I have a dilemma.

[libchp65]

Folks, I am asking for suggestions and/or anecdotal accounts of this happening to you and how you handled the situation with getting the Covid vaccine. I apologize for the length, but felt you needed to know the history behind my dilemma.

History:

• PMR Dx in Jan., 2018. Currently DSNS taper from 8.5 – 8.0 mg.

•Previous unremarkable history with vaccines of any kind.

•2018 – lifting a pan of pasta water with left arm to wipe off the bottom resulted in a “popping” pain that resulted in bilateral muscle rigidity in forearms within a week. Condition has remained constant to this day.

•2018 – 23 mg of Prednisone – no reaction to flu vaccine

•2019 – 12.5 mg Prednisone – bilateral muscle rigidity in biceps within 1 week of getting the flu vaccine. Condition has remained constant to this day.

•Conditions are uncomfortable, but do not interfere with use of my arms, however I am cautious with what I lift.

My dilemma is that while I absolutely do not fear getting the Covid vaccine, I am very concerned about the method of delivery and how my arms could be further compromised, perhaps even to the point where I could not possibly drive. Both my GP and my compounding pharmacist have advised me to wait. If I do take the plunge, would go up to 23 mg of prednisone the day before, the day of and the day after the injection, then taper back down at the rate of 1 mg/day. My thought is to consider the J & J vaccine (one injection), understanding that prednisone will lower the efficacy of the vaccine.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thank you!

[Coffeebeans]

Personally I think the risk of covid outweighs any side effects from the vaccine and I would go for it.

Advice from Sarah Mackie (Rheumatologist, Leeds teaching hospitals) was not to increase or decrease current medication but to ensure condition is under good control. She encouraged everyone to go for it.

I realise you are concerned about the arms however I believe covid would impact on your life more significantly and would certainly stop you from driving in the short term.

There's a mix across the forum from people who had no symptoms from the jab to a few that had a flare up. Either way, less of an impact than having covid.

[mgrogers99]

When I got my series of two shingle vaccines I asked the RN if I could have the shot in my hip because of my arm pain. She did it but I was in a room with a door so there was privacy. Usually the Covid lines are long, without privacy, so that may not be possible. Just an idea....Coffee beans is right though. I had Covid in December and just drove for the first time two weeks ago. My arms are important but being able to breath was my main goal!

[Koalajane in reply to mgrogers99]

I was in a closed room for both my vaccinations

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You might find these interesting:

ctvnews.ca/health/coronavir...

cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/i...

says "†​Alternately, the anterolateral thigh can be used."

[mgrogers99 in reply to PMRpro]

I rotate my insulin and methotrexate injections, often using my thighs--it's more work though, depending on what type of clothing you are wearing!

[Marijo1951]

One of my neighbours had both of her COVID jabs in her thigh because she has problems with her arms after having lymph nodes removed. Similarly she has her annual flu jab in her thigh. She says that it's always fine apart from a bit of shortlived stiffness and soreness in her leg. It's slightly inconvenient if she's wearing trousers so she always wears a skirt and, unless it's very cold, no tights, so it could be a bit more difficult for a man.

[piglette in reply to Marijo1951]

A man could wear a kilt!!!

[libchp65]

Thanks, everyone, for your responses. I had considered an alternative muscle location for the vaccine, but didn't want to compromise another area. I had great hopes that someone else experienced the weird complication from an injection in a muscle, but sadly, seems like I'm a weird wench! My GP and compounding pharmacist had never heard of anyone having such a reaction. I will continue to practice the safety protocol, including wearing double masks, as per advice from Dr. Fauci, until I make the informed decision on the best route for getting the vaccination. I dream of suddenly going into remission and waking up with normal arm muscles again. Again, thank you for all of your support.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to libchp65]

I would have mentioned the common shoulder problem with wrongly positioned needles but your problem is bilateral so I didn't think that would apply.

[benhemp]

My take is that your body and your GP and your compounding pharmacist are all telling you to wait on the vaccination. I would put it off for a later time as they suggest.