Flu Jab

It may be some of the preservatives or other additives in some vaccines could cause problems for some people.  I think, for example, there were questions being raised about the use of aluminum salts in flu vaccines because of the possible connection between  aluminum and alzheimers, the thinking being it not a good idea to expose the elderly to aluminum in this way if it might cause brain problems.  I don't know if there has been any research on this.  I suppose it's possible that some vulnerable individuals could have reactions like the development of PMR, but perhaps not without other stressors as well?  

Drug companies use aluminum oxide to enhance body reaction to weaken virus in vaccines... They also use mercury-based preservative thiomersal as a preservative. Some people cannot get rid of those heavy metals and develop reaction to it... I try to avoid vaccines personally and have done only serious vaccines for my child ( polio, tetanus, etc.) but not some less dangerous like chickenpox, hpv; I also delayed controversial MMR vaccine.  In spite all the insurance that MMR is safe, here in Japan they stop giving them all together after having too many incidences and split them is separate vaccines.  In general, US drug companies are so aggressive with vaccine recommendations,  I am incline not to trust them easily.

I am on my third year of not having a flu jab in spite of usually being very bronchial.  Since then I have never had a cold or cough and all my chest problems diappeared.  And each year there is something different in the shots.    Since PMR started just after the shingles jab I will never risk another vaccination.  There is always that one in thousands who have an adverse reaction and on the web it said that there is a possibility of flu and shingles jabs causing PMR.   I wish I had known this before.  Shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted and live with the consequences!!  Oh well.....

I know the feeling well wishing I had known this before having last years flu jab. It shocked me when the specialist at the hospital when giving me the diagnosis of PMR I asked what was the cause and was told it was possible that it was the flu jab. 

Yes, I basically think the anti-vaxxers are way off base. Instead of rejecting vaccinations they could be more productively occupied in trying to get some of the additives out.  It would no doubt make vaccination more expensive, but if the additives are causing medical problems then they should be eliminated where possible.  In Canada, thimerosol is not used in pediatric vaccines except for the flu vaccine.  But that implies it's in adult vaccines.  Time "they" realized that many adults are vulnerable too.

At last I found someone who has been on steroids for a long time.  Ive been on predisolone for 6.5 years and been worried about the long term effect.  I came off them after a very slow decrease in dosage but found the pain, depression and tiredness came back very quickly.  So have gone back on to a 5mg dose and feeling much better.

Yes diagnosed with PMR at 57 following a very gradual onset - talking years here - now 72, and it's got used to me now and doesn't want to leave.  OK by me, I have multiple other medical conditions, so what's one more? Am living a 'normal' (I prefer typical) life and very content.