🛍 😟

[Pink006 in reply to Zara0123]

I'm a firm believer in social participation for people's mental health. Wear a mask, social distance, wash her hands. You can't isolate forever. Go out and enjoy every minute of Tesco's, and while your at it enjoy the outdoors and get some essential vitamin D which is essential for every part of our health.

[AgedCrone in reply to Zara0123]

Just do it…..don your mask…keep your wits about you & just think of all the lovely meals you can make with your purchases.I was on the shielding list….but there was no way I was locking myself indoors “just in case”……. I was careful - you can soon gauge when the supermarkets are quiet…early morning they are empty & newly cleaned. Just think about it…… we haven’t heard of a plague of Covid amongst all the people who work in supermarkets have we?

It seems the virus has often been spread between family members, in schools & between people who attend large badly planned events.

.My hibernation if a booster jab is offered would be very selective…..after all..even tortoises wake up for food🦔

[KittyJ in reply to Zara0123]

Go for it Zara, you can’t stay locked up forever, if only for your mental health, the longer you stay locked up the more difficult it will be. I agree with AC, supermarkets have quiet times and you can stay safe and do the things to make it safer for you. I didn’t know people were still shielding (unless of course you have other reasons to be) I hope you feel able to venture out soon you must be really missing family and friends 😔