I am, one of the individuals who has an overactive immune system. Diagnosed with not one, but two (2) conditions that fall within categories associated with mast cell disorders. Specialists at the time of diagnosis advised me to take Anti-Cancer drugs to suppress my immune system. I chose instead, to find other natural ways to manage my conditions because I was not willing to trade one known situation for a variety of unknowns. Mast cell disorders are associated with abnormal white blood cells, which are overly active, and can cause people to have allergic like reactions, which at times, can be life threatening. When my condition was at a high point, a simple kiss on the cheek or clean water from the shower would result in redness, hives & itching. It was not fun and honestly, rather scary.
The specialists sent me for a standard allergy test, where they put a number of substance dots on my inner forearm to see if I would have allergic reactions to them. Within a couple of minutes, my entire arm was engulfed in red angry hives. No one test dot was discernible from any other test dot, because the uniformed forces of my immune system were immediately set off and attacked the entire area. They settled for taking a blood test. NO, I am not allergic to anything, nothing, nada, zip. But, my immune system is on high alert, watching, laying in wait, ready to attack like the Tasmanian Devil, ripping apart anything it believes may be planning to harm me. Thank you, great job, I really appreciate it, I know you have my back! Now, can I safely take the COVID vaccination or will you reject that too?
I discussed it with my Doctor – should I get the vaccination? “I think that would be a great idea, but yes, you may be one of the people who has more side effects than others, due to your conditions”. What kind of side effects? That question, could not be answered because the vaccination trials intentionally left out people with these kinds of immune disorders and the people who did have severe reactions, were kinda yes, in this group of people. WHAT? Why would they intentionally leave these people out of the trials? That’s unknown. The US National Institute of Health is doing test case studies with Moderna and Pfizer COVID vaccinations on people with these specific types of immunity disorders to determine what kind of anaphylactic or systemic reactions may occur and, to help educate the care providers so they can educate their patients. The study is happening right now, results from the study are to be released in late Summer 2021. Hmmm… I could however sign up for the test. Um, no thanks.
While I more than likely will get the vaccination, it might also be prudent with my conditions, to wait, to see the results from this current study being performed. Confer with the specialists – once they too have the results, so they can adequately advise me on what I should do and help manage any long-term effects if I have any. Another interesting note of fact; the US has released findings that nicotine seems to help ward off COVID and nicotine patches can be used as interim measures pre-vaccination. Understandably this information is not being advertised, but the US website trials.gov clearly outlines that there are some things we can use while we wait for vaccination or completion of studies.
Now, I am a Registered Nurse, I am not an anti-vaxxer, but to assume we should just “trust the science”, then we should also be cognizant, that the “science” was not based on all conditions and did not include everyone AND, is contraindicated in those who may have allergic reactions. Like many, at times I also receive pressure from some family and friends to get the vaccination. Even local and state officials are enticing people with lottery drawings. But is it right for me, do I really need to add another cog to an already more than efficient machine, or my already wobbly wheel? I may be shunned, I may be refused entry to restaurants, I may not be allowed to fly. I just, may also be, that “small” percent of population who is, adversely affected by the vaccine. Please, try not to judge. It’s confusing to many and some questions remain unanswered – even for the scientists.
Interesting related reads:
https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(17)31025-4/pdf
https://www.healthline.com/health/anaphylactic-shock#symptoms
I'm that girl roxy 