Coronavirus, covid-19, covid-19 vaccine, & psychiatric drug tapering & withdrawal

[Altostrata]

Please use search in the Symptoms and Self-Care forum before starting a new topic. Just about anything you can think of has already been discussed.

[Colonial]

On 7/20/2021 at 7:15 PM, Altostrata said:

After being bitten by conventional medical knowledge, we're all wary of it, but I am concerned that suspicion of the covid-19 vaccine might be fostered here way out of proportion to the dangers. This is not the venue for arguments about the vaccines.

 

If you are not in a particularly vulnerable group, get vaccinated. You don't want covid-19 on top of your other troubles.

 

On 7/21/2021 at 4:19 AM, Jadenatalie said:

thank you for posting this, i was very close to messaging you when i saw that persons post and i actually got sucked into reading some of the links she posted. I have already been vaccinated so it was un-nerving to read to be honest and its the last thing people on this feed need isnt it. Worrying about more stuff! 

 

The majority of people on this thread have already been vaccinated too, so i cannot imagine that her post was helpful at all to anyone, just scaremongering. The press do a pretty good job of that already! 

 

On 6/30/2021 at 8:22 AM, Shep said:

Also, it's really inappropriate for a psychiatrist to speak as an authority on this topic - he's a psychiatrist, not an immunologist. You may want to thank him for his information, but when it comes to COVID and the vaccine, you prefer to get your information from immunology. 

 

 

I agree it's important for this site not to turn into a forum for being "Anti" any medical treatment.

We as a group have enough trouble being believed our symptoms are real.

The last thing we need is any more labels as "tin foil hat" anti vaccine conspiracy nuts.

 

I think it's also important that we don't want people who come here for support who have already taken it unnecessarily distressed by the decision they made that they can't undo, sense stress makes us worse.

 

That being said, I find it a bit disturbing that those legitimate concerns have now turned this into a PRO vaccine thread where we as a site are encouraging people to take it. I find that problematic for the same reasons why we claim not to be PRO medication, why we don't give advise in helping people formulate "New" drug regimens and why we don't offer medical advice in a proper sense.

 

I think the point of this thread was great, for people to discuss if the vaccine exacerbated WD symptoms.

People could then make up their own minds after doing their own research what was best for them.

 

But I think we over step our own long held principles by telling people they SHOULD be doing this.

 

I don't know what was posted that was considered "anti vaccine" but their are extremely intelligent and world renowned scientists with documented results and figures on both sides of this issue as to the safety and/or dangers of this treatment.

 

So if it's inappropriate for a psychiatrist to speak as an authority on this subject, (which I agree), it's even more inappropriate for any of us to be doing so either, for or against.

 

Especially because the stakes are so high on this either way, the potential negative outcome of both the virus and the side effects of shots.

 

 

[Shep]

7 hours ago, Colonial said:

That being said, I find it a bit disturbing that those legitimate concerns have now turned this into a PRO vaccine thread where we as a site are encouraging people to take it. I find that problematic for the same reasons why we claim not to be PRO medication, why we don't give advise in helping people formulate "New" drug regimens and why we don't offer medical advice in a proper sense.

 

 

Colonial, please read ALL of what Alto wrote in her post Folks, this site is a NO ANTI-VACCINATION ZONE. , not just the part you copied and pasted in your post. Here is what she wrote which differentiates the Covid vaccine research from psychiatric drug research:

 

On 7/20/2021 at 7:15 PM, Altostrata said:

From what I see, covid-19 vaccine adverse effect information is NOT being hidden at all. Unlike most drug post-marketing surveillance, regulatory agencies all over the world are watching it like hawks, and reporting significant case series as they appear.

 

You also took what I wrote in response to Orbet's post out of context when you wrote this: 

 

8 hours ago, Colonial said:

So if it's inappropriate for a psychiatrist to speak as an authority on this subject, (which I agree), it's even more inappropriate for any of us to be doing so either, for or against.

 

Orbet's psychiatrist was insisting that his symptoms were due to the vaccine and was denying withdrawal syndrome. 

 

We don't look to most psychiatrists as experts even in their own field, with a few exceptions such as those who are openly critical of what psychiatry has done and who advocate against using psychiatric drugs and are helping people taper off. 

