AZ jab and GCA symptoms

[maria40]

Yesterday I had low level GCA symptoms - painful chewing, slight temple headache, and a little scalp soreness. These have gone today but I'm slightly worried as I'm due to have 2nd AZ jab on Sunday and fear that may bring back the symptoms.

I'm currently on 11.5 mg pred and have enough stashed to go up to 15 if necessary but I don't want to this if avoidable as I'm due to go back into hospital on the 18th May and don't want to be on higher steroids when I have GA. I will raise this at my pre assessment next week as there's no point in trying to get to GP at the moment so it's DIY treatment.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would discuss it with the doctor at the vaccine appointment, I really don't think higher steroids are a problem when you are getting a GA - the anaesthetist will almost certainly need to give you intraoperative steroids to cover for potential adrenal insufficiency anyway.

[Ringo4]

Hi Maria40Personally, if I was going into hospital for an op. I would definitely have the 2nd jab. The point being to limit the impact of a coronavirus infection. Sadly, there are still too many NHS staff refusing the vaccination options (depending what part of the UK you are in) and other issues but don’t get me started on infection control! Hope all goes well.

[maria40 in reply to Ringo4]

Thank you, I really want to have it but had some doubts about high steroids. It's certainly better to have a nasty reaction - as I did to the first jab- than to catch Covid

[Ringo4 in reply to maria40]

And as PMRpro pointed out, the Anaesthetist is likely to give you steroids as well which is normal practice. I know I was very apprehensive about the second jab but didn’t get a reaction the second time despite feeling that my PMR/GCA was quite lively so I will keep my fingers crossed for you.