Hey friends, and happy Monday!!
I hope everyone had a happy Mother’s Day weekend! I sure did! Even though I wasn’t able to be home in Ohio celebrating with my beautiful mother…..I’m seeing her THIS WEEKEND!!!!
Yep! Steven and I are flying to Ohio to visit my family! I couldn’t be more excited! We’ll see the fam, be in the new house, enjoy a drink around the fire pit, take some scenic bike rides, eat delicious food, and just be together. It’s going to be amazing.
But this weekend…WE GOT OUR SECOND DOSE OF THE PFIZER VACCINE!
Yep! If you follow me on Instagram (@Beauty.Beyond.Bones), then you already knew this…and watched the video I posted…
But we are now officially fully vaccinated!
I shared about getting my first shot exactly 21 days ago (the mandated time between doses). And the response was overwhelming! I shared about how scared I was to get it, given my autoimmune disease: Ulcerative Colitis, and a lot of you sweet readers asked me to provide an update…so I was more than happy to oblige.
Just as a quick refresher, the concern about people with autoimmune diseases isn’t that they’re going to get the vaccine and die, or actually contract COVID19 from the vaccine itself…which, to be honest, was a real concern of mine…because you’re not actually getting a LIVE strain of the virus in the vaccine. But rather, as it was explained to me by the doctor on-site who had a sit down info session with me beforehand, the concern is that the vaccine isn’t as effective at protecting people with autoimmune diseases, because only PART of my immune system learns to fight the virus, since only *some* of my white blood cells attack intruders…the others attack itself.
But net-net, it’s far better to get the vaccine and at least get SOME protection against the virus, than no protection at all!
So anyway. Going into this appointment at the Javits Center in NYC on Saturday…I was still super nervous. How would be body react?
It’s common knowledge that the second shot is the one where you feel like you have the flu 12-14 hours after you get stabbed. But talk to anyone who’s gotten it, and the personal experiences really run the gamut. Some people…like my dad, my guy friends, Steven….had literally NO reaction. Some people…my mom, most of my friends…*slight* chills for a little bit, and woke up fine the next morning. But then, of course there are the rare outliers who had “horrible” reactions where they literally felt so sick they couldn’t get out of bed for the entire day.
And naturally, none of the people who I talked to have an autoimmune disease. So really – who knows.
So Steven and I decided to walk into the day with a mind-over-matter kind of an attitude. I’ve always kind of felt that way about being sick: when you tell yourself you feel great and you’re going to be okay…it’s typically true! Unless of course, you get knocked on your butt by something really serious…but that’s another story.
But that mindset has typically worked for me.
So, we got our shot — no brainer. Didn’t hurt. The place was completely empty, except for probably the 200 National Guard people who were stationed all throughout the convention center — which was SO WELL ORGANIZED, by the way. There was literally different colored neon tape on the floor running all throughout, and you were given a color to follow at the jump, and it made it so easy. It was remarkable.
But then we just went about our day as usual. We worked out. Had a great lunch. (I had made my famous Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Stew ahead of time for us, just in case we were down for the count.) And then we met up with our friends to hang out at one of their apartments. And the only thing I did different was wear my “comfy jeans” and an extra layer in case I started to get chilled at the party.
So…how did I fare, symptom-wise throughout it?? Well…I actually did have some surprising symptoms. Yes, my arm was SUPER sore. (As opposed to the first shot, which was just a dull annoyance.) And yes, I got the chills at the end of the night. (We’re talking 2am when I left the party, and then had to sleep in a hoodie and sweatpants with my covers pulled over my head to stay warm.) But my “fever” broke around 6 am, and I woke up perfectly normal on Sunday — good enough to get picked up by Steven in the early afternoon to go to his parents’ for Mother’s Day!
