Hello friends and happy Monday!
You’re officially talking to a 1/2 vaccinated gal!
Yep! Over the weekend, my special gentleman — Steven — and I got our first dose of the Covid vaccine together! Team Pfizer!
((You can watch a 30 second video I made about it on TikTok HERE!))
I’ll tell you what, God is always watching out for us. ALWAYS. In the smallest ways sometimes, but we’ve got to be looking for it.
Having an autoimmune disease (ulcerative colitis), So I was super nervous about it. The thing about autoimmune diseases is that my immune system is defective, and when a foreign threat comes into my body, my immune system — instead of just attacking the intruder — also attacks itself.
Which is why, if I ever get a hang nail on my cuticle, or get a cut, I will 9 times out of 10 get an infection. Because my body doesn’t fight well.
So, as you can imagine, I was incredibly apprehensive about getting the vaccine.
Couple that with my concerns about being in child-bearing years, and then put the Johnson & Johnson blood clot fear-mongering reports as the icing on the cake, and I had almost nearly talked myself out of getting it altogether.
However, after talking with my family and my brother, who is a doctor, we decided that the risk of contracting Covid far outweighs the risk of getting the vaccine.
So, on Saturday morning at 9:30am, Steven and I walked into the Javits Center in NYC to get stabbed.
And friends, it was the wildest thing.
Weeks ago, I looked out my window, and the line for the hospital on my block that was administering the vaccine was around the block. I kid you not there were probably close to 300 people in a socially-distanced line, all waiting to get the shot. And did I mention that appointments to get a shot are about as difficult to get than a Backstreet Boys concert ticket in the nineties.
And wouldn’t you know…we walked into the Javits Center, and we were practically the only ones there! It was completely empty!!! I don’t know if it was the fact that it was so early in the morning, or if the mad rush for vaccines is waning, but we were shocked. We had planned to be there for 3 hours, waiting outside in the cold. But we were in and out in 31 minutes! Talk about efficient!
There were National Guards everywhere. And each one I interacted with, I made sure to thank them for their service to our country. And I’ll tell you what — these men and women’s faces lit up when I recognized the sacrifice they’ve made. I mean, living in New York City, people aren’t really the most pro-military around here.
But I sure am!
But here’s where God I really saw God working overtime for me.
Being “high risk” with an autoimmune disease, I had to have a consultation with a doctor before getting sticked. And she proceeded to go over all the risk factors. And one thing that I learned that was interesting, is that with the vaccine and autoimmune disease, doctors aren’t worried about the body being able to fight it off, because it’s not a live virus. But the consideration is that the vaccine won’t be as effective as someone without an AI disease, because my not all of my cells will have “learned” how to fight this fake foreign intruder, because only some of my immune system will be actually fighting it — the other part will be attacking itself.
So that was really informative.
But listening to her talk to me about all of the risks, and telling me like…ok, so later today or tomorrow if you feel XYZ, call an ambulance. Watch for ABC, be prepared for this, that and the other. And oh yeah – since there’s no data on people with autoimmune diseases, we want you to answer all these questions in follow up correspondences becuase we’re going to use you as a guinea pig…capeesh? Of course, she was preparing me for worst case scenario, but it scared the living daylights out of me.
But God.
You see, since Steven and I were there together, he was allowed to accompany me to the consultation, and to the shot itself.
And having him next to me, while I’m hearing all of this terrifying information, it was just so reassuring. He was totally my rock and steadied my fears and was my calm in the storm. Because I’m going to be honest…had I been there by myself, I for sure would have gotten up and said – thanks, but no thanks! – and walked my little autoimmune butt outta there!
But I didn’t. Because Steven was there to lean on.
That’s God for ya.
He even got the vaccine first.
And as I prayed to Jesus and placed myself in His hands as that needle went into my arm, I also thanked God for putting Steven there next to me.
And by the way…the stab didn’t hurt, despite what everyone says.
Steven and I walked out of there feeling like super heroes.
