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Thank you for this information! I agree that it seems like something lurks in the background ready to pounce and something happens to put the autoimmune system in overdrive, and voila - in my case, PMR attacks out of nowhere. I see both traditional and functional medicine practioners and believe both have worth. In the case of my functional friends diet and healthy living are emphasized and of course that's harder than taking a pill. But at some point that pill (prednisone) is desperately needed. I have always gotten all of my vaccines and did so with Covid as well... but I am highly suspicious that the covid vaccines were the straw that broke the camels back so to say, and revved up my immune system and ultimately that's what caused the PMR to surface. We know that's what vaccines do put the immune system in overdrive (that's what they're supposed to do) and we also know that our immune systems don't work as well with age. My dilemma now is what to do about the booster shot. I don't want PMR to surface again, I'm still trying to get to 15 mg Prednisone, down from 40. Is anyone else struggling with what to do about the booster shot?
Replies to "Thank you for this information! I agree that it seems like something lurks in the background..."
I had the 2nd Moderna shot in Feb and 2 weeks later, NEVER having had PMR (I am 77) all the symptoms came on overnight. I did not know about PMR so I didn't know what to attribute the galloping pain in muscles...I just kept saying: Something is wrong with my muscles and joints. It took 4 months of working with my PCP and getting a million tests and then she referred me to a Rheumatologist. My sed rate was 49, CRP normal. To make it simple, I have PMR. I truly see it having coming on with the MOderna shot...I still believe it was important to get the shot given my other physical liabilities (Pancreatic cancer survivor 5.5 year when I was supposed to live only 2 months!).
On the booster. I saw my Immunologist and he tested my antibodies for Covid. I am in GREAT shape. Protected well. He said we should wait until the protection wanes from the MOderna, and he says it will...his has, his mothers' has, his wife's has. But, to wait till the 8 month window to see again
Meantime, it is now 8 weeks on 10 mg prednisone. Plenty of side effects...enough to try the first level wean...down to 9 mg from 10 mg. Not so easy. Some pain (not all of it) returned). I am going to stick this out at 9 mg for a while and see if I can lessen the BP and blood sugar effects (I am type II and on 2 kinds of insulin). I have been eating very low carb for 9 weeks, eating 16/8 itermittent fasting. NO packaged or processed foods. I believe that is keeping my weignt under control. I have gained only 2 lbs in 9 weeks which I think I great. So, YES, I believe that MOderna shot number 2 kicked off this PMR. I don't know yet if I will get the booster...pondering that...Not time yet. May want another set of antibody tests before I decide. Best to you! Sharon
I had the flu shot a couple of weeks ago without any flareups. If offered the booster shot for COVID, I will take it. I'd rather have my immune system react with a flare-up of PMR or GCA than go to battle with COVID. At least the symptoms of PMR and GCA can be managed with prednisone, and for the most part, are not life-threatening.
I got PMR after being put on Cipro after my colonoscopy (I have diverticulosis). However, I have had all three of the COVID vaccines with no problem. I'm even down to 2 mgs. of Prednisone after being put on Plaquenil. Obviously each individual is different about how their onset started, but it does seem that a "boost' of some sort puts your system into overdrive.
@kspowell. HI ks. I have had GCA since March, 2019. I was treated in July, 2019, with 3 days' hospitalization on 1000 daily units of I.V. Prednisone because I suddenly lost the vision in my right eye and Prednisone could hopefully save the vision in my left eye. Had a stroke on the second day of the 3- day treatment and a second stroke in September of that year. Had a heart attack in July of 2021, as well as two DVTs.! GCA has not been kind to me!
By November, 2020, while I was tapering down on Prednisone, my rheumatologist put me on weekly Actemra injections as well. Actemra is specifically developed for GCA and so much easier on the system than Prednisone. I was on both for a few months but had to be suddenly taken off both for a period of time because my WBC and neutrophils bottomed out. Once my lab results improved again, I restarted only the weekly Actemra injections. (I had awful withdrawal for six weeks following the stoppage of Prednisone.) A month ago, my rheumatologist adjusted the Actemra schedule to an injection every two weeks.
I had two Moderna vaccines, in January and May, 2021. The first one gave me only a sore arm for a day or so. The second Moderna shot had me VERY nauseated, weak and dizzy, to the point where I could neither eat nor drink for five days.
Because I'm 86 years old, have several other autoimmune diseases, and Actemra is imunosuppressant, (and I'm on a wait list for Long Term Care), l had my Covid booster shot of Moderna last week on the recommendation of my rheumatologist. I was a little worried about taking another Moderna shot after the severe side effects I had after my second shot. but I was FINE! Nothing more than a sore arm for a few days! The nurse at the Immunization Clinic told me that the booster usually has little or no side effects, even if you've had a big prior reaction. Such a big relief! Lol.
I hope you will have the same good luck. I think it's SO important for us to get that booster if we're immunocompromised.
Sorry for the long story!
Warm regards, Laurie
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Everyone is different but I had the booster with no real problems. My arm hurt a little bit and I was a little tired. Just like the second shot. Good luck!