 

8 hours ago, Colonial said:

I don't know what was posted that was considered "anti vaccine" but their are extremely intelligent and world renowned scientists with documented results and figures on both sides of this issue as to the safety and/or dangers of this treatment.

 

We are in new territory with a global pandemic, an economic collapse, people trying to surviving catastrophic climate disasters (including some of our own members), etc. Keeping this site running with active volunteers with so much going on is not an easy task. Asking the staff to monitor these types of conversations in addition to the other work required is asking more than we need to. 

 

We are not a site set up with people who have been researching this subject for the past 15 years, such as Alto has been doing with psychiatric drugs. So we don't have the staff set up to filter through what is good science and what isn't. There are plenty of sites out there if you wish to have these discussions. 

 

8 hours ago, Colonial said:

But I think we over step our own long held principles by telling people they SHOULD be doing this.

 

Alto has weighed in on this and made her decision to advocate for the vaccine and has given her reasons why. On any Web site, you publish with the consent of the site owner. Even though she does recommend the vaccine, she's been very lenient in allowing us to discuss any complications we've had with the vaccine, as well as letting members discuss why they don't want to take it, for those who choose not to. 

 

[Colonial]

I did read ALL of the entire posts for all of the issues.

I did not say anything anti vaccine, covid or otherwise.

 

And I did not take what your wrote of of context for the reason quoted, I was referring back to it for clarity.

You were the one making the assumption that the doctor was gaslighting the member and insisting the members symptoms were due to the vaccine. It was reading along with that thread and that was NOT a foregone conclusion from what was reported, it was a negative assumption of motive on your part.

 

 Regardless, All I was saying is that IF we are not going to regard a medical doctor, a psychiatrist, an authority since it is not their proper field and should not be considered an authority, and considering the principles we have always held here about not giving medical advice I thought it is wise we follow the same principle. 

 

That is neither anti vaccine nor anti science.

It's prudence for protecting the reputation of the mission of the site and not getting swept up in fear.

Unnecessary psychological pressure works both ways.

Thanks.

 

 

 

[Altostrata]

The risk from the covid-19 vaccine is far less than the risk from getting covid-19. 

 

As explained carefully earlier, you will not want to get covid-19 on top of your withdrawal problems. Even a mild case of covid-19 could put you sick in bed for a couple of weeks. A protracted period of recovery could make you very miserable indeed.

 

If you are not in an immunity-compromised group or have other true medical reason for not getting the vaccine, you should get the vaccine.

 

Yes, that is pro-vaccine, if you want to call it that. Or, you could call it, "in favor of not getting sicker than you are".

 

This is not a matter of personal freedom, but common sense, which is perfectly consistent with the philosophy of this site. Get the covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

[Bonesy44]

Just wanted to give my experience of the covid 19 vaccine. I got my first Pfizer shot on July 2nd. Nothing but a sore arm for that shot. I got my second shot of Pfizer on Aug 6th. I have had nothing but horrendous anxiety 2 days after shot. The worst anxiety attacks I have ever had and it stays all day and all night. I get very little breaks in it and nothing I have used to relax in the the last 3 years of WD helps. I cannot relax and I dont know what to do. 

I am not trying to scare anyone from getting the vaccine this is just what has happened to me. I dont see very many people here having any issues with the vaccine so I guess I am just super unlucky. I hope this settles down soon because I dont know what do with myself. I have read on just random forums that some people have the intense anxiety as well that go away in a few weeks. Im praying it dissipates soon.

[hayduke]

5 minutes ago, Bonesy44 said:

Just wanted to give my experience of the covid 19 vaccine. I got my first Pfizer shot on July 2nd. Nothing but a sore arm for that shot. I got my second shot of Pfizer on Aug 6th. I have had nothing but horrendous anxiety 2 days after shot. The worst anxiety attacks I have ever had and it stays all day and all night. I get very little breaks in it and nothing I have used to relax in the the last 3 years of WD helps. I cannot relax and I dont know what to do. 

I am not trying to scare anyone from getting the vaccine this is just what has happened to me. I dont see very many people here having any issues with the vaccine so I guess I am just super unlucky. I hope this settles down soon because I dont know what do with myself. I have read on just random forums that some people have the intense anxiety as well that go away in a few weeks. Im praying it dissipates soon.

