Colitis Suffferers need better immunizations

[Skinsfan1229]

http://www.ccfa.org/living/ucimmunization

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are frequently not immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases, researchers report.

This is despite the often weakened immune system of IBD patients, which puts them at high risk of infections.

Dr. Gil Y. Melmed of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, and colleagues had 169 patients from their IBD specialty clinic complete questionnaires about immunization status, exposure to preventable diseases such as influenza, chickenpox and hepatitis, and their general medical condition.

One hundred forty-six of the participants (86 percent) reported taking immune-suppressing medications currently or in the recent past to deal with their inflammatory bowel condition.

Only 45 percent recalled receiving a tetanus vaccination in the past 10 years, just 28 percent received regular influenza vaccination, and 9 percent had had a recent pneumococcal vaccination, according to the team's report in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.


Click the link to read on.

 

[GNC Crohn's Man]

Can you combine this with regular tests and edit it to be Regular Tests and Immunizations.... and then make sure it is sticked because both are very important..

 

[Mazen]

A word of caution

Just a comment on this from my experience

6 years ago I started to work with an international company that requires lots of travel. They obliged us to take imunizations for Hepatitis and soem other things. 3 months late I was diagnozed with Crohn's Disease!!!

Also a couple of years later, i had to be vaccinated for yellow fever as I had to travel to Africa, so as soon as I got I started having regular fevers, and eventually ended up in hospital with a flare of Crohn's

So from my side, I'm weary of vaccinations. Also in the past there were lots of talks about connection between Crohn's disease and childhood vaccinations.

 

[Cara Fusinato]

I wondered if people have made a connection to a vaccination and a Crohn's trigger . . .

 

[Skinsfan1229]

Actually if you read immuno-modulator notes it'll say they reccomend NOT getting immunizations while on immuno-modulators.

 

[Mazen]

I got immunised while only taking Pentasa. As far as i know Pentasa is only anti-inflammtory not immuno-modulator.

I only started taking Imuran about a year after

 

[Kev]

In the literature that came with my first Prednisone prescription, it advises in no uncertain terms that patients taking Prednisone not take 'live virus' vaccines. I'd considered going for my flu shot, as it officially is now flu season way up here, but after reading that advisory, I think I'll take my chances. Many illnesses are of a nature that 'live' virus' (where you are given a live but weakened form of a virus so you build up your own natural immunity) is the only alternative. But, it does pose a risk. I have no first hand knowledge of a human being suffering a bad reaction to a live virus immunization, but I almost lost my black labrador retriever some years back after she was given a 3 part live virus immunization by our local vet. Within days she developed AIHA, an animal Acquired Immuno Haemoletic Anemia (doggy equivalent of HIV/AIDS). I later discovered that this was an acknowledged risk/side effect of live virus immunizarions for animals. Simple research on the internet yielded tons of material on the subject. Typically this is routinely incurable and fatal. The 1 shot of treating her... massive doses of steroids.. worked in her case, but it left her literally old and crippled, and horribly disfigured from the incident. My point? Steroids and live immunizations just don't seem to be compatible, be you man or beast. Is the immunization you're being offered a live virus kind? Does your health practioner know, or even care? One of the tidbits that I'd gathered from the dog incident was that killed virus vaccines were available, but that these were more expensive, and couldn't be combined in a one-shot multiple disease remedy, so most (practically all vets) only offered live virus..
Despite the risks to your pet.. Are people doctors any different? You tell me

 

[katiesue1506]

This scares me because I got Crohns symptoms right after receiving the meningitis vaccine.

 

[Mazen]

Yeah guys. I agree. I think Crohn's is also related to vaccinations. My theory is we already had a misbehaving immune system (genes, environment, stress....), and when we take the vaccinations the immune system is over stimulated, and starts it's attack and doesn't stop.

I talked this theory to many doctors and they neglected it and kept on saying to take immunizations if needed. Like Kev said, they don't care..... I also read on the net that some people got Crohn's after Hepatitis immunizations and they tried to push the government but they had only deaf ears. Also there was a very big theory some time ago that the measles vaccine in children causes IBD. So after all this evidence why don't anybody care to investigate this? not only for Crohn's, but for tens of other autoimmune diseases!!!!!!!!

I'm not a doctor, but from my experience I advize all people with Crohn's to avoid immunizations unless totally needed. For flu, try to protect yourself by taking vitamines and antioxidants, keep your hands always clean, and stay away from infected people as much as possible.

