When a Vaccination Causes an MS Pseudoexacerbation Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Multiple Sclerosis
When a Vaccination Leads to an Epic Pseudoexacerbation
How do we deal with the short-term but very real side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on our MS? By Mona SenFor My Health StoryReviewed: January 12, 2022Everyday Health BlogsFact-CheckedEven temporary side effects can take hours or even days to abate.iStockPeople with multiple sclerosis (MS) are often given dire warnings regarding the necessity of getting vaccinated to protect us from the flu, COVID-19, and even shingles. After all, some of us in the MS world may have reduced immunity because of the medications we take. But I feel that the way vaccines can affect us and our respective MS is also worth mentioning. Vaccines Are Important but Not Worry-Free
For my part, I follow the experts’ advice on taking vaccinations for my own protection, and I also believe — as many do — in getting vaccinated for the health of society at large. But that doesn’t mean I’ve sailed through these vaccinations with no consequences. Far from it! The aftermath of two recent “jabs” took me into what it feels like to be completely disabled. I found myself immobilized, because my body refused to move, finding it much more comfortable to remain still. Thank God it was temporary. The second COVID-19 and shingles vaccines left me wondering if this was what the end stages of MS feel like. What is so frightening is how quickly the vaccines affected my nervous system. First Shot No Problem Second Shot Big Problem
Both David, my partner, and I had signed up for our second COVID-19 vaccine doses online without any fanfare. The first shot, which we’d both taken a few months earlier, resulted in a bit of tiredness but nothing alarming. So we went about our business as usual. If that is all that happened with the first shot, the second shot should be no big deal. The day of the second dose was warm and not ideal for my situation with MS. This is how the day unfolded: We took David’s truck, because he had to do some errands. Taking the truck always means I have to climb and expend energy. This was not a great start to the day! I think back on it now, and thank goodness I use a wheelchair and don’t have to rely on walking. I just know I wouldn't have been able to walk. After we took our second COVID-19 shot, we left the facility to go home. At that point I was probably developing a slight fever. Most of us with MS know all too well that raising body temperature results in lack of movement due to weakness. I did my best to hold on until I got home, but alas, I was in trouble before I even left the facility. David then had to get me into the truck. That was a fiasco, because my torso kept collapsing. But he did manage to get me into the truck. My Plan for Dealing With the COVID-19 Booster Shot
This strange pseudoexacerbation has left me confused about what to do next. Should I consider myself exempt from the COVID-19 booster shot because of my reaction to my second dose? What does all this mean in terms of my own beliefs, which are the opposite of the anti-vaccine community in our world? While I know that my feeling unwell was a pseudoexacerbation, or temporary worsening, of my MS — not a full-on relapse — the whole scenario seemed like a lot more than that. So when I do take the booster shot, or any other “hard-hitting” shot, I will take some precautions instead of not taking the shot at all. This is how I would do things differently:I would enlist a good friend or someone I trust to help me for a whole day. The person can just sit where they can hear me call them. I have a good occupational therapist friend who spends her time knitting, which is the sort of pastime that would be perfect.Once a fever or other side effect is activated, I am weak and cannot function normally. My person should be able to help me transfer from the couch or bed into the wheelchair so I can get to the bathroom as needed.The person will bring me water, Tylenol, and whatever else that may be necessary.I would speak to my neurologist about whether there are any ways I could avoid or reduce the severity of my post-vaccine symptoms. The idea is to just lie flat until I start feeling better and my energy is restored, because thankfully, I know I will eventually recover, though it might take a couple of days. Please keep in mind, like I am, there is no MS exacerbation going on, just a pseudoexacerbation. These are simple steps that I have thought about and think are important, because the pandemic is here to stay. Why not make things easier by accommodating both the MS and the pandemic? Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health.See More NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter
SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Multiple Sclerosis
How to Craft a Life s Mission Statement
By Trevis GleasonOctober 21, 2022 Dysarthria When MS Makes It Hard to Speak
By Mona SenOctober 20, 2022 Is That Really How I Walk
By Trevis GleasonOctober 18, 2022 How Do You Know When to Throw in the Towel
By Trevis GleasonOctober 14, 2022 Living With MS What to Know About Neuropathic Pain and How to Manage It
Neuropathic pain is not your average pain. Here’s what to know about this unique type of MS pain and how to find relief.By Kerry WeissOctober 12, 2022 UTIs and MS The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have multiple sclerosis, you may be prone to frequent urinary tract infections. Besides being painful, UTIs can make MS worse, so it’s important...By Kerry WeissOctober 12, 2022 Why Is Orange the Color of MS
By Trevis GleasonOctober 11, 2022 13 Celebrities Who Have Multiple Sclerosis
Look among the millions of people with multiple sclerosis and you'll find famous faces, too. Learn how some of these celebrities are dealing with MS and...By Regina Boyle WheelerOctober 11, 2022 We All Have Something to Teach Our MS Doctors
By Trevis GleasonOctober 7, 2022 EBV An MS Box I Can Finally Tick
By Trevis GleasonOctober 4, 2022 More In My Health Story Dysarthria When MS Makes It Hard to Speak
4 Ways Pumpkin Benefits Your Gut Health
5 IBD-Friendly Treats to Enjoy This Halloween