I have GCA/LVV and take methotrexate 12.5mg and pred 4.5mg. I had my covid vaccination 12 days ago and have been very unwell since. Starting with what felt like a cold which lasted 2/3 days then went. A day not to bad then symptoms that are similar to my early GCA ones. Headaches every day, pain left temple eye and jaw. Extreme tiredness, aches and pains arms shoulders neck. Inability to do very much at all. Has anyone else felt like this? I am concerned that it may be a flare and not the vaccine. Luckily I am having my blood tests tomorrow and see my rheumy next Tuesday. I had been feeling very good for quite a while so this is a bit of an upset to things.
Problems post covid vaccine: I have GCA/LVV and... - PMRGCAuk
Problems post covid vaccine
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KASHMIRI1
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I think you should call 111 because a) you recognise those symptoms, b) they are textbook for GCA and c) had a trigger to the immune system that can come from both the vaccine and Covid. Yes, you could wait for bloods but you won’t get the result there’s and then so more waiting. Also, you don’t know if the markers are showing yet, even if they will and symptoms always trump the numbers. What a worry!
Echo other responses re ringing 111 they can send you to one of their out of hours medical hubs who will check you out and take bloods there and then. Best to be on the safe side.
Thank you for your thoughts
Thank you again, I managed to get a blood test fast tracked yesterday which was with my rheumy at 2-30. I had left his secretary a message first thing yesterday and he phoned me and put my steroids up a bit until I see him next Tuesday. Amazing service from the medical team.
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer
Sounds too much like GCA not to take action as suggested by SnazzyD . Please do so and let us know the outcome… all the best.
Thank you DL I am off to Bournemouth for an early blood test appointment this morning. I can also phone Doctor Ks secretary and see what he thinks.
PMRproAmbassador
I agree with Snazzy - medical advice required asap.
The cold was probably coincidence/waiting in the wings anyway, but the GCA symptoms may well have been poked by the jab and the cold.
Thank you PMRpro I am off for my blood test first thing this morning. It was weird that the cold symptoms totally went after just two days. I am seeing my rheumy in a weeks time. I can contact my rheumy secretary for advise as well, They are brilliant at Poole but very busy
Cold symptoms are recognised reactions to vaccines - but the GCA type ones not so much. Hope it is all just a false alarm
Hi! PMRpro had a very good day today. Blood test at 9.20 that was fast tracked. Doctor Khurshid called me at 2-30 and the bloods where with him and all is ok. He has asked me to increase steroids until we meet next Tuesday.
Thank you. I have had my blood test and it's being fast tracked to the rheumy Also left a message with his secretary who is good at getting them to him. He usually responds quite quickly if he deems it worthy of attention!!
Good... hope you get a prompt reply...
Hi! DL I have had a great day I left Doctor Khushids secretary a message first thing. Then I had a blood test at Bournemouth at 9.20 which was fast tracked. Doctor Khurshid phoned at 2-30. He had the results and all good. He asked me to increase the steroids until I see him next Tuesday. So I feel much happier about things now. We had a look around part of the new hospital today its really lovely with a Co-op, Costa, and a clothes shop. Its so clean and modern. A&E is moving over shortly. Parking still a bit of an issue. We are lucky to have such a facility in our area. Thank you for you input today.
That’s good to hear - what dose has he increased you to?
Up to 6 for the next week which is up from 4.5. I am feeling much better this morning. but really need to keep under 5 as they wont perform my spinal stenosis op. So we will see what Doctor K thinks then. He really is great. I think he helps by being so calm and knowing what to advise. I wouldn't have liked to navigate the path of GCA without him and this forum. Thank you
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