Anyone with PMR have experience with 4th COVID vax jab?

Posted by klpintx @klpintx, Jan 28, 2022

I just got notification from UTSW that I was eligible to receive my 4th Pfizer vaccine. I was wondering if anyone has does that yet? I have an appointment with my rheumatoligist next week, so I will ask her. But I was just wondering about anyone's experience with this.

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I had PMR and was on prednisone for all 4 doses of Moderna covid vaccine. I had no reaction or side effects from any of the 3 full doses or the booster last March.

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@stleg

My symptoms started after the Pfizer booster. I had the JJ a year prior.
There are lots of ppl with PMR and other autoimmune disorders having flare ups and or new diagnoses after the spike vaccines per my primary and rheumatologist. Maybe a trigger. Wish there would be a retrospective study to look at this further.

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I am convinced that my PMR was triggered by a "mild" case of COVID in late December of 2021. I was diagnosed with PMR in April 2022 after months of malaise, low grade fever, night sweats.

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@milld835

I've had the first 2 only (live in Canada), but waiting, since I sincerely believe the PMR started with them. Only on Prednisone for 4 weeks with great progress, but going to hold off on any boosters (if ever) until I'm more balanced. Plus, I'm not into the rheumatology clinic as yet and being treated by my Neurologist until I get in.

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I, also, believe that my PMR started with my second Pfizer Covid vaccination. That was March of 2021 and I'm choosing not to get anymore mRNA-type vaccinations. I've tried weaning off of the Predisone twice, but had recurring deltoid pain at night, so I am continuing with 1 to 2 mg. daily for now.

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@janiceem

I, also, believe that my PMR started with my second Pfizer Covid vaccination. That was March of 2021 and I'm choosing not to get anymore mRNA-type vaccinations. I've tried weaning off of the Predisone twice, but had recurring deltoid pain at night, so I am continuing with 1 to 2 mg. daily for now.

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At least I'm "with" a Rheumatologist now who said, and I quote "maybe you were just meant to get PMR". The coincidence of vaccine to beginning of pain and vaccine to full flare for 5 months is absolutely not a coincidence. In the process of tapering and fluctuating between 12 and 11.5mg. 12 seems to be my number for another week or so. At 11.5 the upper arm, shoulder and neck start up. 1 or 2 mg. is wonderful. Goals!

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@milld835

At least I'm "with" a Rheumatologist now who said, and I quote "maybe you were just meant to get PMR". The coincidence of vaccine to beginning of pain and vaccine to full flare for 5 months is absolutely not a coincidence. In the process of tapering and fluctuating between 12 and 11.5mg. 12 seems to be my number for another week or so. At 11.5 the upper arm, shoulder and neck start up. 1 or 2 mg. is wonderful. Goals!

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I would be very disappointed with a rheumatologist that said "maybe you were just meant to get PMR". I would probably look for another Rheumy. Sorry.

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@loyal

I would be very disappointed with a rheumatologist that said "maybe you were just meant to get PMR". I would probably look for another Rheumy. Sorry.

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Don't be sorry. I feel exactly the same way. I did not care for her demeanour at all. She was almost an hour and half late for the appointment, she was condescending and almost rude. Her reviews were negative but I decided to go in with an open mind. That lasted about 60 minutes of waiting for her.She thought what she said had some kind of humour in it. When I told her I had very little energy, she said "drink more coffee" and I said I only have 1 cup in the morning. She said "well drink more". Then she gave me HER tapering schedule and said "come back to see me in 4 months and we'll see how that schedule goes". This after waiting 6 months to see her. Unfortunately, there are not enough Rheumy's in Halifax, NS and so the "shop around" thing is not realistic. At least I now have a GP because I finally made my way up "the list". I was better off with the Neurologist who was just a temporary situation. He was amazing. I appreciate your comments. Thank you.

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I had a flare with my firt booster so my doc and I are being careful about this sedond booster and checking my covid antibodies to ee if/when I should get it. I have just finished my methypredniolone snad do not really want to restart it because o a booter injection for covid that I may not need

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@alexmemphis

I believe that my PMR was started by Covid vaccines also. You are not alone.

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I was recently diagnosed with PMR. My doctor (no name) truly believes it was caused by the Covid vaccines. I am only 59.
There are a number of articles and studies that are relating PMR to the Covid vaccines.
I was just diagnosed on August 17th. Started the steroid regimen.

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@naezzo

I was recently diagnosed with PMR. My doctor (no name) truly believes it was caused by the Covid vaccines. I am only 59.
There are a number of articles and studies that are relating PMR to the Covid vaccines.
I was just diagnosed on August 17th. Started the steroid regimen.

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Hello @naezzo, Welcome to Connect. Sorry to hear the COVID vaccine caused your PMR. Since you mentioned you started the steroid treatment. Has your doctor/rheumatologist suggested a tapering schedule to hopefully taper off of the prednisone when your pain decreases and body allows it?

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@johnbishop

Hello @naezzo, Welcome to Connect. Sorry to hear the COVID vaccine caused your PMR. Since you mentioned you started the steroid treatment. Has your doctor/rheumatologist suggested a tapering schedule to hopefully taper off of the prednisone when your pain decreases and body allows it?

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Thanks for the response. Yes he did mention the tapering period. However, since still so new, I don't expect that to occur for a little while.

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