Pfizer 2nd Dose - Worried About Side Effects?

[NancyW]

Yes it does, how nice to feel the support from so very far away.
When are we to drink extra fluids? Before? After?

[mischamoonlight]

@NancyW sorry for late reply! I think its just to keep your fluids up, drinking throughout the day, I don't think it matters before or after, just as long as you are staying hydrated, at least 2 litres of water, and especially with the recent heat, up even more. Hope all is well! Let us know how you are keeping when you get your 2nd vaccine!

[NancyW]

mischamoonlight thank you, I've been drinking and peeing for 2 days now lol!

So far so good, I'm almost at 6 hours with just mild arm soreness. Hopefully I can sleep tonight. Well see how I feel in the morning.

Thanks for checking

[NancyW]

24 hours and I feel kind of out of it, spacey, no appetite, tired, anxious, my right ear feels a bit clogged, I did sleep with the fan on that's the only thing I can think of that might have caused this that won't send me into an anxiety spiral.

[glassgirlw]

Nancy - I think there’s a better than good chance that the spacey, no appetite, and tiredness are all side effects from the anticipatory anxiety you’ve been dealing with up until your 2nd dose. I like FMP’s analogy about anxiety and fires - and I remind myself of that as needed. You’re doing great and I’m a couple days you will be back to normal, looking back and wondering why you were so worried - I know that’s how I felt anyway lol!

[NancyW]

I'm at 2 1/2 days after #2.
I felt better this morning, still felt like I was dragging 500 lbs instead of 145 lbs out of bed and into the kitchen to make coffee but it didn't last as long today.
My stomach was queasy for a couple of hours.
The symptom that upset me most was the weird feeling in my right ear and the side of my face. What the hell? I remember hearing that there may be a link to bells palsy and Pfizer. I am still worried but grateful I don't feel it much today. The last 2 days I am checking to make sure my smile is even when I look in the mirror.
I didn't need this worry, of all things, you know?

[glassgirlw]

I totally understand that worry, Nancy. It was a concern of mine too. Good idea or not, I googled. And was reassured that out of the 22,000 that participated in the clinical trials, only four cases were recorded. That’s a crazy small percentage. And yes, there have been some extremely random and rare cases as more vaccines are given. But the main thing I learned was you can develop Bell’s palsy after any vaccine. And even after a viral infection! Actually your chances are markedly higher of developing it after a virus than after this vaccine. I know firsthand how hard it is, but try not to focus on all the negative what-ifs. Try to focus on the positives. Especially for you, who has had COVID and now two doses of the vaccine, you’re crazy well protected!!

[NancyW]

glassgirlw thank you so much for your reply and the information.
I am somewhat relieved that I didn't feel it as much today, I'm just not sure how long before I'm in the clear.

[pulisa]

What would "in the clear" mean to you though, Nancy? I don't think anyone can answer your question precisely which is what your anxiety wants.

I reckon you are doing fine but if you keep being hypervigilant re potential "symptoms" you are going to feel pretty awful from all the anxiety.

[elizabethalice]

Nancy, it sounds like you're doing really well! A lot of symptoms are probably anxiety and others sound very normal for a couple of days post vax. Could the feeling in your ear by hypersensitivity? I know when my mind fixates on something I can feel all sorts of weird sensations!