But the surprising symptoms I had were brain fog and clumsiness! Right?? How bizarre!! So for example: I baked my famous Reeces Cup Cookies that afternoon after the shot to bring over to our friend’s apartment, and for the LIFE OF ME, I could not do the “mental math” required to convert tablespoons into cups! We’re talking…I actually had to take out by the spoonful, extra sugar and brown sugar that I had mistakenly added! What!? That, and it was really difficult to formulate sentences. I would say “ummm” for long pauses, and just — forget — what I was trying to communicate mid-sentence. SO WEIRD!
That, and I was just clumsy and uncoordinated…which for this “varsity letterman” athlete is unheard of. I literally dropped my toothbrush from my mouth onto the floor. Like…who does that?
So anyway…that was my experience with the Pfizer Vaccine!
Again, I don’t think I would have actually followed through, or even gotten the shot to begin with, had it not been for Steven. I would have been too afraid. But having him by my side throughout the whole thing – it was not only really special, but something I’m incredibly grateful for.
I know the vaccine is scary for a lot of people. And to be honest, people have a lot of mixed emotions about it.
I decided to get the vaccine, because I want life to return to “normal” as soon as possible. This pandemic has wreaked havoc on our country — and the world. Our economy is tanking, the value of the dollar is flirting with doom, people are out of work — some by choice, thanks to our generous government — mental health is at an alarming low, and people are going stir crazy, yearing to get back out there and socialize!
So if my being vaccinated can contribute to herd immunity, or a safe environment where our country can get back to life as usual, then let me be first in line.
That, and who knows what tyrannical mandate New York City’s glorious leadership is going to put into place here in the near future regarding “vaccine passports.”
At the end of the day, I truly believe that this vaccine is a miracle — medical in nature, and breathed by God. I believe God gave those scientists the precise skillset and thinking power to develop these vaccines in record-shattering speed, and then get it out to the world at large. We have been praying and praying for an end to this pandemic, and sometimes, God’s answer is in the form of a modern day medical miracle that requires a little bit of trust on our end.
What do YOU think about the vaccine? Have you taken it? Are you going to? What was your reaction to it? I’m super curious!!
Alright that’s it from me! If you need me, I’ll be dreaming of all the places I want to put on my post-vax travel bucket list! (Hey, a girl can dream!!!)
“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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63 responses to “GETTING THE SECOND PFIZER VACCINE with an AutoImmune Disease”
I have an autoimmune condition and got second shot last Thursday. My condition is mild enough that I am not on any medicine for it, but I decided better to get it now before they put me on something that could cause issues with it
Thanks Paul for sharing your story! That’s good thinking! Glad you got the shot too and are doing well! Hugs and love xox
https://www.americasfrontlinedoctors.org/frontline-news/expert-evaluation-on-adverse-effects-of-the-pfizer-covid-19-vaccination
Thank you so much for sharing that Eden, I look forward to taking a look at it. Hugs and love xox
Sure thing! I’m praying you don’t experience any side effects beyond the mild ones you already have experienced. That particular link broke down some new stats and findings I thought might be helpful. If not, cest la vie. Personally, needles/vaccines aren’t my thing, beyond tetanus for the odd rusty nail or stray strand of barbed wire I may encounter.
Thank you friend, yes – joining you in that prayer! Placing myself in Jesus’ hands on this one 🙂
I’m glad you got your two pokes and published your experience about it. Positive word of mouth (or positive words) will go a long way to helping others to decide to get their pokes for the good of us all. Carol and I got our second Pfizer poke about a month ago and we’re glad we did. We still wear masks and keep our distance but we feel better for having gotten ours. Now it’s time for everyone to do their part so we can put this awful pandemic behind us. Enjoy your trip to see your mom and remember, it still takes two weeks after your second shot for the full effect of the vaccine.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! yes – for the god of us all –BINGO! That’s exactly how I see it…it’s my civic duty to do my part 🙂 Great point about the two weeks, thank you for that! Hugs and love xox
GOOD FOR YOU!! 💜
thank you so much Cindy! I appreciate you sharing in the joy with me! Hugs and love xox
Wellll, sometimes I have had brain “fog” which is attributed to my being born in the stone age, but ….ummm, what was I going to say about that? 😂
hahah oh my gosh you’re too funny!! you have me laughing out loud 🙂 thanks for the smile. 🙂 hugs to you xox
Oh! now I have an excuse to use too, thanks.
