delight | vaccine 1/2

vaccine 1/2

I got my first dose of COVID-19 vaccine yesterday through work and had a meeting this morning.

Boss: How are you feeling?
Me: [enthusiastic] Oh, terrible!
Employee #1: You're scaring me.
Boss: No, that means it's working ...
Employee #2: What are you feeling?
Me: My whole body hurts but especially my arm, I have a fever, I'm super tired! Go immune system!
Chorus: Yay!

Keep in mind that YM may heavily and seriously V; I have a severe autoimmune disease and take immunosuppressants, so everything is kind of a Gigantic Ordeal for my body when I get vaccines. Most people only get the arm pain/swelling from the first dose. Do not expect my side effects (because it is possible you can give them to yourself - nocebo effect / 2nd Year Med Student Syndrome are not myths).

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm so happy that you're getting a reaction! My biggest worry with this vaccine is that my immunocompromised ass won't be able to have enough of a reaction to actually make the vaccine useful. I know that my reaction might be different, but hearing this is definitely a bit reassuring.

I skipped my DMARD last night & this morning as directed because I am on a daily regimen; for people with infusions I think it will be a matter of scheduling dosing a certain distance apart. Your rheumatologist should be able to figure out the best plan with whatever medications you're using!

I'm on Humira every other week. I imagine we'll just do the vaccine on my off-week.

(I'm still boggling that I can function with on a twice-a-month dose. I was doing weekly doses before the installation of the cybernetic spine!)