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Pfizer-Biotech vaccine - anyone?

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Posted 6/14/2021 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
I'm scheduled to get my first dose of Pfizer today. I'm super nervous. Wondering if anyone else has gotten it yet?

I live in NYC and it is almost impossible to not have it. You can't do anything or go anywhere without proof of vaccination. We also have two pretty contagious strains here now. My son with LD had both doses and it has been three weeks since second dose and so far he's fine.

I muscle tested and my body thinks it will be ok. I wish I weren't so nervous. I've never had a flu vaccine and I seem to react to most things. Pfizer doesn't work like the old fashioned vaccines and I researched ingredients - no aluminum, mercury, etc... of course we don't know what MRNA.

If anyone has any good reports I would welcome hearing them. Thanks.
Posted 6/14/2021 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
I live in nyc as well and have severe autoimmune neuropathy and got Pfizer and I was fine. Minor flare that night
after each one, was fine by the next morning both times. And everything flares me. It feels good to have that immunity.

Can I ask who you do the muscle testing in NYC with? Was considering that myself
Posted 6/14/2021 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
DCD,

Thank you so much. Your post has helped me so much. Question: are you in remission when you have vaccine or symptomatic?

I heard back from someone who has a lyme blog and she was also fine after Pfizer. Felt bad for 24 hours then fine and no relapses.

I rescheduled for tomorrow so my husband can be with me.

Muscle testing: Our lyme doctors in Kansas do it but my original LLMD in NYC taught us how to do it at home. Sounds so crazy but it works. First start with something you know you shouldn't have like bleach or something. This is to see how your body reacts to MT'ing. Stand up straight, feet shoulder width apart. Hold item in dominant hand with arm straight out in front of you. Pull item to your chest slowly and hold it there. Ask: "Will this supplement (or whatever you are holding) be beneficial to my LD and overall health?" Then stand perfectly still and quiet. Your body will bend one way or another at the waist, If you bend forwards it's a yes, if you bend backwards it's a no.

I typed up all the ingredients in the vaccine and held the paper plus the vaccine confirmation form and asked if I will be ok and my body said yes. Our LLMD had actual vials of most viruses, allergens, etc... it was very cool.
Posted 6/14/2021 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Huddie!

Guess what? I registered for the vax a few days ago!
But no appt yet - I’m waiting until after my appt with Dr J (in a couple weeks) - he had initially said NOT to get it - but he may have changed his stance since then.
I also never get the flu shot.

I will request the Pfizer.

Good luck! Will you post here and let us know how it goes?
Posted 6/14/2021 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
Girlie,

This is wonderful news. Again, if I were you and were in a remote area I would wait as long as possible.

I don't want the vaccine but I also would feel pretty bad if I got the new variant when I could have been vaccinated. My mother-in-law is having surgery mid-July and I need to take care of her so that's another reason. Additionally it is almost impossible to be in NYC and not be vaccinated. You can't do anything. Not that we go out all that much but restaurants, concerts, even a party we are attending for the fourth requires proof of vaccination. If you don't have it you need to get a test and I really dislike the tests. So this is our new world.

I will update you and please do the same after your appointment. Good luck!
Posted 6/14/2021 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
Girlie they are currently releasing and developing inactivated virus vaccines for COVID (the traditional way of making vaccines).

Might be safer than then new mRNA vaccines.

Few examples:

Sinopharm (China)
Sinovac (China)
Covaxin (India)
Valneva (France)

I think Novavax (USA) is one too, but I haven't researched that one yet.
Posted 6/14/2021 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
I realize everyone reacts differently but our Lyme doctors specifically advised "If you must get the vaccine do NOT get the traditional vaccines (J&J for now) that use the traditional virus.

I've been hearing about Novavax from several people now. It has not yet been approved. I'm really not a master researcher like some of you, but from what I have read it doesn't seem different from the Pfizer and/or Moderna. I also am personally hesitant to take something so new.

I would love to hear more from those of you who are so good at understanding the different vaccines, and of course, so much more knowledgable that I am.

Thanks for sharing all of them Rainy cloud. Never heard of the firs three. Do you know when Novavax will be rolled out and why people in the LD community like it more?
Posted 6/14/2021 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Dr K the immune maestro prefers the mRNA and I have to agree. I know it’s newer but we have plenty of data now with hundreds of millions of doses administered. It’s a much smaller piece of antigen, the few more controllable, and side effect profile seems better. I’d be more afraid of a traditional vaccine
Posted 6/14/2021 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
That mirrors exactly what our Lyme doctors told us. Thank you.
Posted 6/14/2021 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
My LLMD recommended the vaccine as he stated that he had several Lyme patients who didn’t do well when they got infected. Of course, he is biased by his own experiences as we all are but he sees quite a few patients so I trust him.