I’m glad you are okay. Many people have died and others have permanent Palsy after taking the vaccine. With my Celiac Disease, there is no way I’m taking it. I don’t care if the government tries to force it through vaccine passports or not. They don’t have the right to force a vaccine on any of us. We don’t need a vaccine for a cold virus that has a 99% survival rate anyway. I don’t live in fear of the virus. We have been living free down here in Florida for almost a year now. No shutdowns & no mask mandates, and we are just fine down here. People are free and thriving as true free Americans should be. People who want a job are working and the unemployment rate is super low. People are enjoying going out to eat, playing at the beach, and living life without fear. I highly recommend taking back our rights and not letting the tyrannical government (led by traitor Biden) control us with fear mongering lies. God have mercy on our country and deliver us from the wicked people in power, amen! Blessings to you always, sister.
I’m getting Darwin Award vibes from Ryan’s post.
I’m getting brainwashed vibes from you, Peter. Let the government control you with lies and fear if you want. Sounds like you’ve been living in NYC under tyrant Cuomo for far too long. I’ll pray for you.
Peter, I don’t appreciate this comment. There is a standard of respect around here, and I will not tolerate anything less.
thank you Ryan for sharing your thoughts on this. Yeah, there is definitely a risk associated with any vaccine, and everyone’s decision whether or not to take it is theirs, and up to them and their doctor. I’m with you that a vaccine passport is ludicrous and a complete abuse of power if you ask me. I’m glad you’ve been doing well down in Florida! A fear free life is what I wish for everyone! Amen to that. God have mercy! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox .
I assume you’re talking about Bell’s Palsy. If so, it’s due to the preservative of choice they use in the second shot – poly-ethylene glycol. It’s similar to ethyl glycol, which is essentially the anti-freeze in your car. That’s what causes the Bell’s Palsy in people who are genetically susceptible. As far as I’ve been able to learn, Bell’s Palsy is rarely permanent as long as it’s treated in time. Learned this from a couple RN’s I know.
Thanks for the information, Jeffrey. Yes, I was talking about Bell’s Palsy. That’s nasty they put that stuff in the vaccine.
The chances of one dying from the vaccine are considerably smaller than the chances of dying because you caught the covid virus. It’s a free world and no one is being forced to take it. So each person needs to decide what is best for them. I personally will choose to take it when it becomes available for my age group but will be very choosey as to the manufacturer.
You’re right about that. far better to be protected, risk and all. And you hit the nail on the head – the decision to get the vaccine is up to each individual. And I also think that is wise to be particular about the manufacturer. THank you for stopping by, Ian. Hugs and love xox
Glad to hear you are okay. It takes two weeks to develop full antibodies so be on alert for any more weird symptoms such as bleeding or heart problems. I’m definitely NOT getting the shot which is not actually a vaccine, it’s a mRNA code that tells your body how to make supposedly safe copies of the virus so that your body will produce antibodies. It is when you are making the antibodies that you get symptoms , or die. However we know that many people are still testing positive and some are actually getting sick with covid AFTER they are fully vaccinated. So it doesn’t work very well. Here is science website that tells how it works. https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vaccine/mrna.pdf
Thank you for sharing this startling information! You’re right about that – I need to be diligent and on high alert for anything out of the ordinary for the next two weeks. Going to be saying lots of prayers too! Hugs and love xox
💕 Praying for you. Have a great week! If you want to do some reading , check out the ethics of gene editing in embryos.