 

Sorry you're in discomfort there Bonesy.  The second shot of Pfizer has become pretty well known for a bumpier ride than the first.  I'm not aware of ongoing issues from it, but most people remark on it.

 

I had a lot of muscle tension for a week afterwards, and that can lead to anxiety.  It eased over the week.  I would suggest gentle exercise like walks in nature, yoga, soaking in baths of epsom salts, anything you can do to help relax your muscles and body.  Eat healthy to bolster your immune system.  Sleep was harder some nights but I managed it.

 

This is your immune system reacting to the spike protein - imagine what the actual infection would be like by comparison...  hope you're feeling more comfortable soon.

[Bonesy44]

24 minutes ago, hayduke said:

 

Sorry you're in discomfort there Bonesy.  The second shot of Pfizer has become pretty well known for a bumpier ride than the first.  I'm not aware of ongoing issues from it, but most people remark on it.

 

I had a lot of muscle tension for a week afterwards, and that can lead to anxiety.  It eased over the week.  I would suggest gentle exercise like walks in nature, yoga, soaking in baths of epsom salts, anything you can do to help relax your muscles and body.  Eat healthy to bolster your immune system.  Sleep was harder some nights but I managed it.

 

This is your immune system reacting to the spike protein - imagine what the actual infection would be like by comparison...  hope you're feeling more comfortable soon.

Hi Hayduke!

Thanks for responding. I figured it was the immune response causing it but it just feels so different than regular anxiety. I agree with you that there is a lot of muscle tension in my head, neck, shoulders and back which in turn creates more anxiety. Its been 11 days since my second shot and yesterday I had a bit of a break and I thought it was finally subsiding. I was wrong and when I was trying to sleep last night I had a 3 hour anxiety attack which felt much stronger than acute WD. Its got me worried that this the new me (which deep down I know this will pass like it always does) but I have never had such a prolonged period of intense anxiety. 

[mstimc]

4 minutes ago, Bonesy44 said:

Hi Hayduke!

Thanks for responding. I figured it was the immune response causing it but it just feels so different than regular anxiety. I agree with you that there is a lot of muscle tension in my head, neck, shoulders and back which in turn creates more anxiety. Its been 11 days since my second shot and yesterday I had a bit of a break and I thought it was finally subsiding. I was wrong and when I was trying to sleep last night I had a 3 hour anxiety attack which felt much stronger than acute WD. Its got me worried that this the new me (which deep down I know this will pass like it always does) but I have never had such a prolonged period of intense anxiety. 

Hi Bonsey

Remember, anxiety can build on itself.  During recovery, I found trying to find a reason for my anxiety took me down a rabbit hole of a lot of needless health concerns.  Sometimes anxiety just "is".  

[PerAsperaAdAstra]

I had two Moderna jabs. The first one was uneventful. The second one made me feverish for two days, combined with painful joints and jaw. However, normally I get really anxious when being feverish or flu-ish. This hasn't happened to me this time.

 

I recognize the same fear for health concerns that some people mention here. In the end that fear was totally unnecessary. 

[Altostrata]

Strongly recommend this Youtube video of major medical center grand rounds about covid-19 in the US, with virologist Shane Crotty of the La Jolla Institute, an expert on immunology:

 

Dr. Crotty: "You are either vaccinated or you are going to catch Delta. And whether you are a young adult or old, when you catch Delta unvaccinated, you will have the highest chance of being hospitalized compared to almost any disease you have caught in your life."

[Colonial]

Considering the amount of research on Delta coming in from all over the globe that would repudiate this variant being more dangerous  that particular quote really falls under the category of "Fear Porn" to an unacceptable degree.

 

I can't for the life of Me, ever remember when a quote-link which would be specifically known to target and raise the health anxiety of the very fragile members of this targeted website to such an alarming degree ever be allowed to stand.

 

 

 

 

[NoMoreLexapro]

Got my 2nd moderna shot 3/5 and got an antibody test yesterday.  Relieved to hear im still >2500, which is the highest reading.   

