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Can PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica) be induced by vaccine?

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Oct 19, 2023 | Replies (401)
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@barbwhitmore

I had the old persons flu vaccine last October and immediately became sick with "polymyalgia rheumatica" but it took me months and months to figure out what was happening to me. I lived on advil until I got into see an orthopedic surgeon as my knees were so swollen I could hardly walk. He said I had systemic inflammation ie "poly myalgia rheumatica" as it was everywhere in my body. Could hardly put a shirt on over my head and walking in the morning was so painful. There is no doubt in my mind it was the old persons flu shot! I have been trying to get off prednisone for months but would get down around 3 mg and then go back up because of pain. I recently just stopped taking prednisone as I wanted to see if the swollen glands under my arms were related to prednisone and because I didn't want to start taking the prescription bone loss drugs my doctor prescribed. And, the pain visits me every night! During the day I'm fine and can golf, walk 10 miles in a day, or bike ride. But during the night and in the morning it is torture. Covid vaccines did nothing it was the old persons flu vaccine and/or the way it was administered. Does anyone else have arm pit issues? I also get pain on the right side of my rib cage but X-ray showed nothing out of the ordinary. I am so angry. Only got the stupid old persons flu shot to protect my sister who has serious medical issues.

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Replies to "I had the old persons flu vaccine last October and immediately became sick with "polymyalgia rheumatica"..."
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 15, 2022

Welcome @barbwhitmore, Sorry to hear that the flu vaccine may have caused the polymyalgia rheumatica as a side effect. Prednisone is the magic sauce that makes the inflammation and pain go away but it can take awhile for you to taper off of the drug and you really have to take is slow and listen to your body, ie not overdo physical activity. I've had 2 occurrences and it took 3 and a half years to taper off the first time around and a year and half the second time.

There are a couple of other discussions you might find helpful.
-- Prednisone tapering and remission: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prednisone-tapering-and-remission/
-- PMR Dosages and Managing Symptoms: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-dosages/

Have you discussed the symptoms and treatment with a rheumatologist?

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priscillat | @priscillat | Jun 16, 2022

I got the senior flu vaccine and shingles vaccine the same day in September 2019. The next day I noticed I was very sluggish on the tennis court; 3 days later I couldn’t lift my arms, couldn’t roll over in bed - pain and low grade fever for 3 months until I was diagnosed properly. Didn’t know which vaccine to blame, so I blamed the combination. Weaned successfully off prednisone in about 18 months; then had the second Moderna vaccine, and all the PMR symptoms came back. I’m on a much slower reduction (about 3 years I hope) this time. I’ve had the regular flu vaccine in the fall of 2020 and 2021 with no problems. Also no problems with two COVID boosters. I think that some very powerful vaccines cause a very powerful reaction, as in my immune response went overboard. Tough choice to make when presented with life saving vaccines…..

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