I have had tick borne illness for nearly six years now. I wasn’t doing very well when I got both doses of the Pfizer. I wasn’t effectively treating at the time and was having worrisome symptoms. Honestly, the anxiety of getting the doses was wayyyyyyyyyyy waaaayy waaaaayyyyyy worse than any side effects I had from the vaccines. The mind is a powerful thing.

That’s my anecdote.
Posted 6/14/2021 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
You made my day. Sorry that you had to go through all of that but it is nice to hear from someone who is/was clearly symptomatic and made it through.

Do you mind sharing how you were after first dose and then second? Side effects and duration would be welcome.

I totally agree, we are a gun-shy bunch but it's hard to explain all the crazy reactions we might have.

I called our original LLMD, who we adored and respected, just didn't want to continue with antibiotic treatment any longer. He is advising that his patients be vaccinated.

We had Covid in March 2020. While luckily we never needed hospitalization, it did set us both back quite a bit. My son was almost in remission and was hit hard. It took months for us to regain energy. So yes we could be set back even more not being vaccinated.

Thank you again for sharing.
Posted 6/14/2021 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
My LLMD (and her practice of other LLMDs) enthusiastically and unreservedly recommend that their patients be vaccinated against COVID. They have not seen any relapses from the vaccines but have seen plenty of relapses from COVID and long-COVID. For what it's worth, this practice does not recommend vaccines in general to most patients with Lyme, autoimmune illness, and CFS/ME.

They recommend loading up on antioxidants before and after for a week or two, such as glutathione, vitamin C, and zinc. And discontinuing any anti-inflammatories that might mute the immune response, like curcumin or ibuprofen, for at least a couple of days. People with mast cell activation syndrome can take quercetin.

When I was vaccinated (J&J because it was the first one available to me) I was fairly functional beforehand. I had a very crummy fever and headache for about 36 hours and then felt back to baseline. No lasting effects. Most people I know (including some with Lyme and other chronic issues) have received the Pfizer vaccine and had milder side effects than I did. I know a few with Lyme who actually feel worlds better since getting the Moderna vaccine. (My theory on that is that the adjuvants in vaccines rev up the immune system and provide sort of a reset, and since so many Lyme symptoms relate to immune dysfunction, a jolt to that system can be helpful.) I tend to react poorly to everything, so frankly I was expecting much worse, but even a cold has rendered me bedridden for months before, so I was much more comfortable risking a vaccine than risking COVID itself.

Just grab some popsicles and seltzer (or whatever you like for hydration when you have a fever) and fire up a few good movies in bed.

It is nice to have the additional protection!
Posted 6/14/2021 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
I enjoyed reading this and thanks for sharing. I greatly appreciate it! In some respects you must feel relieved.

You guys have made me more brave. I'm the canary in the coal mine so if nothing goes completely haywire for me we're all good. That's a joke. Kind of.

Our doctors suggested activated charcoal before/after vaccine, Immune-gG SBI, CoQH-CF-Ubiquinol and liposomal vitamin C to aid the body with the vaccine. I muscle tested myself for the Immune-gG and it said no so I'm listening. We also have a homeopathic to take for 14 days post shot(s).

My son said he feels much better from the vaccine. His constant chest pain from his long haul Covid is gone. This is crazy but he had a bad wart on sole of foot that has been causing a lot of pain. I made a podiatrist appointment but now it is completely gone. It could be a coincidence, or the vaccine works on other viruses in the body - wouldn't that be nice.

I'll report back after vaccine. Having it tomorrow afternoon.
Posted 6/14/2021 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for that detailed information, saraeli. I've been following the vaccine discussions here, albeit somewhat intermittently.

Did your LLMD have any guidance on how long the vaccine is likely to confer protection? Also, will additional "booster" shots be needed? And, if so, do they yet have any idea how many and for how long? I'm guessing some of these matters are still uncertain, as the virus continues to change and more data is being collected.

While it's only anecdotal information, I personally know six people who have received either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Aside from a couple of them having chills, pain at the injection site, and/or general tiredness for a brief period, each of them were back to their own baseline within a day or two.

In these six people, there was a mix of autoimmune issues, (non-COVID) respiratory issues, overweight, and/or high blood pressure. Their ages range from 50-55. Thus, they weren't all lean, healthy people in their 20s.
Posted 6/14/2021 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Dude,

Thanks for this. Did the six people also all have LD?

In NYC we are required to get what is called an Empire Pass. It's an app on your phone where you upload your vaccine card. Then have to show it wherever you go. My husband was the first of us to become vaccinated and his empire pass said "Expires October X" Which was exactly six months from the date of second dose. This tells me 'they' will want us to receive boosters. I was advised to drag out the second dose. We have up until seven weeks/42 days, even though they say three weeks. My plan is to get first dose tomorrow, second does at the seven week mark and that will take me through January. I have no plans of getting boosters. I imagine that if Covid/new variants arise during winter/flu season they will be required. I also wouldn't be surprised if the flu vaccines are enhanced to also serve as a booster. I'm not getting that either. Hopefully this vanishes by winter.
Posted 6/14/2021 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
I received my first dose of Moderna last Saturday. I was a nervous wreck and was very close to canceling the appointment. I go back for my second in July. I tested CDC positive for Lyme in 2019 and also believe I have mold issues as well which I am working on along with increasing my hormones.