[hayduke]

2 hours ago, Colonial said:

Considering the amount of research on Delta coming in from all over the globe that would repudiate this variant being more dangerous  that particular quote really falls under the category of "Fear Porn" to an unacceptable degree.

 

Wait up.  Two facts alone make it a much bigger threat.  First, a given infected person with Delta is shedding something like 1200 times the number of virus particles into the environment around them than with previous variants (and watch for more variants doing other challenging mutations).  Second, severity of infection is largely determined by the viral load the newly infected person cops.

 

It is way more contagious and way more likely to cause a grave illness.

[hayduke]

@Bonesy44 Speaking to a good friend last night who had his second Pfizer shot 10 days ago and is still feeling it.  It's improving though, I think his immune system's just about done with it.  I mention it because he's never been on ADs or anything, so WD isn't a factor there at all.  I think he's trying to line up a massage, though that can be difficult during covid too.

[Rusty1]

22 minutes ago, hayduke said:

 

Wait up.  Two facts alone make it a much bigger threat.  First, a given infected person with Delta is shedding something like 1200 times the number of virus particles into the environment around them than with previous variants (and watch for more variants doing other challenging mutations).  Second, severity of infection is largely determined by the viral load the newly infected person cops.

 

It is way more contagious and way more likely to cause a grave illness.

Not worth responding. That is the person who got the mods direction to quit spreading misinformation. For whatever reason they want to refute the actual doctors in the field every day dealing with this and scare members of this board into not getting a vaccine, when evidence from this board among some of the world's most sensitive individuals is that it is causing very few side effects.

[Colonial]

10 minutes ago, Rusty1 said:

For whatever reason they want to refute the actual doctors in the field every day dealing with this and scare members of this board into not getting a vaccine,

 

I've never once advocated not getting any treatment.

EVER.

 

The issue is, there are plenty of world renown doctors lining up on both sides of this issue, working out conflicting issues and data, and learning as we go in real time.

All I have said is we should be consistent.

 

If we are not going to allow anti vaxer talking points so as to not frighten those who have already received the shot or may think they want to, and I agree we shouldn't, it's just as irresponsible to be quoting highly charged emotional language that could be frightening people who can not get the treatment for a host of medical reasons, or who feel uneasy about it at the present time.

 

This thread was wonderful for what it started out to be, a place where people could post what they feel may or may not have been any immediate side effects to their shots.  Some where along the way it turned into shutting off any talk about concerns the shots "may" be dangerous, which is fine, as long as we are going to remain consistent and not slant it as biased for them. 

 

Individual members can truly believe it is one or the other, a good thing or bad, as far as I'm concerned the jury is still out as we are only halfway through this extended trial. We aren't going to know for years what the long term effects are either way. 

 

We have always kept this a place where there was no pressure, for or against, any medical treatments and made if clear we aren't doctors and we don't give "medical advice", and now we are blocking some person's post for, I'm not sure why, I didn't see whatever the  post was, but then it's ok to post highly charged emotive language that "if" someone isn't vaxxed their definitely going to be hospitalized? 

 

That's absolutely ridiculous.  I know 8 people who have gotten Delta in the past 2 months and the only 2 who ended up in the hospitalized were the vaxxed ones. Not one of the 4 un vaxxed needed more than home care, but 2 of the 4 vaxxed ones ended up hospitalized.  As per the viral load, just as many studies showing that it is the vaxxed persons who have a higher load than the unvaxxed.

 

I completely agree anti vaxx sentiments are problematic in a group where so many people may already distrust the medical establishment, and we don't want people to not get medical care they feel is best for them.  But it's becoming hypocritical if we only shut down one side of the discussion. 

 

Health anxiety and cortisol induced anxiety are 2 things that a majority of our members suffer from and we have always gone out of our way to keep these forums as low key and not pressuring people in any way from doing or not doing any particular treatment, especially the sort of subconscious undue psychological pressure phrases like: 

 

 "when you catch Delta unvaccinated, you will have the highest chance of being hospitalized compared to almost any disease you have caught in your life."

 

Psychological pressure like that has no place in a forum full of people in very fragile psychological states.

If someone who can't get the shot and was in a fragile state came in and read that if could push them over the edge.

