To jab or not to jab

[JAC1947]

Hi

I was diagnosed January this year. I am on Prednisolone trying to taper to come off as I hate the effects. I have had 5 Covid jabs, 4 were Pfizer and the last one was Moderna, which I am convinced started PMR. I now wonder whether to have the next one as I am coping reasonably well and do not want any more effects from a jab. What say see wise people? Thank you in advance.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If you had 4 without issues, then would say you were unlucky with the 5th one…. I know there is no guarantee with what brand you get, but a reaction [even if you get one this time around] is probably a better option than Covid itself.

The new variant is worrying which is why the programme has been started earlier than planned, so I would encourage you accept it.

I had mine on Saturday [Pfizer Comirnaty Omicron] - no problem- but then GCA long in remission….

..but obviously it’s your choice.

[Koalajane]

I have had all of the vaccination offered and not had a problem. I had my flu and Covid together over a week ago.

It is your choice but I have never found it a difficult choice.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Any vaccination could be the final straw and trigger for PMR - as well as a whole range of other things. If the vaccine could do it - just think what the actual virus could do.

[Inan]

Like you I was diagnosed with PMR last January ,also had 4 jabs but Moderna first then 4 x Pfizer. I also tested positive twice in March and June last year .

I also had bad side effects,palpitations ,weight gain and high Bp 182/112 so now have to take Amlodipine . I became very depressed ,didn't go out for 3 months all through the hot weather,eventually had to ask for help with the depression so now on Mirtazapine on top of all the other meds. Before my PMR diagnosis I took just 1 statin every night.

I told my GP months ago that I wanted to come off these evil little things and he said it had to be a slow taper. I'm now down to 4mg daily. I have not been pain free or anywhere near since I was on 12.5mg so also take the max of Paracetamol daily ,also use Ibuprofen and CBD gel.

I was referred to Rheumatology last March,finally had my appointment last week. ESR is ok 24 but CRP is above high ref for the lab at 6,down from 8 in April. Vit D level is low ,not helped that I had no sun on my skin all summer so I'm to be given a replacement loading of that ,My Rheumy wants me to have an MRI scan which is booked in 2 weeks time. She is also starting me on Methotrexate after a clinic appointment next week.In the meantime I am not to taper any further until she sees me again in 3 months time.

I fully understand your wish to get off Pred ,it has caused me a lot of very serious issues,so much so that I would rather cope with the pain than the awful side effects,just take advice and do it slowly and carefully.

Will I have my next jab ? Yes I will.