cimzia mand flu and pneumonia shots

My rheumy said I should get both a flu and pneumonia shot asap.  I'm due for a cimzia injection on Monday and wonder if I should get the flu shot tomorrow as it's so close to the cimzia.  I've been on the cimzia a short time, this will be my 3rd dose and am still worrying about getting side effects.  anyone on cimzia that's had these other injections?  would appeciate any experiences others have had

thanks

Alicat

I called my primary Dr. and he has both the pneumonia and flu vaccine so I'll run down today to have the flu shot, will take my scheduled cimzia on Monday and then get the pneumonia shot in a couple of weeks.   will let you know how it goes.

thanks

Alicat

I know about the pneumonia shot being painful as I had one several years ago and I couldn't lift my arm for three or four days.   That's why I didn't get it today when I got the flu shot.  Am not looking forward to it at all.  I don't know why that one is so painful and the flu shot isn't.  think I'll ask the doctor when I go.  Still, I'd rather have a sore arm for a few days than get pneumonia

Alicat

Hey, hey....I have been on Cimzia for about four months now...My rheumy just gave me the flu shot a couple of weeks ago...Pneumonia will be next and she gave it to me last year as well (when I was on Orencia) and I did not experience any pain with it.

Good luck!

Hi, Alicat...forgive me for the long delay in my response to your question regarding Cimzia; I have not been feeling well as of late and have not been online. I was switched to Cimzia in May, I believe, from Orencia infusions for a bit over three years. My rheumy told me that, if Cimzia works for me, I should know within 2-3 months. Shortly after being switched to Cimzia, within the first 6-8 weeks, I began feeling much worse than I had prior to Cimzia. Joint pain returned, feet began swelling daily (toes looked like little sausages..LOL!) and I began experiencing increasing fatigue. I keep detailed notes on how I am feeling daily in a workout log and kept communicating my issues to my rheumy, who simply could not understand and kept telling me to give the Cimzia another month. I began to slow down immensely; I am normally very active, going to the gym 4-5 times per week (strength training and cardio), volunteering, training others (I am also a certified personal trainer), active social life. I began to withdraw from people, constantly wanting to sleep and probably experiencing a bit of depression. I also normally participate in athletic events like mud runs and I did not participate in a single event this year.

It is now October and I am still on the Cimzia but because my rheumy is not sure as to the next drug to try. Early September, I was diagnosed with Lyme, and my rheumy was excited because she felt this would explain the fatigue and joint pain I was experiencing. However, the infectious disease specialist that she sent me to said that the test results indicate a new case of Lyme, not an old case - which would NOT explain how crappy I have been feeling. The fatigue has been crushing; I have been in bed since Sunday and missed three days of work this week, which is totally not like me. I was able to obtain an appointment with a highly recommended rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery, whom I see next Tuesday. I am hoping he can come up with some answers because I cannot live like this. I have never felt fatigue like this before and I can't keep missing work as my employer holds time that I miss against me (but that is a whole 'nuther story). Also, my symptoms point toward lupus as well.

So, I am sorry for the long story but I always try to provide complete information. As far as the Cimzia, I honestly do not think it is helping me. It is easy to inject (the abdomen is easier than the thigh) and the Cimzia card has eliminated my $30 co-pay (you sign up for it on the Cimzia website).

It is worth a try; your results may be different than mine.

Good luck, hon!

Alicat, CONGRATULATIONS on stopping smoking!!!! I quite cold turkey in October 2005 so I can relate...take it one hour at a time...but, CONGRATULATIONS again!!!