God was with us that morning — of course, He always is. But it’s always extra special to see Him working in the little ways. Especially when it’s through the people in our lives.
So that was my vaccine experience. Perhaps, like me, you have an underlying condition and are a little concerned, I just want to encourage you to talk to a doctor, and weigh all the risks.
Of course, everyone’s decision is personal, and up to them. But this is what I felt was best for my body.
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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106 responses to “GETTING THE COVID VACCINE WITH AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE”
Good choice despite your fears. I know people including family members who are pushing back against the vaccine. For my wife and
I it was more a matter of protecting others in getting the vaccine. But I guess that is why God put us here-to serve as his son Jesus served. I applaud your faith and your courage. You are still an example to all-as is your special gentleman. Thanks. John
Thank you John! Yes, I think it was good to be part of the solution. I agree. Yes! A way to serve – I love thinking of it in that way! Hugs and love xox
Yay! Glad you are more protected now and your guy was there to help in the emotional strength department 💖💖💖
Thank you Paula! Yeah it was a real blessing to have a strong shoulder to lean on!! God is good! Hugs and love xox
Great to hear you’ve had your first vaccine dose. And well done, considering the health concerns you have. It’s been difficult for younger folk I am sure over the past few weeks to make the decision. Pfizer seems the best option. So glad you had a choice. It was difficult to know how the MEcfs would react, but doing OK after the first dose in February. It’s a team effort isn’t it & important that as many folk as possible are protected. Hopefully will receive my 2nd dose next month. Stay safe. Xx
Thank you friend! Yes – it was quite the decision, but at the end of the day, I wanted to be part of the solution! Praying that you’ll get your second dose soon!! Hugs and love xox
Autoimmune and other health problems do make things more stressful, for sure. I’m glad you were able to talk about your fears and work through them, and were comfortable with your choice. That’s for including the doctor’s explanations and congrats on being halfway. Also, about that BSB flashback photo: I remember them so differently. Cooler. I’m questioning my younger self’s taste 😉
THank you Em for your encouraging words. Yes! hahah oh my gosh me too! I remember BSB being the epitome of cool! haha Hugs and love xox
Congrats! Thanks for sharing your story. I have an autoimmune disease too so it was super interesting to hear what they explained to you. I haven’t gotten the vaccine yet but plan to so soon. ❤️
Thank you Ashley! I’m so glad this info was helpful for you! Praying for you! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
A beautiful post thank you so much
thank you. Hugs and love xox
Glad you and Steve could support each other. Congratulations on your relationship with your special gentleman going to the next level. You have given his name! 💕 Love and hugs!
Thank you so much! Yes – it was really great to be there for each other. very grateful! Hugs and love xox
and haha yes! i got his “okay” on sharing his name 🙂 hehe
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Thank you friend! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
thanks friend 🙂
It makes me happy to hear that you have someone in your life to be an emotional support to you and help you through things like this. Will pray the second dose goes great for both of you!
Aw, thank you so much Colleen! Yes me too – I am so grateful to have such a top knotch guy in my life! thank you for your prayers! Hugs and love xox
Glad to hear you’re OK. I was very concerned about getting the vaccine at first. My immune system is good, however I am allergic to several medications. My doctor decide it would be best for me to go to another clinic (but same people) in a different town. That way if worse comes to worse, they would not only have my medical records, they could rush me across the street to the hospital.
Well for some reason that clinic didn’t get anymore vaccines. So they give me the shot anyway and had a doctor watch over me for about 45 minutes. I had no problems at all. No side affects, nothing! I am doing good!
Thank you friend. I appreciate your encouraging words. I’m so glad to hear you did well with the shot!! Praying for you! Hugs and love xox
I got my first shot on Thursday. Next shot in a few weeks. I have an autoimmune condition as well.
Oh that’s great! I’m glad you got the shot! Thanks for sharing that! I’ll be praying for you! Hugs and love xox
I’ll be praying for you! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
I’ll keep you in my prayers as well.