The vaccine shot itself super easy, just a pin prick. I did get a bit of tingling in my hand and traveled to my foot that evening. That is a symptom I have had in the past, but had not experienced for a few months now. It lasted a couple days but very subtle and just on and off occasionally. Not a typical symptom for most. I was tired the next day as well and arm hurt for 1.5 days. I tried drinking as much water as I could before the shot, some say that helps.

Overall, glad I got it. I know I will be super nervous for the second shot as well!

Hope this helps.
Posted 6/14/2021 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Haley,

Yes every bit of first hand information helps everyone else (in my opinion).

I hope it feels like a relief for you. Thanks for sharing the tingling. Since it isn't a commonly mention side effect that would make me nervous. I'll just surrender to it all.

Would you say that after the first two days you were back to baseline? I hope so. Good luck with your second and please come and tell us all how it goes.

Our Lyme doctors also told to drink tons of water - half of your body weight in ounces before shot. I'm definitely doing that.
Posted 6/14/2021 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I did the shot late in the day on a Saturday and by Monday back to baseline. I will say the anxiety I got beforehand was pretty bad and that alone can bring symptoms out in me. So the relief afterwards relaxed my body tremendously. I did take some antihistamine (zyrtec) before and after along with a ton of water. For the record, I am in early 50's.
Posted 6/14/2021 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks. I'm the same in that I can become so anxious I don't sleep and work my way up.

I'm so appreciative of you sharing your story. I hope I do as well as everyone on here.

I'll keep you posted and thanks again, really appreciate it.
Posted 6/14/2021 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Huddie, happy to help.

J&J is not a traditional vaccine, it's an adenovirus based vaccine.

Novavax is hoping for vaccine authorization in September 2021.

I'm not sure which type of vaccines Lyme patients prefer.
I'm personally not getting one.

Good luck!
Posted 6/15/2021 12:13 AM (GMT 0)

Huddie said...
Dude, Thanks for this. Did the six people also all have LD?

You're welcome. I appreciate the information you shared, too. Thank you.

As for the six people that I referenced, none of them have Lyme or Co-Infections. Because of that, I wasn't sure if I should mention them. However, three of them do have other immune-related issues. And, because some people on this Lyme forum have stated they're unsure if they have have "Lyme," I figured it was worth sharing.
Posted 6/15/2021 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
It's always worth sharing. Thank you all.
Posted 6/15/2021 4:08 AM (GMT 0)

Huddie said...
Girlie,

This is wonderful news. Again, if I were you and were in a remote area I would wait as long as possible.

I don't want the vaccine but I also would feel pretty bad if I got the new variant when I could have been vaccinated. My mother-in-law is having surgery mid-July and I need to take care of her so that's another reason. Additionally it is almost impossible to be in NYC and not be vaccinated. You can't do anything. Not that we go out all that much but restaurants, concerts, even a party we are attending for the fourth requires proof of vaccination. If you don't have it you need to get a test and I really dislike the tests. So this is our new world.

I will update you and please do the same after your appointment. Good luck!

My son texted me today to let me know that he read that the long term care homes (where I work) are considering mandatory vaxing - when it was previously your choice to vax or not.
Posted 6/15/2021 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
Well that makes sense. My mother in a nursing home and every person who works there has to be vaccinated. So you then have to choose your job or the vaccine. This does present a decision. We will all keep you posted on how it is for us. I may be postponing mine for a week. My son and now husband have bad colds and I woke up feeling it all over.
Posted 6/15/2021 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
So I have no research to add to the discussion but like rainycloud, I heard through the international grapevine (mom’s piano student with relatives in Pakistan) that they believe novavax tech to be the safest and are eagerly awaiting it. When I first checked news some studies seemed to think novavax cause fewer side effects snd others said it caused same side effects. All studies were done by novavax so who knows. The tech sounds less alarming in a way. Unlike rna vaccine which they insist is not infecting you, just acting like a virus and going into your skin cells to forced them to reproduce spike protein (sort of sounds like what A virus does to my layman ears) novavax mass produces spike protein through some industrial process, puts them into nano particles and injects them into your body along with a something (adjunct?) to tell your immune system to tell it to fight it. In other words, no live virus, and it’s not making your body produce the antigen it needs to learn to fight. The adjunct apparently has been used for a long long time like maybe centuries? but that’s the only part where I’m like if Lyme patients have a psychotic immune system it might make it crazier.

Anyways everyone has to decide what to risk on their own (always risks with either choice). Novavax seems safe on paper to this uneducated mind, but who knows. Personally I’m having such severe mcas problems there’s no way I think a vaccine is right for me. But most of you I suspect aren’t in my boat.
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