Re: RA and flu shots

September 6, 2008

My RA was diagnosed 11 months after having my son via c-section.

[ ] Re: RA and Flu Shots

Hi There has been some theory that RA starts because of a tramma to the

body; they realy don't know yet but it started two months after a bad

fall. There has never been any in my family before.

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September 6, 2008

but to add to that my aunt has lupus and imfammitory arthritis

[ ] Re: RA and Flu Shots

Hi There has been some theory that RA starts because of a tramma to the

body; they realy don't know yet but it started two months after a bad

fall. There has never been any in my family before.

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September 6, 2008

Yes, and I expressed my concerns to both my family doctor AND my rheumatologist.

Both have said to me that while it COULD be possible..... due to the vaccination

creating an immune response.... it didn't CAUSE it because chances are I have

had it all along and this " could have " just exacerbated its " coming on " . So

basically they said.... You were probably going to get it anyway.... It might be

a coincidence but more than likely not!

In late 2006, I received my first flu shot because my daughter is an asthma

patient. At the time, I had a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Three weeks after

receiving the shot, I could barely walk I was in so much pain. My rheumy put me

on Lyrica with disastrous results. I still had pain but it DID get better.

Fast forward Nov 2007. Get flu shot. Nov 18th, my 38th bday, I start my day with

a case of scleritis which lead to the RA diagnosis in December.

I am honestly NOT looking forward to my vaccination in a couple weeks but feel

it is a necessary evil!

*~ Kami ~*

[ ] RA and Flu Shots

Hi everyone,

Been spending all my non-babysitting time researching RA. I came across a post

on another news group that grabbed my attention and made me think. It seems a

couple people are linking their RA with flu shots received. When I thought about

my own case, this was also true for me. The bank I was working for last year was

giving out free flu shots, all you had to do was sign a waver to get one. That

was the first time I had ever had one. I don't like taking unneccessary

immunizations, I don't trust them. But my sister who was working with me at the

time talked me into it. Sure enough, just a few short weeks later is when I

started having horrible wrist pains and such bad pain in my feet that I couldn't

even let them touch the ground when I sat down for my breaks. The pain got so

bad that I thought I had broken my foot and ankle somehow without knowing it.

Now I'm developing full blown RA. Can anyone else here remember getting a flu

shot before developing the RA? Just curious. I'm going to tell the rest of my

family not to take the shots anymore, just in case.

September 6, 2008

On the subject of flu shots... I have been reluctant to voice an opinion.

I have one broken elbow and am on massive pain killers, so I hope this makes

sense.

It's not the flu vaccine in the flu shot that usually does harm, it's the other

stuff in with it that is used as preservative, fixative, etc.

I am in the healthcare field, I see flu patients probably several times a day

during the winter as a paramedic, and no way in hell would you get me, or force

me to take a flu shot.

Even if they claim to be mercury-free, which they are probably not, they have to

be preserved with something. I don't want that preservative in my body, thanks.

And the ones with mercury in them... Forget it! Not for me. I'd rather have

the flu.

--

Dodge

Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic

with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and wrong, because sometime

in your life you will have been all of these.

Read my blog at:

http://jumpthis.wordpress.com

---- ~ Kami ~ <kamilleon@...> wrote:

=============

Yes, and I expressed my concerns to both my family doctor AND my rheumatologist.

Both have said to me that while it COULD be possible..... due to the vaccination

creating an immune response.... it didn't CAUSE it because chances are I have

had it all along and this " could have " just exacerbated its " coming on " . So

basically they said.... You were probably going to get it anyway.... It might be

a coincidence but more than likely not!

In late 2006, I received my first flu shot because my daughter is an asthma

patient. At the time, I had a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Three weeks after

receiving the shot, I could barely walk I was in so much pain. My rheumy put me

on Lyrica with disastrous results. I still had pain but it DID get better.

Fast forward Nov 2007. Get flu shot. Nov 18th, my 38th bday, I start my day with

a case of scleritis which lead to the RA diagnosis in December.