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That was such a beautiful story! Felt like I was walking in there with you going through all the emotions of the vaccine risks etc. God is so good! Stay well! And thanks for sharing xx
Thank you so much Leila! Aw yeah – God blessed me by having Steven by my side that day! Hugs and love xox
Not that my opinion matters, but you really didn’t have all of the facts when you made the choice to get this vaccine. The clinical trials are still ongoing, so no claims can be made about the safety or efficacy of until all of the data has been submitted to the FDA for review and approval. Two, they are not vaccines, they are actually gene therapy and the risks to date far outweigh any benefit. Did your doctor speak with you about pathogenic priming or antibody dependent enhancement? If you don’t know what those terms mean you were not fully informed. And yes, infertility is an adverse event associated with the Pfizer vaccine in particular.
And for anyone who wants to know, I work in the pharmaceutical industry as a Senior Project Leader. I actually manage clinical trials, which is why I would never take a drug given an Emergency Use Approval. I prefer to wait until the trials are complete so that I have actual data to review.
Praying for you. ❤️
Thank you so much Angela for sharing your insight on this. *glup* I appreciate your prayers. Sounds like I need them!! God’s hands now. Hugs and love xox
Just a question: where do you stand on other vaccines available, like polio, hepatitis, measles etc?
Those other vaccines you mention are actual vaccinations that have already been tested and proven to work. Please don’t forget that treatment for COVID-19 already exists in the form of hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, etc. If you want a trusted source for information (but which is suppressed by most news sources and social media because it goes against the “accepted” narrative), look into americasfrontlinedoctors.com. BTW, Gov Cuomo is actually acting illegally regarding the vaccine “passports,” since the experimental vaccines have only been approved for emergency administration use ONLY. Thus, it’s illegal to coerce anyone into taking them. Sadly, this information has been kept hidden from the general public.
Thank you for this information. And oh yes – Cuomo is a terrible governor. He needs to be removed from office. Hugs and love xox
Get off of Facebook Angela! Also stop watching Fox News.
So glad you made such an informed decision, and you had your guy there to support you! Everyone has their reason for or against it, and each situation is different. My husband and I both made sure that our decision was made by being informed and not out of fear.
Thank you Ellen! Yes! He is such a great support. I’m very lucky. Yes! I so agree. Hugs and love xox
Happy to hear your experience went well! G-d willing I have my first shot tomorrow.
Caralyn,
What a challenging decision…
I am super-wary of the Covid-19 vaccine(s). I think, in large part, because of the intelligence / political / media climate – my trust in government and corporations is *so* low. I have learned to be wary
Sometimes, I want to express caution (and sometimes alarm), with kindness and reason. Sometimes, the expression is prayer…
…
On a positive, yes, pro-military (and in the sense of law and order) here, too
I’m glad you were able to make a very informed decision! Having Steven there for moral support is great! I pray that there are no effects downstream or subsequent shots. I know you are very concerned, and I don’t blame you. You have God, family, Steven, and so many who are concerned and praying for you. Hugs…
Hey great job! And the way you felt with Steven there is the way God designed love. Ain’t that so cool? I get my first this week, and my wife had her first. Similar to you she has a comprised immune system, and they told her the same thing about it may be less effective. Its providing some protection though. She’s doing well with the shot. Blessings.
Yay!!! Praise God!!!! Love you as always! Hugs! XO😃❤
Thank you Tonya! Yes! I am so grateful to have been able to get an appointment and have Steven there with me! 🙂 love you friend! Have a great Thursday! Hugs and love xox
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Glad you had a good experience with this.
I’m curious as to your thoughts on something kind of related to this, if you have time. I’ll contact you privately soon.
Thank you so much Greg! Oh sure thing – beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Glad to know everything worked out so well. We worship Jesus, the Great Physician. As for me, I am getting my first dose on Thursday- Moderna. I have been vaccinated for more things than I can count: DTP, Hep A and B, Japanese Encephalitis, cholera, all necessary if you are a missionary or military. I learned a trick besides “Don’t look”. You’re supposed to cough but because this is a covid vaccine, that might not be a good idea. 🙂 Coughing is supposed to help your body exhale and relieve the tension. Not sure if there is any science behind it so take it with a grain of salt. 😀 Have a great week.
