Advised not to have 2nd dose and not allowed an alternative :(

[Sel14]

I had my first AZ 14 weeks ago due to my BMI.

6 days post vaccine I experienced awful headaches, dizziness, numbness & tingling in my hands and feet and visual disturbances.

I was seen in A&E and given the all clear.

The symptoms did not pass and I was referred by my GP to a neurologist.

I’ve been seen today and now have to wait for an MRI & further tests.

I am still intermittently having these symptoms and some days they are debilitating.

I have been advised by both my GP and the neurologist not to have my second vaccine, but have been told I won’t be allowed to have one of the MRNA vaccines as an alternative as this is not approved.

I’ve seen that this can be authorised in exceptional circumstances, and have questioned my GP but have still been told no.

I’m finding this incredibly unfair. I have a 2 year old DC who is in nursery and as of last month I am back in the office at work, so feel that both of these situations put me at risk.

Most people I work with are now double vaccinated and are expressing their excitement of their “new freedoms” and sense of relief at being fully vaccinated and I’m stating to feel resentful.

The Dr has told me I may be eligible for a booster in the autumn if mixing of vaccines is approved, but what am I supposed to do in the mean time?

I really don’t think my employer is going to let me work from home since all staff are now back in the office.

I just want to get on with my life, but how I can I with this looming over me.

I’m feeling seriously depressed about it all.
I can’t face having to hide away from this virus any longer, but without having a second vaccine, what choice do I have 😔

Really hoping someone can give me some advice or tell me something similar has happened to them.

That really is a bummer. Might I suggest getting an antibody test so you can see how you are doing on that front? Might put your mind at rest?

@CrunchyCarrot

That really is a bummer. Might I suggest getting an antibody test so you can see how you are doing on that front? Might put your mind at rest?

@CrunchyCarrot

I hadn’t though of this. Don’t suppose you’d know how I go about doing one?

@Sel14

If you don't mind paying privately, testingforall has the Roche antibody tests for £39

I used one and was very easy and quick to do

Ah so I love just googled an antibody test and there’s several sources suggesting it’s not an indicator of how well the vaccine has worked.
Not sure wether to bother as they’re not cheap.☹️

[quote leafyygreens]@Sel14

If you don't mind paying privately, testingforall has the Roche antibody tests for £39

I used one and was very easy and quick to do[/quote]
@leafyygreens

That’s much cheaper than what I’ve just found.

Did you do it post vaccine?

Oh wow . What your describing is what happened to me. I’ve currently been told to wait for what my Mri results bring and they will make a decision. I had my mri 5 weeks ago and still waiting sadly . I’m in the headspace now that I’m leaving it well alone and will just have the one. It’s awful and worries me but I’m not risking anything happening to my brain.

Re antibody tests - it's my understanding that they tend to show presence of antibodies only if you have had COVID (whether you knew you'd had it or not). You can be protected by the vaccine but still have a negative antibody test, something to do with the levels required to test positive. .
I am by no means an expert, just googling and discussion amongst vaccinated friends who panicked after negative antibody tests as part of a research programme. I'd seek medical input on that before parting with any money for tests.

Ah so I love just googled an antibody test and there’s several sources suggesting it’s not an indicator of how well the vaccine has worked.

So basically if you have antibodies, that's great, it means you do have some level of immunity. What those sources are probably highlighting is that the issue is that even a negative result doesn't mean you don't have immunity, as there are other types involved (like T cell), which would offer protection but don't involve antibodies.

did you do it post vaccine?

No last christmas, I was interested in seeing if I'd had an asymptomatic infection (and thought it would make me feel better about potentially travelling to see family!)

From testingforall

This easy to use finger prick test can be used to detect previous exposure, and to accurately measure the level of IgG antibodies to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to get a better understanding of your immune response. This test measures the immune response following both vaccination and natural infection.

the price is now 49 - could have sworn it was 39 last year!

Maybe weightloss?
Not easy but would bring you more in line with risk by age (presuming young due to 2yo).
If the tingling is maybe pressure on spine that might be relieved.

Hopefully they will start allowing any non vaxxed or partially vaxxed pfizer soon.
Do they think it's an autoimmune reaction ?

Is it the GP saying you can't have an alternative vaccine because of your particular health issues or you can't have it full stop - because if the latter, then the GP isn't giving you the most up to date information..

@CharlotteRose90

Oh wow . What your describing is what happened to me. I’ve currently been told to wait for what my Mri results bring and they will make a decision. I had my mri 5 weeks ago and still waiting sadly . I’m in the headspace now that I’m leaving it well alone and will just have the one. It’s awful and worries me but I’m not risking anything happening to my brain.

@CharlotteRose90

Oh wow really. I’m so sorry this has happened to you too.

Are you still suffering with the symptoms?

@leafyygreens

Ah so I love just googled an antibody test and there’s several sources suggesting it’s not an indicator of how well the vaccine has worked.

So basically if you have antibodies, that's great, it means you do have some level of immunity. What those sources are probably highlighting is that the issue is that even a negative result doesn't mean you don't have immunity, as there are other types involved (like T cell), which would offer protection but don't involve antibodies.

did you do it post vaccine?

