Influenza Vaccine

[djgolding]

interestingly, I have to thank the Flu vacc for my CLL diagnosis as my Haematologist reckons that the immunological assault of the vaccine may have caused the splenamegaly that brought me to this point and yet I have so much faith in the efficacy of the Flu vacc so must continue to get my annual shot. Cleft sticks or what?

[Hidden]

The hospital always checks for enlarged spleen when checking my blood results, seems its to be expected as a symptom of CLL . It will be interesting whether this is a temporary reaction to the flu vac.

Please keep us posted

Bub

[djgolding in reply to Hidden]

Yes, an enlarged spleen is a symptom in CLL but it took a leap, from nothing, to being a painful swelling that restricted my ability to take a deep breath (lower left lobe unable to expand fully and significant pain in the left upper abdomen) within 24 hours of my Flu jab. I didn't even know my spleen was compromised until then and that was what led to the diagnosis of CLL, so it had been subclinical until then. Possibly an argument for everyone who has any sort of reaction to a vaccine to ensure it is checked out. At least now I know that I have CLL when it may have been a lot longer before other symptoms led to a diagnosis. I've been using Cocodamol to reduce the pain of the splenamegaly as it gradually reduces in size (very slowly - at least the pain is intermittent as opposed to being as crippling as it was in the days immediately after the Flu jab).

The Haematologist reckons it'll need the FCR to get the spleen properly reduced, at present I'm just treating the symptom not the cause.

I will keep posting,

Djg

[Hidden in reply to djgolding]

Oh that must have been frightening. Glad it is reducing even if not quick enough. Appreciate you sharing so we can all be more aware. Hope the cocodamol don't upset your system too much.

Here's hoping it will reduce further as your system adjusts. Be interesting to hear if anyone else has experienced the effect you suffered.

Meanwhile take care and have a peaceful Christmas.

Bub