Thank you friend! Yes! The Great Physician! Oh wow! Praying that it goes well today!! How interesting about the cough! But yeah – I think given the circumstances, I’d forgo that this time! Hahahah Hugs and love xox
Great! Glad you did it! We are quickly overcoming the virus spread with the needle brave!!
Thank you Gerry! Me too! I’m grateful to have found an appointment! Amen! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for stepping up to get vaccinated and more importantly, to share your concerns about auto-immune issues and the vaccine. I pray that your example will encourage others to get their shots as well.
I was blessed to get the Moderna shots in December and January and have tried to be a voice of encouragement ever since. (I was even invited to be part of a video the leading hospital in Syracuse produced, sharing the experience of being vaccinated).
Blessings,
Pastor Chuck
PS: the video can be found on youtube by searching my name, Chuck Copps. You will also get the bonus of hearing my wife and mine rendition of the National Anthem in the background!
Thank you Chuck. Yes, I wanted to be part of the solution! Oh nice! Glad you got it so early! I’ll definitely check the video out! Hugs and love xox
Congrats! My wife & I got the astra venica a few weeks ago. Just waiting on 2nd shot.😉
Thanks Kenneth!! Oh that’s so great! Praying for you two that the second dose goes well! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for sharing your experience. I too have AI issues (Hashimotto’s Thyroid Disease) and spoke with my endocrinologist who told me getting it was much better than not getting it. Which I completely understood when I contracted COVID within a week of getting the vaccine. The virus kicked me in the buttt. No hospitalization, Thank God, but I was out of work for a month and then 2 weeks part time before I could get back to my full time hours. SO, just like you I am apprehensive, but after having to wait 90 days post testing positive, I’m more than willing to roll up my sleeve and get the vaccine. I go today for my first shot knowing the good Lord has my back now and always.
Thank you Mariann! Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry you went through that! But praise God you’re doing better and will be able to get the shot today. Praying for you!! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful and inspiring post, thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you so much Sarah! Grateful for this incredible scientific miracle! Hugs and love xox
You’re most welcome. 🙂 xoxo
xoxo 🙂
Beautiful and inspirational post. Thank you for sharing your experience. =)
you go, lean into the loving arms of Jesus.
amen to that. His arms are the pinnacle of safety! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for this post, Carolyn. I got my second shot yesterday. I have to stay off social media. There always scary rumors about the vaccine floating around. Which one did you get? I got the Moderna.
Thanks Tony! So glad it resonated with you. I agree. Congrats on the second shot!! You’re part of the solution! 🙂 Everyone in my family got Moderna. I got Pfizer – it was the one available here I could get an appointment for! Praying for you! Hugs and love xox
So happy you got it. The same thing going on here, folks can go without lines. Let’s continue to pray for a path to this virus going away
Thanks Alice! Yes me too, so grateful for the appointment and for Steven being there with me! Yes! Praying with you! Hugs and love xox
You had a much better experience than I had! And like you, because I suffered with Long Covid, my possible complications are much different from the average person. I’m not even allowed to get the second shot (and hoping the travel rules change before I travel to the Holy Land in the fall). I’m so happy you had support. Your happiness just radiates from your photos, your voice, and your writing. May God continue to bless you both. ❤️❤️❤️
Oh gosh, I’m sorry to hear that Amy! Praying for you that you’ll be able to get the second shot soon and that your Holy Land trip will be in the clear. That’s so exciting. I’ve always wanted to go!! Thank you again 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I have a few openings!
The key of whether to get a vaccine or not lies in he poster at the end of today’s blog: “I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I KNOW who holds tomorrow.” Knowing him, a friend of mine said when he was 17 year old, “Nothing happens TO a Christ-follower. Filtered by His love, it only happens FOR us.” (Lane Martin) ❤️&🙏, c.a.
