Two weeks in, frightened by meds, PMR and COVID Booster Shot
Hi! I’m 59 and WAS perfectly healthy and very active up until 2 months ago. Gosh, am I happy to have found you all. I was diagnosed (sort of) two weeks ago and was started on 25mg of Prednisone which provided great relief but I have many worries about side effects. I’m now down to 10mg and although still in less pain than before the meds, during the nigh the pain gradually returns. I take the meds in the morning and a few hours later I’m better again. Is this normal for PMR? Also, I’ve had 3 COVID vaccines and am due for the next booster but yesterday I happened to stumble upon some research on the correlation between the COVID booster shots and sudden onset PMR. Is this what’s happened to me?? I’m not anti-vax by any stretch of the imagination, just a little (lot) concerned. By the way, I’m seeing an internist next week to confirm diagnosis and discuss the way forward. Any advice, recommendations or help you can provide is welcome.
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I’m so sorry for your chain of events. I can relate, as I developed GCA in November 2022 shortly after getting a flu vaccine . Immediately was put on steroids, and everything went wrong from that point on. I feel that I became toxic by the steroid. developed upper respiratory in early February, Covid in March , administered Paxlovid (5days) and ER admit 12 days after Covid for CHF! What a roller coaster. Over 60+ and have never experienced such a distressing situation. I hear you when you say that this now becomes long term….that we now must treat with very serious medications that cause so many more health issues. Where’s the answer?? Drs. are as baffled as to where these once “rare” autoimmune diseases are coming from. I agree that the vaccines are to blame! What a travesty!! We all suffer…
I also developed PMR after 1st booster shot. Was on 10mg prednisone for 1 month then reduced by 1 mg every 30 days. Did have two mild cases of Covid the following April and then again in Feb. this year. Two or three weeks later I developed DVT as well. Swelling of leg and ankle has improved somewhat but by the end of the day has increased. I think Covid has taken a toll on many of us in one way or another. Stay strong!
Oh my gosh, i sure hope all of that is behind you. You are right there gets to be so many other side issues to deal when you have these diseases. Let's hope for moving forward and remission!!!
I completely agree that these covid vaccines were just pushed out because people were dying in droves and they didn't know what to do and felt they had to do something. As you stated vaccinations take years to develop not 6 months and pump them out. I just keep kicking myself for doing it. Water under the bridge I know but now we are in this mess.
I have been told by three different doctors to not get the next Covid booster. I am 70 and diagnosed with PMR. I have three other friends that are healthy who have been told by their doctors not to get another booster.
That's quite telling isn't it if doctor's are not recommending them. I think that confirms what we are saying. I know I will not be getting any vaccinations in the future.
Best of luck with the internist. You have been on prednisone for a short time so maybe it is better not to worry too much, yet?
It is possible that vaccines lead to PMR - long term studies will have to be done to confirm this. One interesting and shocking experience in our family occurred several weeks ago involving our grandson, who developed Kawasaki’s disease, an auto immune disorder (in under six year olds) resulting in inflammation of the liver, kidneys and spleen, with the biggest concern being heart aneurism. Won’t go on here- much research is available but treatment is with IVIG and must take place within ten days of onset. Anyhow, he is now part of an international study because there is concern that cases are rising, usually two months post COVID. A similar condition called MIS-C definitely seems to be on the rise in children and also post COVID. What I am trying to say is maybe many paths lead to PMR, which many suspect is triggered by a virus. I do wish tho, that the cure could be a seven hour IV with IVIG. In Fact, I wonder if any studies have been done using immunoglobulin for PMR? Any researchers/docs /rheumatologist with info?