So I did get the vaccine and really had no side effects from either one. Since I am 68 it seemed to be the smart choice. I was not hesitant about getting the vaccine even knowing what some were saying. I had many reasons to get the vaccine – I take care of our one year old grandson a few days a week; my mother is 95 and we see her often; and we do have contact with a good number of people at church. But most of all I see it as a service to others – even to those who refuse the vaccine. Am I really serving my Savior if there is a chance I am putting others at risk by refusing to get the vaccine? My thoughts only. Great job Caralyn. You are a courageous writer and that seeps into your actions. Every one of your posts I am impressed and thankful. John
Hey John! thank you for sharing your experience. That’s a great point – you certainly had a lot of benefits to getting the vaccine! and so true! and gosh, John – I am so touched by your kind words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. That encouragement means more than you know. 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I’m so happy to see younger people getting vaccines. Where I live, we’re still working on getting people over 50 done. Canada is far behind with this whole thing.
Thank you Ang! Yes! I agree – it will take cooperation from everyone to reach herd immunity. Praying for Canada!!! Hugs and love xox
1st dose: only mild muscle soreness around the injection site.
2nd dose: mild, brief bout of lightheadedness in the first half hour, then the same soreness as before. Unlike you, I could still math! 😉
Like John (above commenter), I’m happy to get the vaccine, as much for others’ sake as for my own. I still take the other routine precautions because they’re easy and, again, keep me and my neighbors safe from each other’s possible unknown cooties.
Hey Jan, thank you for sharing your experience! hahaha glad you could still math! 🙂 I’m with you on that one, and that what all my friends say — it’s more for others’ sake that they’re getting the vaccination. unknown cooties 🙂 heheh that made me chuckle. glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
The second dose brought fever / chills for me during the night and I was a little off the next day. Bit the second day and following I felt better than I have felt for awhile — I could think further ahead, had more energy, plainly felt better, less stuffy nose. The second dose seemed to clear something up I have been attributing to allergies. Thanks for honestly sharing your story. -Jeff
Hi Jeff! thank you for sharing your experience! That’s great! I’m glad you’ve been feeling so great and that the symptoms weren’t more severe!! glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
My husband and I both had that brain fog after our second shot and it hung over us, although much less noticeably than at first, for a good couple of weeks. You are one of the only other people who I have “heard” mention that. We are a month past fully vaccinated and no more brain fog… at least no more than we had pre-vaccine 😉
Hi Mamalava! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your experience! Oh goodness! I’m glad the brain fog has cleared! Yeah – actually my brother and sister-in-law both had that same sense of brain fog, and it lasted after the FIRST shot for the entire 21 days. They also got their second shot this weekend, and are doing better. Aside from you and I, that was also the first I had heard of that symptom! Very bizarre. Glad it has cleared up for you! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Hi Miss Caralyn! I’ve had two of the Pfizer shots, same symptoms as yours for both of them…and, like you, I have an auto-immune disorder (see my post today…funny we’re both talking about stuff like that today). Maybe that’s one of the links in the reaction vs. no-reaction results post-vaccine. At any rate, it’s pretty much over now (I’m more than a week out on my second vaccine). I’d still encourage folks to get it so we can ALL return to our previous freedoms–like hugs and kisses to family and friends!! Stay well and healthy….https://lightbournecreative.com/2021/05/10/the-privileged-life-a-life-saving-bracelet/
Caralyn! I’m glad your second shot went fairly well. A friend in Florida had a rough time of it, but recovered well. I’m very sorry to hear about your fever. That’s the worst! Brain fog? I had that for several months after my double bypass. Very frustrating!
Right now we are not planning on getting the vaccine. I have too many questions about it. Plus, Julie’s sister and aunt are RN’s, and they told us some things about the shot that we don’t like. That being said, I know it was a God-send for my FL friend who suffers from a lot of anxiety. Just the mental relief for him was worth it! And I’m happy for him that he could get it and relax a bit. Same story with Pr. Neugebauer at church. We can finally get together for lunch after over a year!
Again, I’m so pleased that you didn’t have any worse reaction than you did! You will be in my prayers for safe travel. My best to you parents!