Yes!! Oh my gosh I love that. Amen God is always working! Thanks for the encouragement here! Hugs and love xox
I worry about getting the shot. I think this is a drill for the mark of the beast. I have heard my friends say they had to start showing their cards to get into places. What do you think?
Thank you for sharing your heart on this Amanda. I tend to think that, since God is in everything, and this vaccine is truly a scientific miracle, that God definitely had a hand in making this “way out” of the pandemic come to fruition. Hugs and love xox
Hugs.
xoxo 🙂
From one autoimmune person to another good job. Luckily the lupus was fine as I take benlysta and prednisone, and plaquenil. So I was able to get the Maderno. THe only problem I had is if Leaned on the arm that was given the shot. IT was tender.
Thank you Katie. I’m so glad you were able to get the shot too! Autoimmune is no joke! Praying for you! And oh yes / tender arm for sure!! Hugs and love xox
Hugs back
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Glad you’re trusting the LORD in all you do, including the vaccine. Blessings in Jesus!
Thank you Charme!! Yes! Since it’s a scientific miracle, I just know God had a hand in it! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for sharing your experience! I also have an AI condition, though my immune system tends to be overactive (MCAS/ALPS). I’m seeing my doctor next week to discuss the best vaccine for my body and what kind of precautions I need to take to prevent an adverse reaction. I feel a bit scared of the vaccine because the smallest trigger can send me into anaphylaxis and I am severely allergic to an ingredient in the mRNA vaccine (PEG). I am hopeful that my doctor can provide guidance and give me confidence, and that J&J becomes available again. It’s such a gift to have a partner to support us through life’s challenges, and I’m so glad you’ve found that in Steven. <3
Thanks so much friend! I’m sorry you also have an AI condition. Praying for you!! I know your doctor will know what’s best for your body. Amen to that – I’m so grateful for him too 🙂 what a great guy 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I just wanted to say I am super encouraged by the way you responded to criticism and those who have disagreed with you in the comments. There are very few times I have seen that on the internet. Thank you for being an example of humility and love with no pride or feeling the need to defend yourself. People are watching us and how we communicate as believers, and while I was super happy to see your post about the vaccine experience, I was also thrilled to see how kind and humble you were in response to criticism. Thank you.
Thank you so much Jenna! Gosh, what a kind thing to say!! Seriously, I’m so touched. I try to operate with respect and love always 🙂 hope you have a wonderful day! Hugs and love xox
I have an AI and am super anxious about getting it. I broke out in hives with my last tetanus booster, so…
Hi friend, oh gosh! I will be praying for you! your doctor will know what’s best for your body! Hang in there!! Hugs and love xox
I love your courage, conviction and balance. Your love for Jesus is inspirational.
Thank you so much Connie! Gosh what a kind thing to say! Hugs and love xox
A: Do you want to get the vaccine?
B: No, God will protect me.
A: So sorry you got COVID
B: God will protect me
A: *parishes from COVID*
A: (In heaven) God why didn’t you protect me?
God: I sent you the vaccine but you refused to take it. Here is your harp.
Thank you so much for this. I have a medical history and a friend who has an autoimmune disease. I would love to read a follow up post on your experience and such.
Thank you Dacia! I’m so sorry you can so personally relate to this! Absolutely – I will post a follow up after my second shot on May 8! Praying for you! Hugs and love xox
Once again, a great read…. I also like the rose image on the front of your white t-shirt.
thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it! and haha thanks! it’s from Free People! Hugs and love xox
You both got your vaccines, yay! I have both Pfizer doses now. Be well, be safe! 🙏🏻😎
yes!!! Oh that is so great John! I’m glad to hear you’re fully vax’d, and doing well I trust! 🙂 thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
I am fine, thanks! Just bought airline tickes to Michigan next month! Be safe and well. 🙏🏻❤️
oh that’s great to hear!!
Thanks, Caralyn! I’m excited to get home to see the family!
yay! praying for safe travels!
Thank you! 🙏🏻
As a military mom I thank YOU for acknowledging the service of our military members!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️