Hello im Maria

manni
manni Member Posts: 3
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:06 in Living with arthritis

Hello im Maria and I live with the fall out of arthritus and fibromyalgia and its all getting a bit much, I talk to family and friends but they do not really understand the extent of pain let alone how restricting this all is at times, im feeling very frustrated and worried about having the 2nd covid jab as since I had the 1st one my level of pain has increased especially this last month and im due 2nd dose tomoro and im feeling very anxious and alone, can anyone here tell me have they experienced similar, it might just be a coincident and its not related and im just reading to much in to it but its troubling me. sorry my first post is about this but its my reality right now and im worried thank you x

Comments

  • Anna
    Anna Moderator Posts: 947

    Hello Maria @manni and welcome to the online community,

    Arthritis and fibromyalgia can be extremely painful and it’s understandable that you are sometimes finding it hard to bear. It’s not known whether there is a link between the Covid vaccination and flare-ups of these conditions, but some members have found that this to be the case. I have RA and after the first vaccination I did have a flare-up, but after the second I was absolutely fine. I do remember thinking that the flare-up will pass and then I would be better protected against a virus that could be a lot worse.

    Would it be possible for you to talk to your GP about how you feel? Perhaps the flare-up is nothing to do with the vaccine but a sign that maybe your treatment needs a review? At any rate, the doctor may be able to suggest ways to manage the pain, maybe through medication or other self help measures. You could ask about being referred to a pain clinic, where a variety of medical specialists will look at ways to help you feel better.

    Our members on the forum live with a range of arthritis conditions and I’m sure they’ll share their experiences of how they deal with their pain and also the effects of the vaccine.

    If you would like to talk to someone, you can call our free helpline on 0800 5200 520 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm) They’re not medically trained, but they will offer a listening ear.

    Versus Arthritis has a page on managing your pain at home - you might find it useful to read. It suggests different ways of looking after yourself through these challenging times:


    Do let us know how you get on,

    Anna ( Mod)

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • manni
    manni Member Posts: 3

    Thank you so much for getting back to me , yes ive contacted my doctor today and have blood tests booked to check levels also hopefully find better pain relief , ive been reading on here about foods to avoid etc and helpful ways to try ease symptoms. I dont want to go down the steroid route if possible so need to explore more natural remedies if possible.

    Its good to know I can talk to people who understand living with arthritis , im still wary to have 2nd jab tomoro but there isnt anything else to throw at this virus so il have to be brave once again thank you

  • YvonneH
    YvonneH Member Posts: 1,076

    Hi @manni

    I'm thinking you will have had your second vaccination by now, I do hope this time it went well for you. Do feel able to post to let us know just how it is, you know we will understand and help in any way we can.

    Here's the link to the Living with arthritis discussion

    Take care

    Yvonne x