1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Is it safe to get the Corona Virus (COVID-19) vaccine with PMR?

Posted by ncgal @ncgal, Nov 19, 2020

Just wondering if anyone has found out if it is okay to get the corona virus vaccine once it comes out. I'm 78, so past the 65+ age for early vaccinations, plus having the autoimmune diagnosis. I don't see my rheumatologist for another two months but guess I'll call him to find out if t comes to that. Just thought I'd see if anyone else has found out. I had no problem with the flu shot.

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peggyp | @peggyp | Feb 25, 2021
In reply to @sherrybird "I was diagnosed in 2013. I also had a vitamin D level of 2. Can't remember..." + (show)
@sherrybird

I was diagnosed in 2013. I also had a vitamin D level of 2. Can't remember my sed rate, But it was high. When my vitamin D levels were brought back up fo normal, my sed rate also dropped. I get tested 2x's a year to make sure the sed rate doesn't go crazy and my D levels don't drop again. I am lucky that I can control the flares with Naproxen. I'm also thankful that my Dr didn't want me to get on the prednisone merry-go-round.

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Naproxen and Ibuprofen are much worse for your body than prednisone. I took Ibuprofen for almost a year before PMR diagnosis 2016. It caused an ulcer that erupted in 2017 during knee replacement. You might be interested in reading the Mayo Clinic/Matheson 2017 survey on PMR and Prednisone. The web site articles were put on this forum by Colleen Young on Feb 22 as, being a new member, I could not do.

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1 reply
artist01 | @artist01 | Feb 25, 2021
In reply to @peggyp "How long have you had PMR and why aren't you on prednisone? If the PMR inflammation..." + (show)
@peggyp

How long have you had PMR and why aren't you on prednisone? If the PMR inflammation is not controlled, it could develop into Giant Cell Arteritis which can cause blindness.

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@peggyp, Absolutely correct! I lost vision in my right eye before I finally got the GCA diagnosis.

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mcicchillo | @mcicchillo | Feb 25, 2021

I got my first vaccine shot 2 weeks ago with no problem. I am off prednisone, so that may be why.

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peggyp | @peggyp | Feb 25, 2021
In reply to @mcicchillo "I got my first vaccine shot 2 weeks ago with no problem. I am off prednisone,..." + (show)
@mcicchillo

I got my first vaccine shot 2 weeks ago with no problem. I am off prednisone, so that may be why.

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I got my first Moderna shot and had a sore arm for a couple of days. No big deal. I have been on prednisone for five years and have had no trouble with shots.

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sherrybird | @sherrybird | Feb 26, 2021
In reply to @peggyp "Naproxen and Ibuprofen are much worse for your body than prednisone. I took Ibuprofen for almost..." + (show)
@peggyp

Naproxen and Ibuprofen are much worse for your body than prednisone. I took Ibuprofen for almost a year before PMR diagnosis 2016. It caused an ulcer that erupted in 2017 during knee replacement. You might be interested in reading the Mayo Clinic/Matheson 2017 survey on PMR and Prednisone. The web site articles were put on this forum by Colleen Young on Feb 22 as, being a new member, I could not do.

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I don't take Naproxen regularly. Just when I feel a flare coming on. I havent taken one for 2 weeks. And then only one.

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sherrybird | @sherrybird | Feb 26, 2021

Day 2 after 2nd Phizer shot. Still running a temp. 99.1, but PMR has settled down. I do have swollen lymph node under arm that received the shot. Will continue to take tylenol.

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1 reply
kimh | @kimh | Feb 26, 2021
In reply to @sherrybird "Day 2 after 2nd Phizer shot. Still running a temp. 99.1, but PMR has settled down...." + (show)
@sherrybird

Day 2 after 2nd Phizer shot. Still running a temp. 99.1, but PMR has settled down. I do have swollen lymph node under arm that received the shot. Will continue to take tylenol.

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Thanks @sherrybird for the update! Does your doctor know about your reaction?

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irishdancer | @irishdancer | Feb 26, 2021

Hi sherrybird, You should let your doctor know and report the side effect (swollen lymph node) to the FDA for monitoring of side effects to the vaccine. There has been reports of lymph node swelling and recommendations have now been issued. https://www.sbi-online.org/Portals/0/Position%20Statements/2021/SBI-recommendations-for-managing-axillary-adenopathy-post-COVID-vaccination.pdf

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sherrybird | @sherrybird | Feb 26, 2021
In reply to @kimh "Thanks @sherrybird for the update! Does your doctor know about your reaction?" + (show)
@kimh

Thanks @sherrybird for the update! Does your doctor know about your reaction?

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I'll let him know the next time I see him. These are k own side effects, so I m not concerted.

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1 reply
kimh | @kimh | Feb 26, 2021
In reply to @sherrybird "I'll let him know the next time I see him. These are k own side effects,..." + (show)
@sherrybird

I'll let him know the next time I see him. These are k own side effects, so I m not concerted.

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It's a 'just in case' suggestion. He may want to monitor and/or use your experience to help with other patients. Take care.

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