 

[ruthymg]

This is all very interesting and after reading all of your posts, I remembered that I too had a vaccination (Tetanus) 6 months before I was diagnosed with crohns. I had the shot as I was going away on holiday, when I returned home I was really ill with bowel problems for a good couple of days. I very nearly didn't make it to my brothers wedding I felt so bad, not D but pain in my stomach and back and severe trapped wind and constipation, it was horrible. In regards to the MRI injection which was supposedly showing some link to crohns, I had this jab and I still got Measles, in fact I had it twice and I had Rubella as a child. Makes you wonder whether these jabs are safe at all. We have had a flurry of new parents refusing to let their children have the MRI jab over here since all the publicity surrounding it (its also showing some kind of link with Autism). A lot of parents have decided to pay privately to have the shots given separately. MRI is a combined vaccine by the way. As a result of this we have had a spate of measles again in children who have either not been immunised or have had the jabs done separately.
The influenza jab is only offered to old people really over here so thats not something I would consider having.


Ruth

 

[Angelan]

Hi I’m new here, so excuse if any of my posts tread on sore topics.
My son developed his UC symptoms 4 weeks after receiveing his MMR inoculation . . . he was two years old at the time.

 

[Lydia]

I personally wont do any vaccines as I feel it is risky for people with autoimmune disease. There was an article about this actually. I take extra vitamin C and D during the cold and flu season and I dont have any issues. Being autoimmune has really made me cautious about what vaccines I give my daughter as well. Something to think about anyway.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60J1X120100120

 

[CrohnsHobo]

I get a flu shot every year. This year I also had h1n1, both hepatitis vac., and pneumonia.

 

[Fruitcake]

I was diagnosed with an auto immune blood disease (AIHA) when I first suffered with UC and had to have my spleen removed to fix the problem. Every 5 years I have all the vaccines that babies are given and I take anti-biotics every day because having no spleen means I have a permantly low immune system.

For me, not having them would cause more harm than having them. It's really interesting how many of you had vaccines just before you crohns appeared!

Lyndsey xx

 

[Lydia]

Oh and here is a study that I found interesting regarding vaccines and autoimmunity.

http://www.plosone.org/article/info...osone/PLoSONE+(PLoS+ONE+Alerts:+New+Articles)

 

[Lisa]

I have been getting the flu shot since it came out (over 10 years) - no problems that I have noted. I also got the H1N1 shot this year - no issues.....I did get pneumonia a few years ago, I do not normally get the pneumonia shot.....

 

[Chrismac]

Hm... I got quite frustrated when they didn't let me have vaccinations..

I worked at a hospital as a nursing assistant.. so working closely with patients every shift.. I've never had chicken pox but they wouldn't give me the vaccine. They also wouldn't give me the hepatitis..

Also with my job now I travel a lot and I went to Tanzania 2 years back and they wouldn't give me my yellow fever vaccine...

The thing is... at the time they never told me why. I mean, I knew it was because I was on immuno-suppresives, but what they said was "because it might make you a bit sick" couldn't help thinking I'd rather be "a bit sick" than dead from chicken pox, hepatitis or yellow fever!

Luckily I was protected from any of that and never got any diseases. I spent 6 weeks in Tanzania and the worst thing I got was conjunctivitis.

I can see where they're coming from.. but really.. it still frustrates me a little. Because surely it should be our decision once we're fully aware of the risks?

 

[Lydia]

Hm... I got quite frustrated when they didn't let me have vaccinations..

I worked at a hospital as a nursing assistant.. so working closely with patients every shift.. I've never had chicken pox but they wouldn't give me the vaccine. They also wouldn't give me the hepatitis..

Also with my job now I travel a lot and I went to Tanzania 2 years back and they wouldn't give me my yellow fever vaccine...

The thing is... at the time they never told me why. I mean, I knew it was because I was on immuno-suppresives, but what they said was "because it might make you a bit sick" couldn't help thinking I'd rather be "a bit sick" than dead from chicken pox, hepatitis or yellow fever!

Luckily I was protected from any of that and never got any diseases. I spent 6 weeks in Tanzania and the worst thing I got was conjunctivitis.

I can see where they're coming from.. but really.. it still frustrates me a little. Because surely it should be our decision once we're fully aware of the risks?

If you are on immunosuppressants, like remicade, imuran, or prednisone they will not let you have live virus vaccines. Chicken pox is a live virus vaccine. I think the yellow fever might be live too. You can have the killed vaccines, but not all vaccines are killed or have killed versions.

 

[dreamintwilight]

Wondering if I should get the pneumonia vaccine again. I had walking pneumonia several years ago and once it cleared up my allergist recommended I get the vaccine. How often are those supposed to last? I may need to look into getting one again.

 

[Silvermoon]

Wondering if I should get the pneumonia vaccine again. I had walking pneumonia several years ago and once it cleared up my allergist recommended I get the vaccine. How often are those supposed to last? I may need to look into getting one again.

I can only speak for vaccine routines in Canada, but as of now, there is no booster recommended for the Pnuemo vaccine. However, I know doctors that have perscribed a second dose for those that may be at high risk, like ourselves.

We also need to remember that vaccines only cover for CERTAIN diseases. For example, with pnuemonia, there are like 400 types of pneumonia bugs out there.... the vaccines only protect against certain ones... ones the World Health Organization feels are the most threatening to peoples lives.

