I am asking for your thoughts about pneumonia and flu vaccines. I have stayed away from flu vaccines because of the possible side effects from one of the things in there. Sorry, my mind is forgetting words again today. I have never had pneumonia but I do get bronchitis once a year and it clears up with antibiotics, etc. My doctors office is sending me reminders to get this done but I am really fearful. I know two people who had the flu shot and got Guillian Barre after the shot. One of our friends was close to death and had to go on disability now.
I had a very bad reaction to last year's flu shot. My primary care physician thought I might have Guillian Barre but thank goodness, I didn't. I do know that a "Lupan" should never receive live vaccines. It will be good to see other responses here. All the best to you, Reet.
Hi. My rheumy said I should get a flu shot but not the nasal spray as that is a live vaccine. No to the pneumonia as that is also a live one. Hope it helped.
I ALWAYS get a yearly flu shot, but not the nasal spray....NO LIVE VACCINES! My rheumy also wants me to get the pneumonia shot every 5 years and I do so. I have a horrible history of bronchitis and shortness of breath. My lungs are super sensitive and I seem to catch just about everything that my husband brings home.
When I was 25 years old, I was diagnosed with the Epstein-Barr virus...chronic fatigue syndrome caused by the mono virus. At 40, I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus.
I've had a serious case of the flu, many years ago, and it just about did me in.....I pray that nobody has to go through that!
I didn't even know about the nasal spray. I haven't had a serious case of the flu in years even when I was being exposed to grandchildren every day. I have felt unwell at times but never have gotten down in bed with it per se. I just hate messing with all these chemicals etc I don't trust that anything like that is good for us. This gives me much to think about so far. Thank you so much.
lone wolf....what is your take on this, please.
I love the diversity of peoples thoughts here on any given subject. It makes me think and find what I feel is best. Thank you all so much.
Haven't gotten the flu vaccine in about 6 Yrs. Through the advice of my pcp I got the flu and pneumonia shot last year. Later that evening I started to get really sick. I started running a high fever, felt horrible! It put me down for over a week. Don't know if it was the flu or pneumonia shot or both that made me so sick. Anyway asked me rheumy last week if I should get the flu shot this year. She recommended that I do. Haven't gotten it yet, still pondering that thought....
I get my flu shot every year.be sure to tell the pharmacist that you have autoimmune issues so that you can get the vaccine with no preservative. I have a serious reaction to the preservatives in most things. This year I had no reaction whatsoever. Not even irritation at the injection site.
I got the flu shot a few weeks ago and nothing happened. I think it's because it is not live vaccine. To be sure find out if it is live or not. I am only on Plaquenil and it is not as strong as some of the other lupus meds. Maybe that makes a difference.
I appreciate all these replies. I am going to continue thinking about this. Meanwhile I am seeing a back surgeon on the 23rd about the excruciating nerve pain I have been dealing with for a couple of years. L5 has a nerve impingement and I know I have a bulging disc there too. My PCP said with everything I have been trying over the years it is now time to see a surgeon. Then on Nov. 14th I am going to an information session about bariatric surgery. I qualify and I need to know what I need to do for my insurance to cover it. They do cover it with proper preparation and steps I have already taken and medical need. Medical need is also established. Wish me luck. Meanwhile, I will try to figure how to stay well this fall and winter. For me the bronchitis comes in April and it doesn't take much to feel better for me. Just another decision to be made that has many potential risks or not.
I don't get them. My immune system is greatly compromised and I don't trust what might be in the vaccines. Also, you never know how your body will react. Since nursing school, where it was mandatory to receive them, I have avoided them altogether. I haven't been any sicker with flu than those who received them. Having said that, everyone has to make their own choices based upon their own particular circumstances.
