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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

briand3960 | @briand3960 | May 26, 2021
In reply to @2heal "I AM JUST READING YOUR POST FROM 12/28/20 and wondering if you have gotten the covid..." + (show)
@2heal

I AM JUST READING YOUR POST FROM 12/28/20 and wondering if you have gotten the covid vaccine by now OR WHETHER YOU CHOSE TO SKIP IT?

Jump to this post

After working in a hospital with many COVID-19 patients, I did get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series. Other than a sore arm, slight lymph node swelling in arm, and a little fatigue no other side effects. Very glad I did get it. I hope whatever your decision that you have good health in control of PMR.

REPLY
Jpccmc | @carteret | May 27, 2021

My husband 53 years old had the moderne vaccine in April. With in 24 hours he had severe pain in his hips and shoulders , he cannot put on his socks and shoes , is in pain when sleeping and it takes at least 45 minutes in the morning to get moving. His pain has been between a 7-10 since, off and on. He did not have these symptoms before. He did break his femur 30 years ago. His doctor did lab. Tests for PRM. The labs came back normal. He was sent to a orthopedic physician who has diagnosed him with Osteoarthritis of Hips and has scheduled hip replacement surgery in July and to see a masseuse for his shoulder pain. He is taking Celebrex twice a day and his pain is back . They are now offering valium to go with the Celebrex and to stop taking his Crestor . He did have a cortisone shot which last about 48 hours.
We at a loss and looking for some advice . His doctor does not feel the need for him to see a rheumatologist . he has seen urgent care , his general practitioner, the orthopedic surgeon, and has been to our local health department. All feel that the vaccine could not cause PMR . Where do we go from here ?

REPLY
5 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 27, 2021
In reply to @carteret "My husband 53 years old had the moderne vaccine in April. With in 24 hours he..." + (show)
@carteret

My husband 53 years old had the moderne vaccine in April. With in 24 hours he had severe pain in his hips and shoulders , he cannot put on his socks and shoes , is in pain when sleeping and it takes at least 45 minutes in the morning to get moving. His pain has been between a 7-10 since, off and on. He did not have these symptoms before. He did break his femur 30 years ago. His doctor did lab. Tests for PRM. The labs came back normal. He was sent to a orthopedic physician who has diagnosed him with Osteoarthritis of Hips and has scheduled hip replacement surgery in July and to see a masseuse for his shoulder pain. He is taking Celebrex twice a day and his pain is back . They are now offering valium to go with the Celebrex and to stop taking his Crestor . He did have a cortisone shot which last about 48 hours.
We at a loss and looking for some advice . His doctor does not feel the need for him to see a rheumatologist . he has seen urgent care , his general practitioner, the orthopedic surgeon, and has been to our local health department. All feel that the vaccine could not cause PMR . Where do we go from here ?

Jump to this post

Hello @carteret, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. I have no medical training or background but have had 2 occurrences of PMR and first diagnosed by a rheumatologist. I think you can have PMR even with low levels of CRP and ESR, the labs used to check for inflammation common with PMR. Here's more information on diagnosing PMR.

Polymyalgia rheumatica - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376545

Have you thought about getting a second opinion and seeing a rheumatologist?

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 27, 2021
In reply to @carteret "My husband 53 years old had the moderne vaccine in April. With in 24 hours he..." + (show)
@carteret

My husband 53 years old had the moderne vaccine in April. With in 24 hours he had severe pain in his hips and shoulders , he cannot put on his socks and shoes , is in pain when sleeping and it takes at least 45 minutes in the morning to get moving. His pain has been between a 7-10 since, off and on. He did not have these symptoms before. He did break his femur 30 years ago. His doctor did lab. Tests for PRM. The labs came back normal. He was sent to a orthopedic physician who has diagnosed him with Osteoarthritis of Hips and has scheduled hip replacement surgery in July and to see a masseuse for his shoulder pain. He is taking Celebrex twice a day and his pain is back . They are now offering valium to go with the Celebrex and to stop taking his Crestor . He did have a cortisone shot which last about 48 hours.
We at a loss and looking for some advice . His doctor does not feel the need for him to see a rheumatologist . he has seen urgent care , his general practitioner, the orthopedic surgeon, and has been to our local health department. All feel that the vaccine could not cause PMR . Where do we go from here ?

Jump to this post

I would surely second @johnbishop - the best place for diagnosis would be a rheumatologist.
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
cody0623 | @cody0623 | May 27, 2021

I've seen on this forum that several people have developed PMR after getting the COVID vaccine. I've had PMR and was decreasing my prednisone dosage when I got the Pfizer vaccine. Within a day, my PMR flared up and I'm now taking 20mg Prednisone for the pain. Please see a Rheumatologist and postpone surgery until you start on Prednisone. Good luck!

REPLY
1 reply
mimik211 | @mimik211 | May 27, 2021

Has anyone taking prednisone for PMR had antibody testing after receiving both doses of the vac to see if COVID antibodies are present?

REPLY
Jpccmc | @carteret | May 27, 2021
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @carteret, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hello @carteret, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. I have no medical training or background but have had 2 occurrences of PMR and first diagnosed by a rheumatologist. I think you can have PMR even with low levels of CRP and ESR, the labs used to check for inflammation common with PMR. Here's more information on diagnosing PMR.

Polymyalgia rheumatica - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyalgia-rheumatica/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376545

Have you thought about getting a second opinion and seeing a rheumatologist?

Jump to this post

It has taken me 8 weeks but yes my husband finally agreed to contact a rheumatologist . Thank you so much for giving me confidence

REPLY
1 reply
Jpccmc | @carteret | May 28, 2021
In reply to @cody0623 "I've seen on this forum that several people have developed PMR after getting the COVID vaccine...." + (show)
@cody0623

I've seen on this forum that several people have developed PMR after getting the COVID vaccine. I've had PMR and was decreasing my prednisone dosage when I got the Pfizer vaccine. Within a day, my PMR flared up and I'm now taking 20mg Prednisone for the pain. Please see a Rheumatologist and postpone surgery until you start on Prednisone. Good luck!

Jump to this post

Thank you

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.