I am honestly NOT looking forward to my vaccination in a couple weeks but feel

it is a necessary evil!

*~ Kami ~*

September 6, 2008

dear group,

I did not get the flue shot. In January, I got the flu. I was out for 10

days. I swear I thought I was going to die. I think having the flu was worse

than one of the worse days with RA. In Feb., I had a severe case of vertigo but

at the time didn't know what that was and got take to the hospital. 2 mths

later I was dx w/ RA. If anything, I think having the flu may have helped

trigger the RA. I'm planning on getting a flu shot this year. Even if it

doesn't prevent it all the way or it's a different strain, it hopefully wont

be as worse as when I had it. Good luck to all for a healthy flu season! Paris

Original Message ----

From: " Jolenefive@... " <Jolenefive@...>

Sent: Saturday, September 6, 2008 3:00:42 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] Re: RA and Flu Shots

My doctor told me last year not to get the flu shot. And i did not. If you

research the flu shot

made a lot of people sick .. My rheumy also said not to . Maybe this was a

new york thing im not sure

Jolene

In a message dated 9/6/2008 3:53:27 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

melyndagamez@... writes:

dorthy & shirley hello, i agree we the both of u as well. if that was the

case i would not get the flushot every year.... i have never heard such a crazy

thing like that bfore.hmm, call me crazy but i'll continue to get the shot

every year cuz if i don't & i end up getting the flu, i get it full on & then

i not only have the flu but my ra is worse only due to the aches & pains of

already being sick!! god bless,melyndagamez 9/6/08 2:50p.m.central

[ ] Re: RA and Flu Shots

Many of my family members get their flu shots every year and none of

them have RA. I took them more than 5 years before I developed it.

There is certainly no connection in my family.

Shirley

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September 6, 2008

Hi Dodge,

Pleased to meet you! You seem to have a lot of " health " knowledge. Can I ask

you this: do you use your " diet " (ie: healthy eating) at all in your recovery?

Re: [ ] RA and Flu Shots

On the subject of flu shots... I have been reluctant to voice an opinion.

I have one broken elbow and am on massive pain killers, so I hope this makes

sense.

It's not the flu vaccine in the flu shot that usually does harm, it's the

other stuff in with it that is used as preservative, fixative, etc.

I am in the healthcare field, I see flu patients probably several times a day

during the winter as a paramedic, and no way in hell would you get me, or force

me to take a flu shot.

Even if they claim to be mercury-free, which they are probably not, they have

to be preserved with something. I don't want that preservative in my body,

thanks. And the ones with mercury in them... Forget it! Not for me. I'd rather

have the flu.

--

Dodge

Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic

with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and wrong, because sometime

in your life you will have been all of these.

Read my blog at:

http://jumpthis.wordpress.com

---- ~ Kami ~ <kamilleon@...> wrote:

=============

Yes, and I expressed my concerns to both my family doctor AND my

rheumatologist. Both have said to me that while it COULD be possible..... due to

the vaccination creating an immune response.... it didn't CAUSE it because

chances are I have had it all along and this " could have " just exacerbated its

" coming on " . So basically they said.... You were probably going to get it

anyway.... It might be a coincidence but more than likely not!

In late 2006, I received my first flu shot because my daughter is an asthma

patient. At the time, I had a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Three weeks after

receiving the shot, I could barely walk I was in so much pain. My rheumy put me

on Lyrica with disastrous results. I still had pain but it DID get better.

Fast forward Nov 2007. Get flu shot. Nov 18th, my 38th bday, I start my day

with a case of scleritis which lead to the RA diagnosis in December.

I am honestly NOT looking forward to my vaccination in a couple weeks but feel

it is a necessary evil!

*~ Kami ~*

September 6, 2008

Kami and Group;j

I thought coindence also. I been taking the flue shot also for mamy

years. Flue could be very dangerous for me. I Have PAH a lung

disease.

Haaaaaaaa. I got a kick out of you saying Fast forward while

explainiing your story. May I ask why you are not looing forward to

your vacation??