I just picked up your email and will reply through that. For now, a really HUGE thank you!
You did the toothbrush thing; I poked myself in the eye with my reading glasses. In slow motion.
So Thank You, God, for shutting my eyelid in time! It had to be you, for I was rendered goofy and uncoordinated. All thanks to being a 2-dose member of the Pfizer vax club, as of 4/7/21 – and I personally still would have taken it 6 months before if it was tested and available.
You asked, so I’ll briefly share that dose #1 made me very sick. No fever, but a ton of coughing and a Hall of Fame sinus headache for 2 days; So I was dreading #2, which everyone said was the tougher one.
But: nothing, No arm pain nothing. I have to believe that this is how my God works.
And further, He gave me the foresight to schedule two vacation days following shot #2, ostensibly prepared for me to “recover”
His Wisdom enabled me to pivot to an impromptu fishing trip in the basically deserted Adirondack Park, where I recovered by catching dinner, and toasting friends I had lost (both to COVID and 9/11) with a case of local craft beer!
I salute your extra, extra bravery, Caralyn – and I know your writings will inspire others to be brave as well.
Good for you! I have some of the same concerns you did, but I plan to talk to my doctor about it and potentially get it! Well done!👏👏👏
Thank you for sharing your vaccine story! I think that stories like yours–stories from people who battled vaccine hesitancy themselves before getting vaccinated–are really important.
Thanks for your blow by blow. My husband and I had the virus in March. He has asthma and fared pretty bad for about 20 days. While his bordered on horrific and I truly believe God healed him, with the use of both traditional antibiotics, steroids and hydroxychloriquine (given to us by a friend) my case was extremely mild. Neither one of us feels inclined to get the shot. We feel we’ve built immunity.
My biggest concern is that the vaccine remains voluntary, as it is now. I’m glad you had a relatively mild and short reaction. I applaud your bravery and support your choice to get it.
And I’m scared to click on the link to the Reece’s Cookies…
Hi, thanks for sharing Caralyn, I am in the age group that is being offered Astra Zeneca here in Aus. I don’t live near a vaccine hub so am on the waiting list to get my first shot on the 26th at my Medical Centre. I can’t wait to get it over and done with. Even though there is some reservation at the back of my mind I am determined to trust my God and move forward.
Praising God for helping you to get through your vaccinations. Hope all went well for Steven too. Praying for continuing good health, for a safe and enjoyable visit with your mom. Let her and all your family know they are thought of and prayed for.
Thanks for sharing your story. I am prayerfully considering vaccinations, but also am trying to research who chooses what, side effects, and others who also have compromised systems.
Me and God love you, Caralyn!
I think too that the vaccine is to be taken by all…
should be.
The major part of my family is covid positive…
for once my parents were.
So any way even when my parents and a majority of my family are doctors,
we are quite not sure to either take the vaccine or not…
you know, due to side effects people are going through after it
…well, I am quite “carefree” about it, cause I think we can’t have vaccine at 11
…So well, pls stay safe and have a great day!
Love
Aadya
Hello, dear! Thank you so much for sharing your vaccine story. I have to say that after taking my second shot, and having the side effects my and my husband had, i thought something was a little weird. Yet, i soon learnt that we were not the only ones to go through them. We took the Moderna vaccine and while after the first shot, we were really okay, with only a little soreness in our arms, after the second…OMG! The whole next day we had to stay in bed because we were feeling VERY dizzy and I had some really bad nausea. I literally couldn’t sit on my feet. i needed to hold onto things so that I could, at least, go to the bathroom. God, it was crazy, but fortunately, it only lasted for a day because afterwards, we got back to our healthy and energetic selves. I guess it all depends on how your body reacts..who knows? But we’re happy to have taken both shots and hopefully, we will be able to travel again. We do have some big plans and we even started a while ago to put aside some money for our imaginary trips :)) As you mentioned, a girl can dream, right? :)) Take care and be well! 🙂
Dear Caralyn
I’m glad you came through the second jab okay, without too bad side effects. I’ve had both shots of AstraZeneca vaccine; the side effects of fever and fatigue were well worth putting up with to avoid catching Covid, and to help end lockdowns by contributing to herd immunity.
