Vaccine appointment

[Janann25]

I had my letter yesterday inviting me to phone for an appointment. Well, after redialling the number for almost two hours I was answered by a very pleasant person who checked name and hospital number then asked me basic info about my health. All was ok until the word steroid was mentioned. There was a sharp intake of breath followed by a muffled conversation with her colleagues. I was then told to check with my own doctor. I pointed out that, as it was 3.30pm on a Friday, and my appointment was due to be on Monday, there was no chance of me talking to my surgery before then! So there was another muffled conversation and I was eventually told still to attend but a doctor would see me first. So, I’ll keep the appointment but just wondering whether anyone else has a similar experience? In any case, I’ll let you know how I get on.

Jan

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Obviously a hole in the training manual! Given the population being approached at present there is a fairly high proportion who are likely to have histories of PMR or GCA and pred.

Actually, a few people on the forum have already had their vaccine, even with a history of allergies, There was a nurse led questionnaire and if there are queries you are sent to the doctor for cross-examination.

[123-go]

It will be interesting to know what happens when you attend.🙂

[SheffieldJane]

Oh dear! Perhaps we all should have a written decision from our Rheumatologists in advance, if they are good ones. I can just imagine being turned away.

[Janann25 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Yes, I was thinking of leaving a message for the nurses at our rheumatology department. My blood tests every few months are authorised by that department and when I phone for the results they’re very helpful. My appointment is at 1.45pm so they may be able to get back to me before then 🤞

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Janann25]

I was still waiting for a reply after 3 weeks!

[SheffieldJane]

That sounds like a plan. I have the added complication of Tocilizumab. I can just imagine the blank looks. I don’t think our surgery is expecting vaccine supplies until the New Year.

[Longtimer in reply to SheffieldJane]

Think I will be the same maybe because of MT X injectio ns. Just heard a local 88 year old lady say she waited 2 hours at local h ospital, sitting close to others and no system who is next!...😱.......couldn't sit around that long with the OA in the spine and other problems....here's praying my surgery call me!..🙏..

[Janann25 in reply to Longtimer]

Wow, that’s terrible. I must admit I’m not looking forward to going, especially if we’re expected to wait so long. Providing they keep to appointment times, I’ll wait in my car until the last minute!

[Longtimer in reply to Janann25]

Good idea..they can text me when it's my turn....

[Janann25 in reply to Longtimer]

Good idea 😄

[piglette in reply to Janann25]

It is the 15 minute wait after to check we are OK that is a pain.

[Janann25 in reply to piglette]

I can totally understand - but having had a young friend of mine (she’s a frontline nurse) feel really faint for half an hour after the vaccination, I think I’ll put up with it😊. And I’d better explain that she was fine by the following morning!

[Constance13 in reply to Longtimer]

It wouldn't do me any good either "sitting around for 2 hours". I'd feel lucky if I managed to get to the appointment at all.

[Longtimer in reply to Constance13]

Exactly.....not good!....

[piglette]

What dose of steroids are you on?

[Janann25 in reply to piglette]

I tried reducing to 4 1/2 a couple of weeks ago but it was too much so I’m back to 5 for a month or two.

[piglette in reply to Janann25]

I would have thought at that dose the vaccine should be OK. They will be checking though before they give it to you as they said.

[Mgt1234]

Hi, I had a phone consultation with my Rheumatologist 4 days ago. I have PMR and GCA plus other health challenges, SVT, steroid induced diabetes etc. I take 10mg Prednisolone and have for many many years (diagnosed over 12 years ago) as it’s the only way I can manage the flare ups. We discussed the Covid vaccine and I was advised to have it, she told me she will include her approval in my letter to my GP. Hope this helps. Best wishes for a healthy and happy Christmas and New Year.

[ChinaWuntoo]

I'm on 8mg. Partner is allergic to penicillin. First screening person had doubts about us both - but said ask the doctor who gives the jab. Doctor didn't blink an eye and we both had it. As for waiting, ours was like a perfect production line - unbeleivably efficient- and the 15 minute wait is really no problem given the probably advantages of having the vaccine.

[Janann25 in reply to ChinaWuntoo]

Here’s hoping my experience is the same!

[Nagswoman]

I will not get invited until the 4th wave of vaccines, with the rest of the clinically extremely vulnerables. There are 3 groups before me. Our surgery is very efficient with vaccine rollouts. They are on the over 80s, the 2nd group, right now and did 960 last week.

[Janann25 in reply to Nagswoman]

I’ve not long had my 80th birthday and, apart from PMR, also have mild COPD so I suppose that’s the reason I’ve been called now - let’s just hope that it’s rolled out to everyone ASAP.