Hi everyone, I woke up wide awake cant sleep. Its 12:40 am. This is

really weird. I took the humira shot last Friday. It is working

sometimes. Last night when I went to bed every joint in my body seem

to hurt, even my finger joints. Now I feel ok except for my neck and

shouldes and lower lower back. Anyone know what is going on with med?

gentle hugs

Clora

>

> Yes, and I expressed my concerns to both my family doctor AND my

rheumatologist. Both have said to me that while it COULD be

possible..... due to the vaccination creating an immune response....

it didn't CAUSE it because chances are I have had it all along and

this " could have " just exacerbated its " coming on " . So basically

they said.... You were probably going to get it anyway.... It might

be a coincidence but more than likely not!

>

> In late 2006, I received my first flu shot because my daughter is

an asthma patient. At the time, I had a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Three weeks after receiving the shot, I could barely walk I was in

so much pain. My rheumy put me on Lyrica with disastrous results. I

still had pain but it DID get better.

>

> Fast forward Nov 2007. Get flu shot. Nov 18th, my 38th bday, I

start my day with a case of scleritis which lead to the RA diagnosis

in December.

>

> I am honestly NOT looking forward to my vaccination in a couple

weeks but feel it is a necessary evil!

>

> *~ Kami ~*

>

September 7, 2008

Hi Clora,

Yes it is so confusing..

Just a little explanation about the pneumonia puzzle..

The vaccine used protects against the pneumococcus or streptococcus pneumoniae (

same bug, two names!) Different strains vary in virulence and it is quite common

in the airways, not always by any means causing pneumonia. natural immunity

commonly develops in childhood.

In uk the vaccine is called pneumovax, and it aims to stimulate immunity,

which lasts up to 5 years.The level of immunity can be measured to see if it is

falling off, before repeating, so as not to repeat too soon. Yes it would NOT be

offered to everyone , only those 'at risk' groups.

This should protect against pneumonia from this bug,which is quite common in

the community, but there are others that can cause pneumonia, including viruses,

including influenza virus!

Just thought I must mention also:

Some people with long standing RA and other auto immune disorders have spleens

that dont work too well. These folk would be especially at risk of pneumonia

and septicaemia from pneumococcus.Same for even young healthy people who have

had their spleens removed following trauma. They receive the vacc. and also Hib

(against Haemophilus.)

This has saved lives.

In the Haem /oncology field we would recommend the fluvac each autumn but never

push it for people who had strong reservations.I am not giving any ADVICE here.

This area is one where I think people must be very cautious in advising others,

friends and even family for or against ,it should be for the individual to

decide, as an adult.Similarly as a parent , decision should be 'in family' I

believe, with all info available to make an informed choice.

Sorry so long,

Hope you are feeling better

Chris

UK

From: CLORA <clora4jesus@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: RA and Flu Shots

Date: Saturday, 6 September, 2008, 10:58 PM

and group;

OMG, Flue shot causing RA. Could it have been a coindence. I have

gotton flue shots every year for the last 10 years and a pnemonia

shot what every 3 or 5 years.

When my dad passed away in 99. I was so stressed that everything

came out 10 fold. Fibro RA, depression, headaches, IBS. I have been

Ill ever since daddy passed. I am ok now but the illness's I have to

cope with. I never realized grief can hurt your body so bad.

So there are many things happen to us when we take anything it

seems. I never got the flue because of taking the flue shot I am sur

of that. With my lung disorders I would be in serious trouble with

a flue shot.

My daughter begs me every year not to get a flue shot. She gets the

flue and I don't. Or It is not as bad. I just dont know, it seems

like everything we take can have serious side effects. I did get

pneumonia last year. I ask my doctor " how can I get pneumonia, I

took the shot. " He said. " It dont always work. " I was so confusied

as I am now haaaaaaaa.

gentle kind hugs

Clora

> Hi everyone,

> Been spending all my non-babysitting time researching RA. I

came across a post on another news group that grabbed my attention

and made me think. It seems a couple people are linking their RA

with flu shots received. When I thought about my own case, this was

also true for me. The bank I was working for last year was giving

out free flu shots, all you had to do was sign a waver to get one.