It looks as though both the UK and USA have turned the corner – but that leaves most of the rest of the world. It’s time for us to step up to the plate and make sure poor countries have the vaccine and resources to protect themselves.
Love
Penny xx
“So if my being vaccinated can contribute to herd immunity, or a safe environment where our country can get back to life as usual, then let me be first in line.” Great attitiude to have and very true.
Was eligible for it but link to book didnt work, then when I went to request another link my local area no longer doing first round vac’s but taking it that im not meant to get it. Have to fly in a couple of months but Im sure as soon as long as you have a negative result from test your ok.
No mad rush to take it to be honest, but I have to say that your post has made me think that quickler we get to herd immunity the better. 🙂
I had Moderna, my wife, who is immune suppressed (because she is a transplant recipient) had Pfizer. First shot for both of us was almost a non-event though for me it was super painful at the injection site for a day. Although we deliberately cleared our calendars, just in case, the second shot wasn’t too bad. For her, not much reaction, but I ended up with an almost-migraine for most of the day and a few chills in the evening. But I pulled up a warm blanket in my recliner and I was fine. It’s definitely nice to go “out and about” with a little less to worry about.
Very nice friend. Stay safe and stay blessed. Sending you hugs.😊😊
And also I was waiting for your blog post my dear friend. 😊😊❣
Very glad to hear your reaction has cleared up and you are feeling better! We won’t be taking the vaccine, but I am glad that you were able to get it. My only issue is that it should be voluntary. I am worried about “vaccine passports” in the future. I pray that it remains voluntary and those who want it, are able to get it, and those who don’t, aren’t forced to. My parents and most of my extended family opted to get vaccinated. They feel better and safer after receiving it and from what I understand, suffered no adverse affects. I am glad they were able to get it since they all wanted it. Stay safe! God Bless!
For a pro-life person, your pretty much suck at pro-life for people outside the womb.
Great! Happy you are fully vaccinated and soon fully inoculated. Have a great time in the new old homestead. When Mom and Dad are is where home is anyways. 🙂 All the best, Deacon Gerry
The vaccine is a real shot in the arm. sorry couldn’t resist
Congratulations! You did it! I love your attitude about the vaccine and the things you wrote here. Thank you! I wish more Christians felt this way and spoke it out. And by the way you and Steven seem to be a great couple!
[…] GETTING THE SECOND PFIZER VACCINE with an AutoImmune Disease […]
Thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
I so appreciate your posts and respect your decision. I have come to different conclusions for my family and I could just about write a book about why we’re waiting on the vaccine. A big reason is because we all had Covid and it was literally hardly anything and we should be immune. People disagree but statistics show less people have become re-infected than those who were vaccinated and get it. My children are among the 99.99% of children to survive it and we don’t know if this new type of vaccine could cause autoimmune or even cancer in 10-15 years. Autoimmune runs in my family and I know it’s a lifetime disease with no cure. So it’s not worth the risk of the unknown for a virus that only affected us for a few days. But I sincerely hope that it doesn’t cause issues for anyone.
Hope it went well
Soooo glad you got the vaccine and are doing well! Thank you for posting how it affected you! The more people share positive stories, the more it helps inch us towards others getting vaccinated and herd immunity!
A beautiful post thank you so much
I’m glad you got vaccinated. I have friends in India who are waiting to be vaccinated but can’t because it is in short supply there. My friend says she doesn’t text people anymore because she found out some have died from COVID who have not responded back to her. In short, it’s nice that some can feel privileged enough to “opt out” because of whatever conspiracy talking points they’ve heard on Fox or FB. I wish there was a way that somehow the rest of the world could have access to the dose they are refusing to take. We’d all be better off if that was the case. Blessings!
Hope you are feeling okay.