Lingering fatigue following Pfizer vaccine - anyone else?

[littlepeas]

I had the Pfizer vaccine nearly 4 weeks ago and am still not right. I had a few days of being shivery and noticeably very tired. I now feel fine sitting down, working, etc, but every time I try to do something active, even a short walk, I am finding that I feel physically very tired, very quickly - like my legs won't work properly and I am wading through mud. I am also struggling at my usual pilates and yoga classes - very low energy. It occurred to me that this could be related to my vaccine - has anyone else experienced this? I am normally in good health, but am hyper mobile which can cause fatigue if I overdo it - I am definitely not overdoing it though!

It’s gone for me now Rainy but I still have hip/back/joint pain and fatigue.

How long has it been since your vaccine now?

How’s everyone else feeling today?

Been sick twice today. I'm okay now as long as I keep completely still.
No brain fog for me, just dizziness , vomiting, headaches...

I’ve had weakness, dizziness and wooziness for a few weeks. Started a couple of weeks after my 2nd AZ. Had a negative PCR followed by a blood test- results normal. Had no idea it could be related to the vaccine

@Lollypop701

Did anyone else get an itchy rash? On my torso and thighs and driving me nuts

Yes!! So surprised by this. So much for symptoms going after a few days

@Rainydays55

How’s everyone else feeling today?

I’m feeling the best I have in a while today but I had a few good days last week and then went back downhill again so I’m a bit nervous. Just hoping and praying this is it now (3 weeks in). I have constipation now ffs but I don’t think that’s related other than the fact I had no energy to eat well at all recently

Yellow card webpage to report Covid vaccine side effects is here: coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

I have felt better this week - not in a particularly exciting way, but I have managed to walk the dog without using up all my energy for the rest of the day. I decided I would have a break from pilates/yoga this week (usually go every day to one or the other - fairly strong classes) and I think the rest is doing me good. I also had a lie in on Saturday, which I never usually do (I am an extreme morning person and love early mornings) and I think a long sleep has also helped. I am now 4 weeks 4 days post vaccine - still not completely back to normal, but better.

Glad I found this thread. I had my first Pfizer last Saturday. I’ve felt really weak and heavy ever since. Not tired even but just like everything is such hard work. Even breathing last night felt laboured and like too much effort! Hoping it clears soon.

Anyone also have dizziness / vertigo along with fatigue? That's what i'm having and 5 weeks on with Moderna. It could be completely unrelated but sounds like a lot of people having similar symptoms

Is anyone else considering not having their 2nd Pfizer based on how they have felt from the first one?

@Theonlyoneiknow

Is anyone else considering not having their 2nd Pfizer based on how they have felt from the first one?

Yes, maybe - I'm undecided at the moment. I think Pfizer gives 92% protection against hospitalisation after one dose and this only goes up to 94% after the second - but I do wonder whether the second vaccine improves the longevity of the immunity?

It's taken me about a month to feel better and I'm still not 100%. My second vaccine is at the start of August, so during the summer holidays - I can rest more in some ways (don't have to get up and out for school) but not in others (dc will be here and will want to do stuff).

I didn't have an extreme reaction - I wasn't really ill or couldn't get out of bed, etc - just the fatigue went on for ages. Not sure what to do - I'be heard the reaction to Pfizer is worse with the second jab, but of course it's all anecdotal.

Hi littlepeas, yes I had heard the 'immune response/side effects' were potentially worse after the 2nd dose. I am reading varying % protection rates after first dose depending on what website I read!

Alongside the constant electric buzzing in my ears I haven't had a period since March (jab was April) so that the moment I just don't feel comfortable having the second jab. It's now affecting my sleep, going round in circles with the decision.

@user34254356

Anyone also have dizziness / vertigo along with fatigue? That's what i'm having and 5 weeks on with Moderna. It could be completely unrelated but sounds like a lot of people having similar symptoms

I had this with AZ starting 8 weeks on. It was starting to worry me after a few weeks so booked a full blood test and those results were normal. It’s passed now but I had no idea it could be related to vaccine until I saw this thread.

I am experiencing the same- light headed, headaches and I am exhausted all the time. Had Pfizer just over 2 weeks ago now.

Has anyone contacted their doctor regarding prolonged side affects?

It has made me really cautious about the second one even though I know we don’t really have a choice, especially with this new varient

@Theonlyoneiknow

Hi littlepeas, yes I had heard the 'immune response/side effects' were potentially worse after the 2nd dose. I am reading varying % protection rates after first dose depending on what website I read!

Alongside the constant electric buzzing in my ears I haven't had a period since March (jab was April) so that the moment I just don't feel comfortable having the second jab. It's now affecting my sleep, going round in circles with the decision.

I have this electric buzzing in my head Started six weeks post first Pfizer after ringing in ear. Didn’t get worse with second dose at end March but still got it although it’s eased somewhat

I didn’t get itching with mine but it sounds like it could be dermatographia. See if you can write your name in your skin by scratching with your nail. I got this after a wasp sting. It’s so itchy. Caused by mast cells degranulating on contact. Antihistamines help.

I feel like I’m not actually getting better but I’m just getting used to this new feeling of not having the same amount of energy and feeling a bit away with the fairies most of the time :(

Got back to my exercise yesterday and today and it just absolutely wipes me. I can’t get my heart rate up as high as I used to. Just really struggling and it’s demoralising but I’m determined to get through it and not give in. Exactly 3 weeks post vaccine now.

3 weeks post AZ 1st dose (and what I can only conclude was Covid from August-End April cos the side effects the the "mystery virus" were identical).

I'm OK. Occasionally a tad wobbly, like you get with low blood pressure. But it stinking hot here, with v. high humidity, and that usually makes me feel wobbly anyway.

Italy has taken 2nd AZ dose off the table for my group (over 50s) and I'm not entirely sure what the plan is at the moment. I will make my decision mid August when I'm due to the 2nd dose. Based on my antibody levels at that time and how much I have forgotten how awful I have felt TWICE.

I will also chat my wonderful GP. Who will hopefully not remember he's been trying to stick me in an MRI since August. We'll see what he says and given that he really listens and doesn't tend to be an evangelical about anything I trust him to come up with the best plan of action for me as an individual.

Anecdotally, in my village (Lombardia, not Bergamo, but thumped quite hard all the same by Covid) there are a notable number of over 40s women who have suffered similar extended side effects for 2 weeks plus regardless of which vaccine they had. We are not the majority by any means (other lucky bastards all fine after 24-72 hours), but we are a long way from vanishingly rare.

No, I had it and had a slightly sore arm, completely fine 2 days after. No other side effects. I hope you feel better soon OP - this doesn't sound right x

I think I'm totally over it now. I feel normal. Not depressed, not fatigued, able to do my exercise. No weird aches for about a week or night sweats. I had my second Pfizer on March 25. So that's just under 3 months to finish all symptoms. Hopefully. HTH some of you.

@unambiguousbeard

I think I'm totally over it now. I feel normal. Not depressed, not fatigued, able to do my exercise. No weird aches for about a week or night sweats. I had my second Pfizer on March 25. So that's just under 3 months to finish all symptoms. Hopefully. HTH some of you.

That’s good to hear despite it being 3 months. Once you get used to this 3 months at least marks an end to it. Im going to do a pregnancy test to rule that out because I feel like my symptoms are very first trimester like! (I have had regular periods they’re lighter though).

I know @sociallydistained it's a bloody long time. But I did wonder if I'd ever feel well again. I'm so relieved I do. Obviously we're all different but it was a 2steps forward 1 step back progression.