People with autoimmune diseases (in Canada, anyway...lol) can recieve vaccines, but like it is mentioned a few times here, if you are on the immune suppressing meds, if it recommended that you don't get them as A) they start your immune system working which defeats the purpose of the meds OR B) your body won't mount a reponse to the vaccine anyway, as your immune system is shut down. So in these cases it is best to practice good hygeine skills (ie wash your hands often; avoid places where sick people would congregate (ie. hospital emergency departments and doctors clinics, if you can), and ask your close personal household contacts (ie spouse, children) to get vaccinated (ie during flu season) to help prevent being the virus back to the household to infect you.

(PS As a Public Health Nurse, this is the advise we recommend for our clients who may have compromised immune systems. ).

 

[dreamintwilight]

Thanks, Silver Yeah, I am very conscious of touching my face before washing my hands these days, especially when I'm in public places and may have touched things others might have touched.

I'll have to ask my GI doc next time I see him what his opinion is on the pneumo vaccine. I got mine 3 years ago, so perhaps I'm still good.

 

[Astra]

Hi Everybody

I'm bumping this up because I've just had a phone call
My partner Mark's kids have chickenpox!
I last saw the kids on Thursday, what are the chances of me contacting this?
I am on 30mg of Pred at the mo, info on leaflet says I'm supressed?
I had chickenpox when I was a kid, can anybody put my mind at rest here?
This has totally pissed me off! going back to work tomorrow! Just don't need this too!
sorry, feel really grumpy!!

 

[DustyKat]

If you have already had a decent dose of chickenpox as a child you should not contract again as an adult.

Dusty.

 

[Astra]

Thanks Dusty

I had it bad when I was a kid, me and both sisters, in our eyes, head and mouth.
hopefully I won't get it.
xxx

 

[DustyKat]

Sounds pretty darn decent to me!

Dusty.

 

[Astra]

Just phoned my boss, she said not to come to work, not cos of the risk to others if I'm a carrier, but to remain at home cos I'm on Pred and supressed (and depressed)
Phoning Dr. Bassi tomorow for advice just to be on the safe side.
xx

 

[Silvermoon]

Yes, you could carry the virus so good idea not to go to work (sucks to hear about being depressed though ((((((((((((( Joan )))))))))))))))) .....

One thing to keep in mind though, is that the varicella virus that causes chicken pox also causes "shingles".... lke Dusty said you SHOULD be OK.... but very good idea to call Dr. Bassi anyway... maybe he can do a blood test on you to see what your immunity is to varicella (ie. measure titers).....

 

[gypsigirl28]

I agree with with dusty and silvermoon

I have always been told that if you have chicken pox once you should not get them again. I know I had them when I was little, and did not get them again when my kids had them. but like silvermoon said I would call your doc just to be safe.

Sorry you are feeling bad , I hope that you feel better soon

lots of hugs

 

[GutlessWonder86]

I can relate to being exposed to chicken pox. You need to have your doctor do a blood test called a titer to check for antibody levels against the virus. If you had the infection in the past, your body produces antibodies that are designed to attack and kill the virus.

In some patients though, you can get them again but it is very rare depending on how bad you had the chicken pox the 1st time. I had a very mild case when I was in my early 20s. When my husband flared with shingles, I went to my primary MD for a titer exam and it was negative but I was told I had to sleep in the spare room for 2 weeks until the rash scabbed over and he was no longer contagious.

Definitely ask your MD about having the titer test done to be on the safe side. good luck to you.

 

[Astra]

Thanks for your replies everyone

Dr. Bassi has just phoned me back, he says not to worry about this, cos I had a bad case of it as a child, I should have immunity, and I haven't come out in spots yet.
He says it's not necessary to be titer tested.
I've also left a message with GP to call me back later.
I'm going to work tomorrow!
xxxx

 

[vonfunk]

It is a myth you can only get it once. I had it 3 times when I was a kid.

 

[Astra]

Hi Vonfunk

I don't know what to believe to be fair!
My GP has reiterated what the GI said, so that's two docs confirmation, so I'm going back to work tomorrow, and we'll soon know if I break out in spots!
xxx

 

[vonfunk]

Joan,
I didn't mean to scare you, being able to catch it multiple times doesn't extend beyond childhood. And I was a sickly child.
I just wanted to dispel the myth that you can only get it once. And considering there are kids with IBD on drugs that suppress the immune system, I wanted to get that info out there so their parent's are aware.

 

[Astra]

Hiya vonfunk

that's ok! I'm not scared, what will be will be!
but a very good thing to be aware of tho, kids on immuno supressants and in close contact with other kids!
xxx

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hey maybe only us Canadians get that lol. My daughter only had like 3 or 4 spots and was warned by a pediatrician that she could get it again, but not likely, she is a healthy young adult now. Don't worry Joanie, we know you are going to be fine. NOW get back to work :kiss: