Covid Injections reactivated RA

[Baileyparklands]

Having spent the past 11+ years with my RA in remission being managed by 17.5 Mtx and Hydroxychloroquine. The Constant Covid Jabs of the past 2years have reactivated my crazy immune system to a point where my medication has had to be changed. (Which has as yet failed to bring it back under control). Four months in to the new meds and my inflamation levels are still incredibly high. I feel as if I have been going backwards into a tunnel where I have arrived back at the same place I was when first diagnosed, with my mobility getting less and less. Has anyone else suffered a relapse due to the Covid jabs?

[TheBoys]

most definitely- though it’s probably due to your immune response which if you have an over active immune anyway- stirs it all up. Equally my covid incidents have caused flares. I’ve now been told have long covid. Having had four covid bouts since September am up and down. Currently starting another flare; am just taking diclofenac.

[Doodlereggie]

I was going to post today on this very subject as I had Covid booster yesterday and last night pain in hands and wrists flared so much I slept in my clothes as too painful to get out of dress!It was the newSanofi vaccine which is different from previous jabs,so may just be that.I have been doing so well on filgotinib for last 4 weeks,and as you say it is like going back to square one again.Hoping it will just be a few days,will just take painkillers and rest and wait for it to pass.Anyone else had this flare due to Covid jabs.Hope your new meds kick in soon,and lower your inflammation levels.keep positive xx

[EarthRock]

I have decided not to have anymore covid jabs. I had 3 in the height of the pandemic, which brought on failure of sarilumab had worst flare ever which is still happening now. We have tried 3 or 4 different medications all not worked. Started Filgotinib a week ago and so far working better than anything, but feet still very painful. Early days am hoping for more improvement over the next few weeks.At this moment in time I will not ever have another covid jab. Interestingly the flu jab and a recent shingles vaccine didn't bother me at all.

I guess we all react differently though. Make the right decision for you. All our circumstances are different. Good luck.

[Doodlereggie in reply to EarthRock]

just a quick one to say I started filgotinib 4 weeks ago and it gets better and better,so hopefully will be the same for you.no side effects at all,and pain in hands and wrists is so much better already.as with you feet still painful,but that may need more help from podiatrist,and better shoes!keep us posted.

[Runrig01]

I’ve had a flare following most of the covid vaccines. I’m in number 7 now, which was the new Pfizer one, that protects against Omicron. I had my latest a few days ago, and my AS pains have all flared up, especially my rib, pelvis and hips, but also hands and feet. I don’t generally suffer any of the usual side effects.

[LinaM]

yes I had flares from each of the three I had (esp the third one) Won’t have any more unless I’m convinced it’s necessary. I fail to see how constantly firing off someone’s immune system is not an abuse of that system . I hope you find something to help bring your RA under control again .

[grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr]

So sorry this has happened to you - and this was the reason I made the very difficult decision not to have the vaccinations - for fear of upsetting my RA. I hope that you are able to get things under control again.

[Sunshinereturns]

The covid vaccine triggered my RA in the first place. There is no doubt about it. Subsequent ones made everything worse again and it took months and higher and higher meds to stabilise. I will never have another covid vaccine again. I’ve had covid twice with no flares triggered.

[Nana246 in reply to Sunshinereturns]

Same here. First Covid jab bought on the beginning of my RA. Interesttto hear you say that 🤦‍♀️

[GlamNana]

I am have a covid jab on Saturday. The extra one for over 75

[Bakerannie]

2 years ago, at age 60, and still a middle distance runner, I had my first AZ jab. 4 weeks after the jab, I developed tendon, joint and muscle symptoms so severe I had difficulty making it from lounge to toilet. Fast forward 2 years later, after 5 Covid jabs and after a full 2 years of severe to very severe symptoms, in the past 6 weeks I have progressed from sitting on the lounge to being able to walk the aisles of the supermarket, thanks to upadactinib, a JAK inhibitor. I have tried and failed adalimumab and etanercept, and also continue to take MTX subcut, Hydroxychloroquine and Prednisone 5 mg for maintenance. My GP and I are absolutely convinced my Psoriatic Arthritis (without Psoriasis) was brought on by the Covid jabs, and I will never have one put in my body again, once again just my experience. Very worrying, my husband, an extremely fit 57 year old who kiteboards on the ocean 3-4 hours daily (we're in Australia) has very suddenly started to experience joint pain and stiffness, albeit not as severe as my first symptoms. He also has had 4 jabs, and will be refusing any further jabs. It will be interesting in a few years to be able to reflect on the incidence of rheumatological autoimmune conditions after Covid vaccines. I am an RN and certainly not an alarmist, and still heartily believe in the vaccine program; unfortunately with my personal experience my life has definitely been turned on its head. If you are one who does not seem to suffer with the vaccines, they are very good protection for a potentially lethal viral infection in the immunocompromised.

[Nana246 in reply to Bakerannie]

Hi I am in Australia too and my story is very similar to yours. I was annoyed I had to have AZ and hung out to see if one of the other vaccines would be available to my age group. In the end had the AZ and within two weeks the symptoms of my RA began. I too have had a very painful two years and a hip replacement this year. Interesting to hear your story. Has changed my life completely too 😊

[oldtimer2]

I've not had any flares following any of the Covid vaccines. Sometimes not felt well for a few days and had a sore arm, but that's it. For me, well worth it, if it protects me from having Covid.

[Grumpyoldmare]

I was the same. Not only did I come down with shingles but my RA has been awful ever since! Will NOT be having any more Covid shots or mRNA vaccines u til more research is done

[GinnyE]

I had my seventh vaccination, Pfizer, on Monday. Sore arm and a bit off for a day or two but that's all. It's horrible having to balance posdibly contracting a dangerous virus against the possible foul effects of vaccine.

[Mich1701]

I was pretty much OK and in remission til the jabs. My rheumy wants to change my biological. She says the Imraldi my not be working anymore. The jabs always send me nto a flare. I don't want anymore. Even after the jabs still got covid anyway.

[Happy5]

Combo of vaccines and not taking my MTX did cause flares the boosters not so much. It's more a case of missing my MTX does for a couple of weeks causes me this problem.

I go my call up for the Spring booster and decided to give it a miss this time, with the view, being outdoors more , taking similar precautions as before, avoiding over crowded places. However I suspect I will be availing myself of the Autumn booster if offered.

All a series of rock & hard place with this condition.

😊

[Blackberrywine]

I'm sorry to hear that. It's not unusual unfortunately. It was the main reason I decided against taking the injections. I read that they can cause autoimmune issues, and a worsening of muscular skeletal issues.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.