I am also a health professional with lupus. I also choose not to take the flu vaccine. It is a personal decision after lots of research. I developed lupus symptoms and high ANA a few months after a flu vaccine and my daughter also developed lupus symptoms approximately 2 months after immunizations she was required to get before going on a church mission trip. That was the summer before her senior year. By the time literally 1/2 her hair fell out and had numerous lupus symptoms she got her lupus diagnosis as a graduation present! As a family we make sure our vitamin D levels are optimal, take a whole food multiple vitamin and other anti oxidants. If we feel we have been exposed to any virus we take elderberry due to its anti viral effects, up our probiotics and anti oxidants. It had served us well. But I can’t say this is best for everyone, but has worked for our family.
Wow, all of this information is really helpful, I never knew you shouldn't get live vaccines with Lupus....and Eagle41, I like the elderberry idea! And the vitamin D, I know I definately need more of that lol...well I know we all do and I should start taking a supplement.
I thinks its a personal decision. I have been getting the flu shot every year for past 8 yrs and I have never had a problem. I also got the pneumonia shot for the first time as well and had no complications. I decided that if my body already reacts like it has the flu when I just have a simple cold then I don't want to know what the actual flu feels like.
My doctors insisted on it..with my compromised immune system the flu could kill me so if you have lupus or immune problems than i do what your doctor asks as to this and any vaccine they feel is necessary.
I also get pneumonia and since getting it...no more brochonditis ...thankfully. I got so sick and antibiotics were not working so this really saved me. I was even on IV ones with no luck. Plus..just so sick it is not fun even if at home sick where feels like you are going to drown if you lay flat.
Yes, i tend to get a bit sick and my arm swells up like softball for flu shot each year but beats being hospital sick or dying. Or even just bad sick for month or two on lighter flu.
Also if you never had shingles..but had chicken pox i would get it. BUT most decent rheum and now even PCP do know that lupus or auto immune compromised people should get shots....i been placed in with seniors since 20's due to my health problems...felt weird at first but glad i listen.
I did miss getting it(flu) few years and both years got very sick so after that even if get it from pharmacy i do it...oh and do it now as it takes few months to really work and earlier if on east coast!!
FDA has information about how severe, what kind is breaking out in China and where it is spreading here in the US and the world if you like to know or even have updates sent to you.
As to your friends....one thing is you should not get any vaccine while you are actively sick, running a fever. IF you are not sure ask your doctor. here is link that should explain how one gets gillain barre...from CDC.
If anything ..flu is the cause of it so all more reason to get vaccine to help prevent you from getting the flu. Read the link and speak to your doctors about your fears. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/guillainbarre.htm
I've had bariatric surgery and never regretted it a day!
reet said:
I appreciate all these replies. I am going to continue thinking about this. Meanwhile I am seeing a back surgeon on the 23rd about the excruciating nerve pain I have been dealing with for a couple of years. L5 has a nerve impingement and I know I have a bulging disc there too. My PCP said with everything I have been trying over the years it is now time to see a surgeon. Then on Nov. 14th I am going to an information session about bariatric surgery. I qualify and I need to know what I need to do for my insurance to cover it. They do cover it with proper preparation and steps I have already taken and medical need. Medical need is also established. Wish me luck. Meanwhile, I will try to figure how to stay well this fall and winter. For me the bronchitis comes in April and it doesn't take much to feel better for me. Just another decision to be made that has many potential risks or not.
I also get the flu shot every year, and I haven't had any problems with it. I've never had the pneumonia shot, but I'll ask my PCP about it next time. I think one thing I got from this thread, is not to get both of them at once. You don't know which one causes side affects if you would have any that way.
My husband just got a flu shot last week, and he felt tired and like he was getting a cold the next day, but it didn't last.
Wow, I am so glad you told me this. It has been a long awaited and difficult decision. Too many surgeries already especially since I just had the knee replacement but I have to get fixed what I can. I appreciate you comment on this Trisha. You are now the 3rd person I know that has had it and told me the same thing. Did you go to Lutheran's weight loss center?