That was the first time I had ever had one. I don't like taking

unneccessary immunizations, I don't trust them. But my sister who

was working with me at the time talked me into it. Sure enough, just

a few short weeks later is when I started having horrible wrist

pains and such bad pain in my feet that I couldn't even let them

touch the ground when I sat down for my breaks. The pain got so bad

that I thought I had broken my foot and ankle somehow without

knowing it. Now I'm developing full blown RA. Can anyone else here

remember getting a flu shot before developing the RA? Just curious.

I'm going to tell the rest of my family not to take the shots

anymore, just in case.

>

September 7, 2008

Dodge,

I am sorry about you elbow, Sweetie.

I hope you have a safe and better Sunday.

Shirley

>

> =============

> Yes, and I expressed my concerns to both my family doctor AND my

rheumatologist. Both have said to me that while it COULD be

possible..... due to the vaccination creating an immune response....

it didn't CAUSE it because chances are I have had it all along and

this " could have " just exacerbated its " coming on " . So basically

they said.... You were probably going to get it anyway.... It might

be a coincidence but more than likely not!

>

> In late 2006, I received my first flu shot because my daughter is

an asthma patient. At the time, I had a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Three weeks after receiving the shot, I could barely walk I was in

so much pain. My rheumy put me on Lyrica with disastrous results. I

still had pain but it DID get better.

>

> Fast forward Nov 2007. Get flu shot. Nov 18th, my 38th bday, I

start my day with a case of scleritis which lead to the RA diagnosis

in December.

>

> I am honestly NOT looking forward to my vaccination in a couple

weeks but feel it is a necessary evil!

>

> *~ Kami ~*

>

September 7, 2008

Hi Dodge,

My son is a biochemist who makes drugs. Mostly drugs for cancer, he is in

research. He will not get the flu shot. His company will encourage him and

encourage him but he told me no way. All I know is the two times I got the flu

shot, I got the flu. The second time I was sick for five weeks. I won't get

the shot. My son also told me, it is a guess whether they have gotten the right

strain of flu for the particular year, they put it out.

I guess it is a hard decision whether or not to get it.

-------------- Original message --------------

From: Dodge <medicdodge@...>

On the subject of flu shots... I have been reluctant to voice an opinion.

I have one broken elbow and am on massive pain killers, so I hope this makes

sense.

It's not the flu vaccine in the flu shot that usually does harm, it's the other

stuff in with it that is used as preservative, fixative, etc.

I am in the healthcare field, I see flu patients probably several times a day

during the winter as a paramedic, and no way in hell would you get me, or force

me to take a flu shot.

Even if they claim to be mercury-free, which they are probably not, they have to

be preserved with something. I don't want that preservative in my body, thanks.

And the ones with mercury in them... Forget it! Not for me. I'd rather have the

flu.

--

Dodge

Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic

with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and wrong, because sometime

in your life you will have been all of these.

Read my blog at:

http://jumpthis.wordpress.com

---- ~ Kami ~ <kamilleon@...> wrote:

=============

Yes, and I expressed my concerns to both my family doctor AND my rheumatologist.

Both have said to me that while it COULD be possible..... due to the vaccination

creating an immune response.... it didn't CAUSE it because chances are I have

had it all along and this " could have " just exacerbated its " coming on " . So

basically they said.... You were probably going to get it anyway.... It might be

a coincidence but more than likely not!

In late 2006, I received my first flu shot because my daughter is an asthma

patient. At the time, I had a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Three weeks after

receiving the shot, I could barely walk I was in so much pain. My rheumy put me

on Lyrica with disastrous results. I still had pain but it DID get better.

Fast forward Nov 2007. Get flu shot. Nov 18th, my 38th bday, I start my day with

a case of scleritis which lead to the RA diagnosis in December.

I am honestly NOT looking forward to my vaccination in a couple weeks but feel

it is a necessary evil!

*~ Kami ~*

September 7, 2008

I've had RA for 9 years and only last year finally got a flu shot so mine is not

from flu shots. in PA