Today was my first Pfizer dose. Now 10 hours later, I just started feeling a tiny bit sore in my arm. I was expecting a more sore arm.
I am a bit wheezy however. I haven't been wheezy for many months though that use to be more common for me. I don't know if that is because it has been pretty windy here, vaccine related or something else.
Also, the process for getting the vaccination this morning went extremely well. Based on my friends experience on Wednesday and husband's experience 2 weeks ago , I expected the entire process to run 1.5-2+hours. I was in and out in 27 minutes. That was amazing!!. It was a drive thru at our NFL stadium.
@JeanneMayell I am back to normal. Had a typical Saturday, grocery shopping, cleaning, and went for a spin and stop in the woods for a little while. We were so high (Wachusetts Mountain) and the day was so clear, that we were able to see Boston in the distance (Good Old Pru and the Hancock Buildings). I only feel the soreness of my arm when I have to stretch it. One thing more, I woke up starving this morning. That means my body was working hard to assimilate the vax, and since it was working overtime, it needed fuel, hence my waking up hungry.
I had my second dose of Moderna yesterday (in one of NYC's well-run vaccinations centers) and I can't remember the last time I felt to sick. Fever over 102. Even my fingers hurt.
Did anyone take Advil or another anti-inflammatory? I keep reading that people are discouraged from doing this because it interrupts the inflammatory response, but I'm pretty miserable.
Cheers to all of you who gotten vaccinated, and fingers crossed for everyone still waiting!
@lynnventura. I took Tylenol every four to six hours. I had to do something or I wouldn't be able to sleep and I was just so miserable with aches, chills, and general malaise. I felt like something had invaded my body and it was manufacturing weapons of mass destruction which in truth it was. I took hot baths, and stayed in bed.
After the second day, I still felt bad, but couldn't stand to stay in bed. So I just went out and did some heavy duty gardening -- hauling wheelbarrows full of dirt up hill, digging up boulders and heaving them over a fence. Total work out after a year of couch potato. You would think I'd pull muscles or give myself a heart attack, but it just made me feel better! I also recommend drinking a lot of fluids. I drank cups of strong homemade ginger tea, made from grated ginger.
I should add that after I got myself outside and working out, I got better quickly. And stayed better. I would not recommend that solution for everyone. Every body is different so use your intuition. I can tell when my problem is sluggishness which is solved by getting moving versus a need for rest.
CDC says it's okay to take OTC anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil and Tylenol after, but not before, the vaccine. Although check with your doctor for final word on this. I have provided a link and an explanation in my next post below.
Did anyone take Advil or another anti-inflammatory? I keep reading that people are discouraged from doing this because it interrupts the inflammatory response,
I have read in several different articles that it is OK to take an anti-inflammatory after the shot if needed, but best not to take one before. Also Tylenol (acetaminophen) was recommended as less likely to interfere than other anti-inflammatories. I hope you feel better soon!
@lynnventura, I'm sorry you're feeling some nasty effects from the vaccine. I have friends who have had similar reactions as yours, lasting anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. My understanding is that Tylenol is okay. As Jeanne mentioned, make sure you're drinking lots of fluids. Do you have any bone broths? Those are good if you're not up to eating much.
I had my second shot of Pfizer on Thursday morning and have had a delayed reaction. Yesterday I had joint pain, was extremely exhausted, and went into a panic attack which seemed to come out of nowhere. I took turmeric for the inflammation and did some gentle, lower body exercises so I could ground myself. Today I feel somewhat crappy -- a sick head, achy, slightly nauseous, very fatigued. I've been sleeping okay but waking up a lot, and have had crazy dreams since getting the second dose.
I think Jeanne's remark about the vaccine "manufacturing weapons of mass destruction" is an apt description! I'm sure my body didn't know what hit it. It also makes me think about some medical treatments I've had in the past which have created a Herxheimer reaction, i.e. a healing crisis -- in other words, you feel worse before you feel better. So that's how I'm choosing to look at it.
I hope you're feeling better soon, Lynn. Please keep us posted.
I had my first shot of Pfizer on Saturday. I was a wreck leading up to it, and incredibly fearful about the side effects, despite feeling desperate to receive it. I felt the weight of all the lost souls and had significant feelings of survivors guilt.
After the shot, I felt a great deal of peace. Cupcakes, store bought, helped.
I did develop a wicked headache for a few hours after and a sore arm. I laid down and ended up sleeping it off, accidentally missing the seder.
Today I feel GREAT, Happy, grateful and hoping the next three weeks go fast till I get the next shot.
Thank you everyone! I appreciate the personal stories and advice, and the support! I feel better this morning than at any point yesterday. Hopefully the worst is behind me! xoxoxo
@ghandigirl, Happy to hear that shot#1 is over. Yay for cupcakes! I understand feeling ambivalent about the vaccine. I went through those same feelings. I was specifically concerned about allergic reactions, since I have a history of being sensitive/reactive to a lot of things.
Feeling grateful helped me a lot, even in the midst of my fears. I understood how fortunate I was, and constantly reminded myself of that.
@ghandigirl, remind us when your next shot is scheduled, so we can send some calming and supportive light your way.
@lynnventura, so glad you're feeling better! Is your fever gone? Perhaps if the weather is good and you're feeling up to it, you could get out for a leisurely walk in nature.
❤️