No last christmas, I was interested in seeing if I'd had an asymptomatic infection (and thought it would make me feel better about potentially travelling to see family!)

Here's the danger when people "do their own research".

The presence of absence of antibodies do not equate to immunity or lack of immunity. There is a connection, but it is FAR from the simplistic one many on here seem to believe.

What matters re immunity is the development of memory B and T Cells.

In short though, it's pointless doing an antibody test to see if you have enough immunity from one jab. It just doesn't work that way.

My understanding though, is that the OP's GP is wrong on an alternate jab not being open to them... do they think those who had a clot reaction to the first jab are going to get another AZ jab?? I'd try and ring a vaccine centre - and try to speak to someone who actually knows what's what.

@HSHorror

Maybe weightloss? Not easy but would bring you more in line with risk by age (presuming young due to 2yo). If the tingling is maybe pressure on spine that might be relieved.

Hopefully they will start allowing any non vaxxed or partially vaxxed pfizer soon.
Do they think it's an autoimmune reaction ?

@HSHorror

Yes absolutely weight loss. That’s my top priority.

I’m 34, so not that young

@myrtleWilson

Is it the GP saying you can't have an alternative vaccine because of your particular health issues or you can't have it full stop - because if the latter, then the GP isn't giving you the most up to date information..

@myrtleWilson

My GP has said I cannot have an alternative second dose as it’s not approved.

I would also focus on loosing weight so you aren’t in the at risk category any more.

You’ll benefit from herd immunity as most people around you will be vaccinated as well, so less likely to have it and spread it

@Sel14

I had my first AZ 14 weeks ago due to my BMI.

6 days post vaccine I experienced awful headaches, dizziness, numbness & tingling in my hands and feet and visual disturbances.

I was seen in A&E and given the all clear.

The symptoms did not pass and I was referred by my GP to a neurologist.

I’ve been seen today and now have to wait for an MRI & further tests.

I am still intermittently having these symptoms and some days they are debilitating.

I have been advised by both my GP and the neurologist not to have my second vaccine, but have been told I won’t be allowed to have one of the MRNA vaccines as an alternative as this is not approved.

I’ve seen that this can be authorised in exceptional circumstances, and have questioned my GP but have still been told no.

I’m finding this incredibly unfair. I have a 2 year old DC who is in nursery and as of last month I am back in the office at work, so feel that both of these situations put me at risk.

Most people I work with are now double vaccinated and are expressing their excitement of their “new freedoms” and sense of relief at being fully vaccinated and I’m stating to feel resentful.

The Dr has told me I may be eligible for a booster in the autumn if mixing of vaccines is approved, but what am I supposed to do in the mean time?

I really don’t think my employer is going to let me work from home since all staff are now back in the office.

I just want to get on with my life, but how I can I with this looming over me.

I’m feeling seriously depressed about it all.
I can’t face having to hide away from this virus any longer, but without having a second vaccine, what choice do I have 😔

You have been badly advised - you are one of the very small cohort of people who should have a different vaccine for your second dose. Ring 119 and they should sort it for you.

@Sel14 I am, I still get constant headaches, numbness, horrific vertigo and feeling like I’m on a ship all the time. They won’t give me medication either till we find out the results. It’s a joke now. I’m due back in 3 weeks to work and I’m so tired all the time.

@CharlotteRose90

It sounds exactly the same as what I’m experiencing.

Have you been offered an alternative for your second dose?

Here's the danger when people "do their own research".

The presence of absence of antibodies do not equate to immunity or lack of immunity. There is a connection, but it is FAR from the simplistic one many on here seem to believe.

What matters re immunity is the development of memory B and T Cells.

In short though, it's pointless doing an antibody test to see if you have enough immunity from one jab. It just doesn't work that way.

patronising much @strangeshapedpotato?!

antibody levels are currently the best proxy measure an individual can access to understand if they have some level of B-cell mediated immunity

at no point do I state this means someone is immune or not immune.

@sparemonitor

You have been badly advised - you are one of the very small cohort of people who should have a different vaccine for your second dose. Ring 119 and they should sort it for you.

I’m wondering if it could be because there’s no actual proof that the vaccine has caused what I’m experiencing, but the Dr (and neurologist) must believe the vaccine has caused it, otherwise they wouldn’t advise against my second dose.

antibody levels are currently the best proxy measure an individual can access to understand if they have some level of B-cell mediated immunity

Yes, quite right. I used Biocard as they do a specific test for the spike protein antibodies. They also give you a graded antibody level result if you do have antibodies (you can have spike antibodies from either an infection or from the vaccine).

T cell immunity is very important, but unfortunately testing for that isn't a simple matter, so Joe Public has only the antibody test to go on.

@Sel14 - your GP is wrong - I know this is possible - you'd have to have clearance of a vaccinator/clinician rather than just booking yourself can you speak to your local CCG if you get nowhere with 119. Or failing that do you have any drop in clinics in your area?

@myrtleWilson

What is a CCG?

Okay I will give 119 a call. But my GP was pretty adamant that I wasn’t able to have an alternative second dose.