Anyone diagnosed with PMR after the Covid vaccine?
I received the Pfizer covid vaccine and had horrible joint pain 8/10 as a side effect. I reported it online. 7 months later I developed horrific joint pain in my shoulders, hips and knees(same pain after the vaccine, but worse). I was ultimately diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica. I wish there was a site to go to and report these things.
I am only 57 and was a runner most of my life up to the age of 51, so I am not in horrible shape for my age. The pain from that PMR was very disabling. I am now on Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg BID and Prednisone 10 mg a day. Not happy about having to take more medications.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.
Thank you for taking the time to include all those details. Our diets are somewhat similar so good to know I am on the right path.
Hi, forgive me but I feel your experience as mine has been somewhat similar. I retired from Pfizer in 2019 after 20 years as an IT generalist. That said, they were very good to me hence I was not that quick to think it was the vaccine. I had two shots March of 21 and of course I wanted Pfizer. In April I thought that a severe case of Lyme returned. I had pain on shoulders, arms, all the way down to my hips. In May we were realizing that the doxycycline was doing nothing. To be honest, it never did as I had to have antibiotics intravenously several times in order to clear it from my spine.
Around early May my doctor gave me some prednisone and immediately I felt better. About a week before my daughter’s wedding I was feeling the same and the doctor gave me another script of prednisone which helped me through the wedding. A long story short, I went to the emergency room a few weeks later and I could barely walk. There they gave me a spinal tap to make sure it was not Lyme. I was in so much pain, that I did not even feel the spinal tap. In the hospital they gave me a 1000mg of prednisone a day - and when I left I was told to see a rheumatologist and to take 40 mg until I saw him. It has been almost two years, and I am down to 3 mg. The last year I have dropped one mg at a time, and twice I had to go back to the higher dose. The good news is I am slowly getting better, and the issues you described are spot on. Everything from sweats, to chronic fatigue I have experienced. One other thing I have experienced has been weakness - sometimes I feel like I have no strength, and then other times it comes back. I pray you get well, and I hope this has helped you.
Nothing to forgive and yes our journies are very similar and I'm so glad you're able to wean down at this point. The pain was excrutiating for 5 months prior to diagnosis and Pred. This morning, so far, as a weakness morning. Probably because I lowered the Pred by 5 mg. yesterday (which would seem a lot) but with a diagnosis of 'no GCA' it would do me well to come down from 60 mg. asap. This too will level off I'm sure. I pray you continue to get well. The days of no strength, we rest. Your post has definitely helped. Thank you so much.
I did report it.
Thank you all so much for your comments and input. I am so sorry that any of us had to experience this pain. I live alone and have 2 dogs. Prior to diagnosis, it was so scary to think 'this is my life'. The pain was excruciating in the mornings. With no one to help me shower or get dressed, I would just cry throughout the process. 3 months total of pain prior to diagnosis. I started in January taking prednisone 5 mg in the morning and 5 mg at night. I have tried to reduce it, but the pain immediately comes back. I hate daily prednisone, but am so thankful it helps with the pain.
I to got pmr after my first Pfizer shot April 2021. I was 72 and in great health. Golf 3 times a week, downhill skiing in the winter, cycling, and working out. Within a couple of weeks had groin pain which I thought was a pulled muscle. 2 months later after physio, trip to emergency and about 24 hrs away from being a complete invalid while away from home visiting family I got in to see my Doctor. Immediately he told me I had pmr got an emergency blood test and confirmed it. I stared on 40 mg of prednisone I am now down to 4.5 mg with one flare that set me back 6 months. I live in Canada but I understand there is a class action law suit in the USA over this very issue.
I need to read up on this class action lawsuit.....
After 12 years in remission my PMR returned with a vengeance, after my Pfizer vax and booster.
My Sed rate was 62 and my CRP was 132!!
My PMR symptoms started within 3 days after my last Moderna booster on Oct. 9, 2022. Severe joint and muscle pain in shoulders, elbows, wrists and hips to the point I could not sleep. Labs confirmed it was PMR. Doctor referred me to integrative doctor and now on 1/2 CBD/THC gummy plus melatonin every night. Went through a round (15 days)of prednisone when I was going to be entertaining family for a week and that provided enough relief to be able to enjoy my family. I see medical doctors who are very conservative and she does not want me on prednisone more than twice a year. I sleep better with the gummies and make an effort every day to walk on the treadmill at least 2 miles and then 2 miles on elliptical. Pain is worse in the morning and I still am awakened with it in the middle of the night but believe the THC has been a lifesaver! I am not able to do the fitness routine until afternoon but believe it also helps. I have never used marijuana nor have I ever been tempted by it, but I truly believe it has helped me. Only one half a gummy a day so I am not abusing this treatment. As my doc says, it is better than being on the stronger stuff!
Since PMR is an immune system response, I will question getting any vaccine from here on out.
My dad was a physician and so I grew up trusting whatever they recommended.
Hope you are healing. I know how frustrating the pain is. Just trying to pull a shirt over your head!
I have started some supplements with my functional Dr. I am hoping to get this inflammation under control. Liver detox, gut repair and some peptide injections. Looking for a long term solution. hoping I have something positive to post in a few months.
Hang in there!