[Suddenly]

I am due for my annual TB test (healthcare worker, need it every year). I had a pneumonia vaccine last December with the dead virus and had a bad reaction to it with inflammation and pain at the injection site, red streaks from the injection siteto my arm pit. I am now concerned about having anything dead or alive injected into my body. Has anyone had or heard of others having problems with this? My immune system doesn't act right.

[AnnieB3]

So, you are asking about two things, right? The TB test shouldn't affect you but there's no way to predict that, like you said, because of an immune system that doesn't work well. The TB test can be positive if you've had the vaccine (have you?) or have been exposed to TB "in the past." It doesn't necessarily mean you have TB at the moment. No test is completely accurate for TB and clinical symptoms and chest imaging also have to be taken into consideration. You probably already know all of this.

The Pneumovax shot is dangerous. My Mom had it last year and she had an immune reaction that damaged one of her nerves. She couldn't use her arm/hand well for months (hand looked contorted!). With PT and Sublingual B12 in high doses (helps heal peripheral nerves), she recovered. If you've had one bad reaction, you should NOT have the shot again. It's sort of the same as allergic responses. Each time there is exposure to the protein or, in this case, the shot, the response can be exponentially worse the next time. There's no way to predict that.

You have the right to say no to anything. They can't "force" you to do this test. Is it in your contract that you "have to" have the TB test? In immunocompromised people or people who "overreact" to drugs because their immune system is whack, it is not advisable to push that envelope.

Have you had a conversation with your boss about all of this? Do you know what the laws are in your state that address this situation?

I personally do everything I can to keep my immune system happy. I don't get vaccines, mainly due to the "additives" like thimerosal or mercury or squalene. Especially the squalene!

Stand up for what you need. No one has the right to endanger your health.

Annie

[Suddenly]

Thank you for your response Annie. My brain also does not function quite so right sometimes (often, lol). I mentioned the pneumonia vac because it caused me to question any injection. I most definitely will never ever have another pneumonia vaccination. What a horrible reaction your mother had. I'm glad she was able to recover.

I work for a staffing company and the home health companies we provide services for require TB tests on file. I'm planning to talk to my doctor about it and see if there is an alternative. If not I will approach it with my employer.

I fear any injection or oral medication, especially antibiotics, because my immune system has been whack (good word ) for the last 10 years. It's easy for the doctors to tell you it will be fine, most people do just fine with this or that. I seem to fall most often into that small sliver of people who don't.

[Suddenly]

I spoke with my PCP today and she agreed it's best to avoid agitating my immune system with a TB test so she ordered a chest x-ray. I feel much better.

[AnnieB3]

That's so great that you had a good discussion with your doctor. Sometimes it's that simple. A nice chat can do wonders.

Annie