I'm sorry to hear that others are experiencing the same thing as I, but at the same time, I'm glad I'm not alone.
I got my flu shot on Oct 18th, 2009 at a CVS Minute Clinic in North Austin, TX. Now, two months later, the pain in my right arm is nigh unbearable. It radiates from my shoulder all the way down to my elbow, mimicking rotator-cuff injury. Neither Arthritis-grade painkillers nor muscle relaxers help. The pain has since moved to my left arm as well, though it's not anywhere near as severe there. Sleeping is, needless to say, difficult. Oh, and you haven't truly lived until you've experienced searing arm pain and carpal tunnel flare-up simultaneously ;)
After doing some research, I've realized that the injection site was too-high (apparently, that's quite common). My physician advised me that this is likely a sort of severe allergic reaction*. When I advised him that I am not allergic to eggs, he suggested expensive tests. We thankfully eliminated the dreaded GBS. He's now leaning towards deep tissue bruising and some sort of nerve damage, and suggests my taking up a B vitamin/potassium regimen. Unfortunately, I take Nexium daily, which inhibits absorption of B vitamins through the stomach - so I have to take the liquid drops under the tongue (ugh). I have only just started it, so I cannot tell any difference in the level of pain as yet.
Two other coworkers of mine have had the same problems. I've had all kinds of shots in the past, and none of them have ever affected me like this one has. I don't normally get flu shots. I only got one this year so I could visit my father (who has cancer) over the holidays without having to worry about carrying anything along to him.
I filed a report with the CDC and VAERS. I really hope that this pain doesn't last the additional four months required for a report to HRSA. If and when it does finally abate, I'll be sure to let you know. I hope everyone else here finds some relief.
*If I'm having an allergic reaction, I wouldn't be surprised to find that it was to any one of the many chemical preservatives placed in vaccine to enhance it's shelf-life (basically, these "dirty" flu shots are the equivalent of having an influenza victim smoke a cigarette, then liquefy it in a blender, and inject into your arm). Why aren't they offering "clean" flu shots?!
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I'm sorry to hear that others are experiencing the same thing as I, but at the same time, I'm glad I'm not alone.
I got my flu shot on Oct 18th, 2009 at a CVS Minute Clinic in North Austin, TX. Now, two months later, the pain in my right arm is nigh unbearable. It radiates from my shoulder all the way down to my elbow, mimicking rotator-cuff injury. Neither Arthritis-grade painkillers nor muscle relaxers help. The pain has since moved to my left arm as well, though it's not anywhere near as severe there. Sleeping is, needless to say, difficult. Oh, and you haven't truly lived until you've experienced searing arm pain and carpal tunnel flare-up simultaneously ;)
After doing some research, I've realized that the injection site was too-high (apparently, that's quite common). My physician advised me that this is likely a sort of severe allergic reaction*. When I advised him that I am not allergic to eggs, he suggested expensive tests. We thankfully eliminated the dreaded GBS. He's now leaning towards deep tissue bruising and some sort of nerve damage, and suggests my taking up a B vitamin/potassium regimen. Unfortunately, I take Nexium daily, which inhibits absorption of B vitamins through the stomach - so I have to take the liquid drops under the tongue (ugh). I have only just started it, so I cannot tell any difference in the level of pain as yet.
Two other coworkers of mine have had the same problems. I've had all kinds of shots in the past, and none of them have ever affected me like this one has. I don't normally get flu shots. I only got one this year so I could visit my father (who has cancer) over the holidays without having to worry about carrying anything along to him.
I filed a report with the CDC and VAERS. I really hope that this pain doesn't last the additional four months required for a report to HRSA. If and when it does finally abate, I'll be sure to let you know. I hope everyone else here finds some relief.
*If I'm having an allergic reaction, I wouldn't be surprised to find that it was to any one of the many chemical preservatives placed in vaccine to enhance it's shelf-life (basically, these "dirty" flu shots are the equivalent of having an influenza victim smoke a cigarette, then liquefy it in a blender, and inject into your arm). Why aren't they offering "clean" flu shots?!
December 13, 2009 - 11:34pmThis Comment
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