Post vaccine gca

[Celticrival]

Hand pmr in 2015, four years of Pred and finally off the steroids and reasonably ok but post 2nd Astra Zeneca vacrime 10 days ago plagues by constant headaches. Esr 62 Crp 20. Docs not sure. It put on 20 mg of Pred prior to more bloods on Thursday. Definately not normal pmr flare so concerns maybe Gca, anyone else had problems after vaccination?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Some have commented on illness flaring after vaccine, in particular fatigue seems to be an issue.

Headaches are a side effect of most vaccines, but yours do seem extreme, have you reported it via the Yellow Card scheme ?

Any other symptoms?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

A lot of us have had flares after the jabs - but mostly PMR symptoms and fatigue. I assume painkillers do nothing?

[Celticrival in reply to PMRpro]

No painkillers not helping much, doctors can't decide if the esr and Cpr levels are high enough to indicate Gca which is why they are hedging their bets at 20mg, any thoughts. I have asked if they can do a biopsy but told west wales and covid mean that is unlikely to happen. Am having more blood tests on Thursday, would appreciate any thoughts you may have on the likelihood of it being Gca. Many thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Celticrival]

Up to 20% of GCA patients have ESR/CRP that remain within normal range - you don't have to have sky high levels so tell them to forget that as an excuse.

As DL says - any other symptoms?

[piglette]

I had chills after Astra Zeneca and felt really rough after the first one. During the second one by vaccinator hit a nerve so my arm was sore for a week too!!