Can PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica) be induced by vaccine?

Ginger, everyone in the discussion thread sees your addition. Thank you.

Yes. Neck and shoulder pain started after my first Pfizer vax in May 2021. This pain continued throughout the summer and I was buying different pillows, because I thought this was the cause of the neck pain. August 4, 2021, second Pfizer vax. 10 days later tried to get up out of bed, could not move arms or neck. Got into the tub and my daughter had to help me out. It escalated down right arm to right hand, which eventually looked like a claw. Very stiff and numb. I could not dress myself, I could not do my job because I couldn't grip the mouse. Had to wear carpal tunnel braces. Then it started down the left arm and into the left hand (which was not quite as bad). Escalated to my upper thighs and hips by November, 2021. Had to get a riser seat because I could not sit on the toilet, nor could I reach around. Completely dibilitated and still not diagnosed. Finally, my CRP was at 42 and the family doc believed me. Got me an urgent referral to a Neurologist. This, in Halifax, is almost impossible. He diagnosed me with PMR and the rest, as they say, is history. I have not gotten any more vaccinations, nor will I. Currently reducing the Prednisone. I am 72 and certainly not as active as I was. Back to work part time. If I overdo it one day, then I pay for it the next. Don't be afraid to rest if your body is tired. Some afternoons I have slept for 2 hours, sometimes it's just a power nap. This is a chronic, autoimmune disease and until it goes into remission (which could take years), you will experience quite the roller coaster ride. Stay with this group, it is so informative and you'll probably get more info than from a doctor or rheumatologist. There is another support group and I will link you:
https://healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk/posts/private/139984459/dl-information-for-new-and-maybe-not-so-new-patients-with-polymyalgia-rheumatica-pmr-and-giant-cell-arteritis-gca
Hang in there ~ Deb.

I received a live cholera vaccination in anticipation of a trip to Africa. Got very sick the next day. Never felt good after that. Four months later I developed PMR. That was in 2018.
Doctors at both Mayo and the University of Iowa believe the vaccine probably triggered it. Still struggling with PMR. Started on Actemra recently and hoping to be completely off Prednisone in a couple weeks. Fingers crossed.

I took the first two doses of Moderna and have had physical issues ever since including the diagnosis of PMR. My PMR was crippling until going on prednisone at 30 mg’s daily. Prior to the shots, I was running 30 miles a week and golfing, skiing etc.
My doc believes something viral caused my PMR.

I had written to this group a few weeks ago. I had been on 1 mg prednisone for years (after having been on higher doses and tapering off) and have had no ill effects. I went off prednisone for a cancer operation recently and since then my PMR has been worse than ever. Mr dr put me on 10 mg of prednisone to start. Since then I am experiencing bright flushing in my face. Can prednisone cause that and is it dangerous and should I stop taking it? This group is terrific!

@marybarbara, I've heard of steroid injections causing facial flushing but the tablet version I'm not sure. I would definitely run it by your doctor or pharmacist who I'm sure could give a better answer. Here's some information from drugwatch.com:

"Even at low doses, prednisone can cause skin problems. These include skin thinning, acne, hirsutism (excess hair growth), hair thinning, face redness, stripe-like marks on the skin (stria) and impaired wound healing."
-- Prednisone Side Effects: https://www.drugwatch.com/prednisone/side-effects/

Welcome @pochster, Sorry to hear you developed PMR after receive the Moderna vaccine. Does the prednisone get rid of the pain? Are you still at 30 mg?

I just dropped to 25 and will drop 5 every 4 weeks assuming no flare ups.
Thank you!

Thanks so much for your prompt answer. I will call my dr. I don’t have difficulty breathing. Thanks again.

Thanks for sharing. So your doctor is thinking something viral is the cause of your PMR and the occurrence of PMR is unrelated to your Moderna vaccine shots? Timing seems suspicious as it does in my case.