 

The fact that it's posted by someone who has been doing this so long and is well aware of these sorts of reactions and should know better makes it all the more disconcerting and really raises some serious questions as to why this website has been allowed to take the turn that it has in regards to now advocating medical treatments when no one here is a doctor.

 

[mickde1]

On 8/18/2021 at 1:02 AM, Bonesy44 said:

Just wanted to give my experience of the covid 19 vaccine. I got my first Pfizer shot on July 2nd. Nothing but a sore arm for that shot. I got my second shot of Pfizer on Aug 6th. I have had nothing but horrendous anxiety 2 days after shot. The worst anxiety attacks I have ever had and it stays all day and all night. I get very little breaks in it and nothing I have used to relax in the the last 3 years of WD helps. I cannot relax and I dont know what to do. 

I am not trying to scare anyone from getting the vaccine this is just what has happened to me. I dont see very many people here having any issues with the vaccine so I guess I am just super unlucky. I hope this settles down soon because I dont know what do with myself. I have read on just random forums that some people have the intense anxiety as well that go away in a few weeks. Im praying it dissipates soon.

Sorry to hear about your sufferance it just may be of coincided with a wave, persist in your way's don't give up look to use others,   members therapy methods and relaxation techniques and it will soon come to past good luck hoping you a quick back on track to recovery

[Bonesy44]

1 hour ago, mickde1 said:

Sorry to hear about your sufferance it just may be of coincided with a wave, persist in your way's don't give up look to use others,   members therapy methods and relaxation techniques and it will soon come to past good luck hoping you a quick back on track to recovery

Thank you very much for the kind words. Things have been looking up for me. Im not back to 100% but im a lot better than I was a few days ago. I read a lot of things that people not in withdrawal and have never taken AD's were having the same issue and was told it could be inflammation in the body from the vaccine. As the natural response from the immune system is inflammation to fight the intruder. I decided to try and take advil as a hail mary to see if that would help. I never expected it to work and whether it was a placebo effect or not within an hour everything went away. I have been much better since I took advil of all things. 

Thanks again everyone

[Eastcoastgirl]

Got 2nd Moderna shot yesterday. No withdrawal symptoms whatsoever unlike the first jab which caused some crying spells and low mood for a day. Having severe body pain and headaches which I’m sure it will pass soon. Have taken at least 6 Tylenol and luckily have not had any withdrawal symptoms from the Tylenol either.

[Icip]

Just popping by to say that, catching covid will negatively affect healing, as well as possibly providing new long-term problems - vaccines are yes man-made medicines, but, the rate of adverse reactions is so slim, and completely unrelated to the unacknowledged pain birthed from antidepressant withdrawals. Vaccines help, and keep us safe - i was terrified of medications still when i got mine; i haven’t regretted it, as I’ve put my own personal conscience, and worries aside, and done what i know logically, to benefit myself, others around me, and my healing in the long run. This site is not anti-medication, it’s pro-healing, and health/well-being, no conspiracies, and help and advice through trusted science. Vaccines heal, whether they give protection, or heal society, and the economy.

 

Hope everyone keeps well, i was scared as a 21 year-old to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, I’m thankful for it now living in Britain as people are pretending that we’re now post-COVID.

[Altostrata]

20 hours ago, Colonial said:

Considering the amount of research on Delta coming in from all over the globe that would repudiate this variant being more dangerous  that particular quote really falls under the category of "Fear Porn" to an unacceptable degree.

 

I can't for the life of Me, ever remember when a quote-link which would be specifically known to target and raise the health anxiety of the very fragile members of this targeted website to such an alarming degree ever be allowed to stand.

 

The official position of this site is that the danger of a covid-19 infection is far greater than the risk of vaccination. We want people to get vaccinated, even if there is a slight risk of a bad reaction. We want people to have lower risk from a covid-19 infection, even a mild infection may make withdrawal symptoms exponentially worse.

 

No "fear porn" is necessary. Dr. Crotty is expressing the bald truth. The actual fact is that this is a worldwide pandemic, and it's particularly bad in the United States because people are unnecessarily suspicious of vaccination. The US leads the world in covid-19 infections and covid-19 deaths. 

