Flaring up after Booster

[Choccy23]

Good morning all,I hope everyone is well as can be given their conditions. I read everyone's messages but rarely post.

I had my fourth Covid vaccination yesterday morning. It should be my fifth but I didn't take the previous one. By late afternoon/evening, my shoulder was hurting and my hand and some fingers had inflammation and swelling, making it painful to use (can't make a fist) and I also had inflammation on my other hand and aches in different parts of my body such as when I'm flaring. I know my immune system is over reacting and I've taken painkillers. I don't usually have any symptoms after taking the vaccinations.

I suppose I'm a bit wary as I will not be able to take my metoject for two weeks and also because ever since my mum had her booster last June, she has had constant problems with her right shoulder and arm. She has osteoarthritis but I think it triggered RA in her as the symptoms are literally the same that I experience when mine is uncontrolled or flaring.

After my long waffle 😂🙈, I'm interested if people experienced flares straight after the booster and how long it took to settle down. I know everyone is different.

Thank you and have as good a day as you can.🙂

[TheBoys]

Hi - from the SpikeVaxx spring booster in May 22 I had flares right up to August these settled after a steroid injection but then after the Autumn 22 Spikevaxx booster I developed side effects which left me in hospital- and in recovery a constant series of flares plus several covid infections right up to about two months ago.

Now am on Amgevita and touch wood my RA is settling so am giving the current booster a miss though may take one in Autumn as just want to focus on being healthier , lose weight etc as need a knee replacement.

[Choccy23 in reply to TheBoys]

Thank you for replying.

Sorry to hear that you've been through a terrible time. I'm glad to hear that you seem to be doing much better now and your RA is settling. I hope it continues to do so.🤞

[J1707-]

yes every time . My first vaccine stopped my Baricitnib from working . It was the best drug so far for me and have yet to find another drug that works

[Choccy23 in reply to J1707-]

Thanks for your response. Having a flare everything must be frustrating to say the least. Sorry to hear that your drugs stopped working. I hope you can find another drug that works for you. 🤞

[WillowsMother in reply to J1707-]

Exactly the same story for me. I'm skipping the spring booster and will consider having one in the autumn...

[Choccy23 in reply to WillowsMother]

I hope you find the right drugs again and that you're not suffering too much.🤗

[Lolabridge]

I have read scientific reports that getting a short flare after the booster is not uncommon in patients with autoimmune conditions. Hopefully is means the booster is working for those people.

I have never had any reaction other than a slightly sore arm at the injection point. This last vax, my eighth, I had no reaction at all.

[Choccy23 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you for your reply.Well fingers crossed it means it's working for me then. 😉

Like you, I don't usually have any reactions, not even a sore arm! Whereas, my poor mum is still suffering from last June's booster.

We all respond so differently.

[oldtimer]

No flare after my seventh one. Just a sore upper arm for a few days and feeling like resting more. I like to keep my immunity as good as possible.

[Choccy23 in reply to oldtimer]

I'm glad it went well with minimal side effects.🙂

[Tourk]

Hi Choccy sorry to hear you are suffering I can understand your concern. Reading people's comments and from friends experiences about side effects this isn't that unusual. It tends to get better within a couple of weeks. As you said its just your body adjusting

I suggest you talk to your doctor, even if its just for peace of mind and to log your side effects. Don't be put off by the receptionist, my mother was brushed off when she asked to talk to a doctor.

I take it you are already taking vitamin D. If you feel upto it site in the sun get some fresh air, drink plenty of clean water.

I hope this helps

[Choccy23 in reply to Tourk]

Hi Tourk,

Thanks for your reply and advice.

I'm just keeping an eye on everything and hoping it will die down soon but I will let my team know about my reaction. It's reassuring to hear that your friend's side effects got better in a couple of weeks.

I'll see my doctor if the side effects don't improve after 3 weeks or so, just to give ny body time to recalibrate.

I'm hoping to enjoy some sunshine at the weekend if the weather forecast is accurate!

I hope you're well and enjoying the weather too.🙂

[Tourk in reply to Choccy23]

Thanks for your reply. Yes I could do with some decent weather I'm in the uk and every time the weather changes it plays havoc with me. Just one of the joys of having a spinal injury and ra.The reason I said to talk to your doctor is so your reaction can be logged. If you have problems at a later date there is a reference point. Saying that I'm the worst at seeing my doctor it's not so easy for me to get around, so it's a Convenient excuse to avoid going.

I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery

[Happy5]

Had similar experiences to you never sure if due to the booster or missing my MTX injection. Anyway for those reason I've decided to give my 6th booster a miss this time but will avail myself of it in Autumn along with the usual flu vaccine.

Each time I had my booster I ended up needing to go to the RA dept and have a systemic steroid injection to calm the flare. I got the impression from the RA nurse I wasn't the only one.

[Choccy23 in reply to Happy5]

Hi Happy5,Sorry to hear about your experiences. I hope you're feeling much better now and the mtx kicked back in when you restarted it.

[Llanberisman]

I’ve had no adverse reaction to my 7th jab last Monday. I’m taking methotrexate as normal, too.

[Choccy23 in reply to Llanberisman]

It's good that you've had no reactions. I don't usually either.I was advised previously to stop mtx/mtoject for two weeks after the vaccination.

It's always interesting to read on here the different advice that Rheumy teams give to patients.🙂