DH reaction due to Pneumococcal vaccine possible?

[moonflowerpdx]

I'm 67, gluten free for 10-12 years. Exactly one week ago, I got my third pneumococcal vaccine, was supposed to get only TWO of them. A mix up on my part, I was thinking I had only one, thus far.  My immunized left arm got quite swollen, red, hot to the touch, and I had flu-like symptoms several days, including an intense case of DH on my left elbow.

Also, since the shot I have had the worst case of digestive upset that I have had for years. I still have a terrible digestive upset and the DH. It is always possible of course that I ingested gluten, but highly unlikely as I wasn't in any restaurants during this time and my home is completely gluten-free.

Also occurred to me last night, that maybe I'm having a reaction to too many grains lately (even though they are gluten free). As of today I'm cutting out all grains and kind of going "paleo", at least temporarily, to see if that helps.

I'm wondering if anyone here has had a bad reaction to the pneumococcal vaccine. Also, if others here have a reaction similar to ingesting gluten when they overdo grains in general.

Thank you.

 

[cyclinglady]

I haven't had a vaccine shot (except for tetanus) in years (not even the flu shot).  I do vaccinate my kid.  I just worry about any medication, as I tend to react to them (as in allergic reactions) and it has nothing to do with celiac disease.  It's just the way I am.  So, I can not speak for the  pneumococcal vaccine.

I can talk about grains.  I avoid them.  Why?  The first year after I was diagnosed, I consumed plenty of gluten free processed products because my hubby ate them for years.  But I had some problems with many of the added ingredients like Xanthan Gum.  At year one, I became diabetic.  Let's face it, carbs, especially grains, tend to spike blood sugar.  My meter does not like any grains!  So, I took them out of my diet and have them on very special occasions.  When I did that I felt really good (like before I was sick!)    I eat plenty of veggies and some fruit.  I also consume meat, fish and dairy.  For the most part, I try to avoid all processed foods as much as possible (except for dairy -- I do not make my own cheese or milk a cow).  I have been glutened twice and suspect two products labeled gluten free.  One was even certified.  Do I have proof?  No.  But it happened.  The first glutening was confirmed via an antibodies blood test.  I went to my GI  because I was still sick six weeks after my glutening.  Took three months total to heal and to get over my temporary lactose intolerance and to eat anything without abdominal pain.  (Dang, I really missed my cheese and yogurt).  

What am I saying?  That even when you are super careful, you are at risk for cross contamination or hidden gluten.  Am I a super sensitive celiac?  I do not think so.  Am I Chicken Little?  No.    I think that careless errors can be made whenever a food is processed.  That can occur in a factory, in a restaurant or even in your own home. (Think about about all those product recalls!)   I am not stupid.  I read every label, contact companies and am kind of OCD about avoiding gluten.    But, even my hubby agrees, that we have both been healthier as a result of cutting out all that processed food.  

I hope you feel better soon! 

 

[moonflowerpdx]

Hi Cyclinglady!

Thank you for taking the time to share with me your experiences. I have been trying to figure out everything I did leading up to this digestive upset. Your comments were helpful.

The digestive upset probably has nothing to do with the immunization. I never had a reaction to any immunizations before, and I've had two pneumococcal vaccines plus have been getting flu shots annually since I turned 60. It could be that the reaction to this immunization was because I wasn't supposed to get three of them, just two.

I'm not a super sensitive celiac either, and no, I certainly don't think you're a chicken little! And guess what? I did overeat Wow gluten free cookies just before this happened, had a Udi pizza, etc. Full disclosure: I ate quite a bit more gluten free grain-based foods than usual, the week following up to this.

Today I started a grain-less diet, veggies, fruits, organic meats, some nuts, some cheese. I usually drink organic milk, but I'm thinking of eliminating that too and opt for gluten-free yogurt instead. If all goes well, I will incorporate the milk in 4 weeks and see how that goes. I'm glad you mentioned you're eating dairy. I'm hoping that won't be my problem (and I really don't think it is).

Again thank you for responding to my post.  All the best to you!