 

If this is disturbing to anyone reading this, please do get vaccinated for your own safety. You do not have to participate on this site if you don't want to. We are not going to support a fantasy that a pandemic is not dangerous.

[Aleena]

I just want to share my experience. I got my second Pfizer jab last month and went through  severe pain, burning, pins and needles and numbness in my lower parts of legs and arms. It's getting better but not completely gone yet. 

[ChessieCat]

I had my first AstraZenaca aka Vaxzevria vaccination 9 days ago, experiencing only minor side effects.  Originally the time between doses 1 and 2 was 12 weeks, then they reduced it to 8, then 6 and now 4.  My own general doctor recommends no closer than 8 weeks apart.  I have my second dose booked but I will wait and see what the situation is like closer to the appointment and I hope that I can increase it to a longer period between the two doses.

 

Each person has to make their own decision about what to do.  This is the process that I went through:

 

I am NOT anti-vaccination.  However because of what I have learned about drugs and pharmaceutical companies since becoming a member of SA almost 5 years ago I was very hesitant about the covid vaccines, mainly because of the small and short clinical trials and having in the back of my mind that pharmaceutical companies want to get their vaccine out first in order to corner the market and make money.  Yes, I'm cynical, but I think with good reason.  (Do a search for Gwen Olsen on YouTube; she was a pharmaceutical representative for 15 years).  Because I do not go out and about much in society I was able to delay my decision about if I would get vaccinated, which vaccination I preferred and when I would get vaccinated.

 

Once the Delta variant came to Sydney, Australia, I knew that I needed to start seriously considering what I was going to do.  Originally I wanted to hold off for as long as possible to see what long term side effects might show up.  But because of the highly infectious nature of the Delta variant I felt that any risks of immediate and long term side effects were worth the risk.  I researched how the various vaccines worked and decided that I preferred the AZ over the Pfizer, even though originally I was going to wait for Pfizer.  I started taking note of the vaccination status of the people admitted to hospital.  Thankfully this was/is being openly publicised here in Australia and it did not appear to be biased reporting.  After a few weeks it was obvious that the Delta variant is more easily transmitted than the previous strain/s and also that vaccination did seem to be keeping people out of hospital.

[Jadenatalie]

I had my first vaccine Moderna in April, after this vaccine i had some menstrual spotting for a few weeks which subsided and some brain fog which also subsided (although, the brain fog could have been from w/d!)

 

I had my 2nd vaccine (Moderna) 11 days ago, approx 3 days after the vaccine i started with very severe anxiety and panic and some brain fog. It is hard to say whether it is from the vaccine or not as i'm only 5 months off meds cold turkey so i am still in a very delicate stage of recovery and suffering still mainly waves with hardly any windows. But this is the worst the anxiety has been since stopping the meds, by far. Whether it's coincidence or not i'm not sure, just hope it passes soon.  

[hayduke]

53 minutes ago, Jadenatalie said:

I had my first vaccine Moderna in April, after this vaccine i had some menstrual spotting for a few weeks which subsided and some brain fog which also subsided (although, the brain fog could have been from w/d!)

 

I had my 2nd vaccine (Moderna) 11 days ago, approx 3 days after the vaccine i started with very severe anxiety and panic and some brain fog. It is hard to say whether it is from the vaccine or not as i'm only 5 months off meds cold turkey so i am still in a very delicate stage of recovery and suffering still mainly waves with hardly any windows. But this is the worst the anxiety has been since stopping the meds, by far. Whether it's coincidence or not i'm not sure, just hope it passes soon.  

 

I think Moderna is an mRNA based vaccine like the Pfizer, so it's reasonable to expect that it would have a similar profile with the second dose being the one most people find uncomfortable.  I hope you can find good ways to relax and that it eases for you soon.

[Hopela]

I found no repiratory mask thread and masks are not limited in use to the covid restrictions. It puts a unique stress on your respiratory efforts, inhaled gas quotients, lack of facial expressions, etc.

 

Here is an article in which I find potential relations to withdrawal and it suggests the right for exemptions for some.

Quote and images from the article.

 

Quote

With an overall strictly scientific consideration, a recommendation for mask exemption can become justifiable

 

If you have the following conditions consider limiting mask use and requesting exemption when responsible to do so.