Trisha said:
reet,
I've had bariatric surgery and never regretted it a day!
reet said:
I appreciate all these replies. I am going to continue thinking about this. Meanwhile I am seeing a back surgeon on the 23rd about the excruciating nerve pain I have been dealing with for a couple of years. L5 has a nerve impingement and I know I have a bulging disc there too. My PCP said with everything I have been trying over the years it is now time to see a surgeon. Then on Nov. 14th I am going to an information session about bariatric surgery. I qualify and I need to know what I need to do for my insurance to cover it. They do cover it with proper preparation and steps I have already taken and medical need. Medical need is also established. Wish me luck. Meanwhile, I will try to figure how to stay well this fall and winter. For me the bronchitis comes in April and it doesn't take much to feel better for me. Just another decision to be made that has many potential risks or not.
Thank you for this link and your comments. Everyone has so many good thoughts and reasoning.
siskiyousis said:
My doctors insisted on it..with my compromised immune system the flu could kill me so if you have lupus or immune problems than i do what your doctor asks as to this and any vaccine they feel is necessary.
I also get pneumonia and since getting it...no more brochonditis ...thankfully. I got so sick and antibiotics were not working so this really saved me. I was even on IV ones with no luck. Plus..just so sick it is not fun even if at home sick where feels like you are going to drown if you lay flat.
Yes, i tend to get a bit sick and my arm swells up like softball for flu shot each year but beats being hospital sick or dying. Or even just bad sick for month or two on lighter flu.
Also if you never had shingles..but had chicken pox i would get it. BUT most decent rheum and now even PCP do know that lupus or auto immune compromised people should get shots....i been placed in with seniors since 20's due to my health problems...felt weird at first but glad i listen.
I did miss getting it(flu) few years and both years got very sick so after that even if get it from pharmacy i do it...oh and do it now as it takes few months to really work and earlier if on east coast!!
FDA has information about how severe, what kind is breaking out in China and where it is spreading here in the US and the world if you like to know or even have updates sent to you.
As to your friends....one thing is you should not get any vaccine while you are actively sick, running a fever. IF you are not sure ask your doctor. here is link that should explain how one gets gillain barre...from CDC.
If anything ..flu is the cause of it so all more reason to get vaccine to help prevent you from getting the flu. Read the link and speak to your doctors about your fears. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/guillainbarre.htm
This is terrible, Eagle!! I am so sorry for you and your daughter. This is what is scaring me. What is the difference in people that is causing some to have terrible reactions? It is perhaps our different genetic make ups or is it the way the flu vaccine was made from one batch to another? None of us really know. My heart and prayers go out to you and your daughter. Thank you so much for sharing.
Eagle41 said:
I am also a health professional with lupus. I also choose not to take the flu vaccine. It is a personal decision after lots of research. I developed lupus symptoms and high ANA a few months after a flu vaccine and my daughter also developed lupus symptoms approximately 2 months after immunizations she was required to get before going on a church mission trip. That was the summer before her senior year. By the time literally 1/2 her hair fell out and had numerous lupus symptoms she got her lupus diagnosis as a graduation present! As a family we make sure our vitamin D levels are optimal, take a whole food multiple vitamin and other anti oxidants. If we feel we have been exposed to any virus we take elderberry due to its anti viral effects, up our probiotics and anti oxidants. It had served us well. But I can't say this is best for everyone, but has worked for our family.
Forgot to say this.....thanks for the recommendation on the natural way to help one self.
Eagle41 said:
I am also a health professional with lupus. I also choose not to take the flu vaccine. It is a personal decision after lots of research. I developed lupus symptoms and high ANA a few months after a flu vaccine and my daughter also developed lupus symptoms approximately 2 months after immunizations she was required to get before going on a church mission trip. That was the summer before her senior year. By the time literally 1/2 her hair fell out and had numerous lupus symptoms she got her lupus diagnosis as a graduation present! As a family we make sure our vitamin D levels are optimal, take a whole food multiple vitamin and other anti oxidants. If we feel we have been exposed to any virus we take elderberry due to its anti viral effects, up our probiotics and anti oxidants. It had served us well. But I can't say this is best for everyone, but has worked for our family.