 

The following risks of mask wearing contains some symptoms also found in withdrawal.

 

I know there is other science out there concluding masks do not work or that masks are unnecessary with regards to covid. 

But there are different types of masks with different effects and the X:es in above image indicate which was studied.

N95 or better provide better protection against pathogens than other gear also referred to as masks but N95 may also have worse side effects.

 

Personally I only know one person who got bacterial pneumonia during these restrictions but there are some data on bacterial pneumonia being a frequent killer during the "spanish" flu with suspected link to masking. Today we'll treat that with antibiotics but that's still not a healthy experience. So some negative side effects of masking may be limited with proper mask hygien but ultimately the biological stress of masking may still worsen some withdrawal symptoms. Of course the mask may also unstress you if you feel a pathogenic stress without it or it covers some withdrawal based face twitching for example! Personally I go without as much as permissible.

[brassmonkey]

Thank you for posting the information about masks. It is shown that there can be legitimate reasons for some people to not wear them and we would be interested in hearing about peoples experiences with using them. Did they affect your breathing, cause psychological problems, actually make you ill? Personal experiences are welcome.

 

DEBATE ON WHETHER OR NOT MASKS ARE AFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING COVID INFECTIONS AND A PERSONS "RIGHT" TO NOT WEAR THEM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED ON THIS SITE.

 

Posts that violate this will be deleted and the member making the post will be issued a warning.

[Altostrata]

@ChessieCat is very sensible

 

12 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

....Because I do not go out and about much in society I was able to delay my decision about if I would get vaccinated, which vaccination I preferred and when I would get vaccinated.

 

Once the Delta variant came to Sydney, Australia, I knew that I needed to start seriously considering what I was going to do.  Originally I wanted to hold off for as long as possible to see what long term side effects might show up.  But because of the highly infectious nature of the Delta variant I felt that any risks of immediate and long term side effects were worth the risk.  I researched how the various vaccines worked and decided that I preferred the AZ over the Pfizer, even though originally I was going to wait for Pfizer.  I started taking note of the vaccination status of the people admitted to hospital.  Thankfully this was/is being openly publicised here in Australia and it did not appear to be biased reporting.  After a few weeks it was obvious that the Delta variant is more easily transmitted than the previous strain/s and also that vaccination did seem to be keeping people out of hospital.

 

[Altostrata]

2 hours ago, Hopela said:

I found no repiratory mask thread and masks are not limited in use to the covid restrictions. It puts a unique stress on your respiratory efforts, inhaled gas quotients, lack of facial expressions, etc.

 

I'm sure if you hunted diligently enough, you could find an excuse not to wear a mask to reduce your chances of contracting covid-19. If you happen to catch the virus, you could have a good conversation with it about how it should not have leaped into your nose and throat because of your exemption.

 

Not wearing a protective mask is unquestionably more convenient than wearing one.

 

We urge our members to use common sense in avoiding exposure to covid-19 and opportunities for infection. The degree of common sense you choose to employ during a worldwide pandemic is up to you. 

[Colonial]

For a few asthmatics I've listened to, purchasing or making their own hypo allergenic masks made a big difference for them in not having a negative reaction. At first they has assumed it was lack of oxygen triggering them, only to find out it was an allergy in the material

 

Many people also noted a DECREASE in other "normal" illnesses last winter in areas of the country where face coverings indoors were required for everyone, and even when they were still "exposed" to the same amount of people for the same amount of time per day, so there does seem to be some evidence of them "working" to a degree for other illnesses.

 

It seems common sense that if one has a head cold or the flu wearing one for the amount of time one is in a store would help reduce your viral load being spread all over the establishment while your coughing or sneezing. Many people have remarked they plan on continuing to wear them indoors again this winter for the amount of time they are stuck in close quarters with others.  Hopefully now that people are used to wearing them to some extent they will do so if they are unwell. 

Edited August 20, 2021 by Colonial

[ChessieCat]

I'd also like to let members know that even though I worked through the process of getting vaccinated (explained in my previous post) I was still a bit scared of getting vaccinated.  When I spoke to 2 of the receptionists at my doctor's surgery they both told me that they were also scared and that many other people had said the same thing.

 

So please be aware that being scared is normal simply because we don't know what will happen to us.

 

My daughter made the suggestion that I get vaccinated early in the week because there is more medical assistance available, whereas there is less available on weekends and it can be very busy.  I also decided to get my needle first thing in the morning so that I had the whole day to see how I felt.

 

Because I live alone and my daughter is in a hot spot and still working and travelling on public transport we have decided not to have contact with each other physically, except in the case of an emergency.  We ensured that we kept in regular contact over the first few days after my vaccination.  Even though I am generally a positive person I wanted to have plans in place; hope for the best but plan for the worst.  Instead of turning off my mobile phone at night I put it on silent, just in case I needed to phone for an ambulance.  I also packed a "hospital bag" because I didn't want the added stress of trying to tell my daughter what to bring and where to find things.  I did feel a bit silly doing this but mentally it felt a weight lift off my mind after packing it.  When I told a good friend and my daughter, they both said that they thought it was a good idea, and my daughter thanked me for doing it.

 

I also made sure that I had groceries, which included some easy foods, eg microwave frozen meals and some liquid meals (here in Australia we have Up and Go).  And of course some paracetamol.

 

I also ensured that I drank plenty of water.

 

Also, my daughter told me that she would wait for a little while after I was vaccinated before she had hers so that she could support me.  She's getting her first AZ in 1 week's time and it will be my turn to look out for her.

 

 

[JackieDecides]

I had the second Pfizer shot in mid January - by the end of July I caught the virus, from a patient in a nursing home where I work. She had been exposed to it in the hospital and was never sympomatic. Sadly, it's now spread through one floor of the facility. 

 

I had a fever for about a week, didn't feel too good, and other mostly minor symptoms. I've been back at work for about a week, now, but still get tired more quickly, have more memory problems than I used to. I hope and expect that is temporary. 

On 8/20/2021 at 2:06 PM, Altostrata said:

We urge our members to use common sense in avoiding exposure to covid-19 and opportunities for infection. The degree of common sense you choose to employ during a worldwide pandemic is up to you. 

I was wearing only a paper/loose mask while working with the patient I caught it from. if I could go back in time, I would have worn an N95 with everyone. 

 

but I am SO glad I was vaccinated: I knew it greatly decreased the risk of ending up very sick, maybe even in the hospital. sadly, the risk is not zero. so far, six long term care residents have died at my facility. 

 

FYI - I had no side effects from the shots. I would and will take a booster when it is offered to me. 

 

[Altostrata]

I am sorry you get sick, @JackieDecides. I hope you fully recover soon. But as you say, it could have been a lot worse.

 

By the way, good to hear from you!

[ryan1982]

Hey all! I’m currently in a wave since early April. I tried a medication, low dose naltrexone, to help manage some nerve pain. I immediately knew the drug wasn’t going to work with me and only took 1 pill.
 

Within two days of that med, I got my second Pfizer jab. Now 5 months later, I’m still in a wicked wave, the worst I’ve ever had, and I’m wondering if the wave was caused by the Pfizer shot and not the naltrexone. What’s interesting is that I didn’t have a reaction to the first shot at all. 
 

Has anyone had a prolonged wave due to the vaccine? I can see a couple days, even a week of symptoms, but 5 months is crazy. Does this ever get easier?
 

Appreciate all of y’all!

[Colonial]

1 hour ago, ryan1982 said:

I tried a medication, low dose naltrexone, to help manage some nerve pain. I immediately knew the drug wasn’t going to work with me and only took 1 pill.

 

 

1 hour ago, ryan1982 said:

 

Within two days of that med, I got my second Pfizer jab.

 

There was another member who had an extended symptom uptick from trying naltrexone to try to manage some part of their wd symptom journey. 

 

Maybe the shot on top didn't help but I suspect the naltrexone could be an extended part of this. Whether it's responsible for 5 months alone or the shot combo or just the stress of how your life is going, hard to say.

 

In the future if you know your getting a vaccine on a certain date, a good idea may be to not try out a new med 2 weeks before or after, or as long a window between the 2 as possible, just to rule out any questions on what is more likely the culprit, or if, as sometimes happens, the synergistic effect of 2 new things together within 48 hours.

 

Hope you feel better soon!