Pain in arm after flu shot

Hi Greg - Thank you for your comments and for sharing your frustrations. If you feel that I have in some way implied that posters are hypochondriacs please be assured that neither I, nor any of my colleagues, believe that. We've heard first hand from many people of the absolutely real problems they have been experiencing as well as the multiple solutions and multiple professional explanations they have been given by physicians, nurses, physical therapists, chiropractors and others.

In terms of the clarity you are seeking, it may help to know this is not a site that provides medical diagnoses to individuals who write in. We are able to share information and resources, and we encourage people to share information with each other.

We have advised the CDC of the reports we have received and are waiting for their response. We have also provided, on multiple occasions, the information needed for members to report their adverse reactions directly in the US and in Canada.

If there was a single cause and a single solution for the problems people have encountered we would be happy to provide that information. Unfortunately, that's not the case, but this in no way means that the problems aren't serious or real.
Take care, Pat

Pat,
Thanks for the Guillian-Barre syndrome synopsis. What you left out of the text book defenition is that the Guillian-Barre symptoms sometimes remains local at the site of injection and do not progress to a full systemic reaction. Also, you don't seem to be listening to the reporters here. People are reporting feeling the serum entering their arm with negative effects from the serum, not the injection. People by and large are not reporting needle pain. In my case "it felt like" the serum was a metalic like toxin to my body and my body did not like it and the sensation was immediate.
It did not "feel like" a needle stick problem. "It felt like" a adverse reaction to a liquid. Many people are reporting same. Please tell us how many Dr.'s who specialize in adverse vaccine reactions have you shared these reports with?
If the experts in this field do not know what causes the reaction, please just state that fact, not try and run us around in cirlces.
Also we would like solutions for the pain. People's complaints here are real and we would like some direct and specific answers. "We don't know" is an acceptable answer. But so far, what I hear is, it's a muscle tear or trauma. People are trying to tell you that is not the case. If there are no solutions, please state that "no solution to your symptoms or the pain has been found at this time." Some clarity would be appreciated.
There are enough people at this site reporting similar subjective experiences that hypochondria can be rulled out and something else is going on.
Thank you in advance for whatever information you can or cannot find out.
Greg

I had a flu shot in Nov. of 2009. And have been having the same problem.
I too would like to have some answers.

Anon - The symptoms that most people are describing seem to be related to the intramuscular nature of the injection and involve some kind of tear or trauma involving the muscle, or an injection that wasn't properly administered.

I've followed all of our threads on this topic and none describe the symptoms of Gullain-Barre syndrome which usually affects both the arms and legs. The symptoms include weakness or paralysis of the arms and legs, which may progress to full quadriplegia, and respiratory difficulty. In severe cases, positive pressure ventilation may be required. Recovery usually starts within 2 – 4 weeks of the first symptoms, but many patients need months of rehabilitation. The primary treatment is good intensive care with respiratory support when needed. Immunotherapies including plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin have shown positive results.

You can learn more about Guillian-Barre, if interested, at the following link:

https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/12/08/guillain-barre-syndrome-vaccinations-and-autoimmunity

I hope this information is helpful, and that you're feeling better.
Take care,
Pat

I had pain on and off in my arm for about a month after I had my flu shot. I was concerned because it was my first one that I ever had and I had to sign a form stating that I didn't suffer from Gullain-Barre syndrome. Maybe all the pain that everyone is feeling is connected to Gullain-Barre syndrome

There are pages and pages of entries here. Are there no standard medical answers to this problem? I've been suffering with this for over four months, and it's really crippled me. If I move the wrong way, it's like a nuclear foot cramp for two minutes up and down my left arm. Massage and heat feel good, but don't solve it. Ice only makes my arm cold. Desperate for a solution....

Laughter,Making Love,Music,Plenty of distractions has helped me a little more.Pain is still there but has subsided during these destractions.

Hi all, another update. I have been in pain with this since November 12th after the H1N1 shot. MRI results showed no tears or rips. Doc is also puzzled but seems to think perhaps a toxin in the injection is causing the severe pain and it will just take time to work out of my system. I went back to the gym last week and did not lift weights but did run on the treadmill. For some reason, this helped ease the pain even though I didnt use the arm and shoulder. Doc said maybe blood flow helps with cleansing the toxin. If Im not getting better in about 6 more weeks, he will send me to a pain management clinic. In the meantime, got yet another Percoset prescription which only takes a little of the edge off. I feel for everyone - this really BITES!!

I had my first physiotherapy session and I did not leave happy as I had hoped for a more positive outlook. The physiotherapist said he was "puzzled over my condition". He thought he would be treating me for frozen shoulder. He said a person doesn't develop frozen shoulder from protecting their arm. He senses far more is going on in my arm with my inability to use my arm with my pain level. He could not do much with me and told me my recovery would take 18 months. I told him that was not acceptable to me and that I couldn't keep enduring what I am that long. He didn't know what to answer to that.

I have started having severe muscle spasms in the middle of the night where my arm is bent at the elbow and it is excruciating to straighten my arm back down. He can't seem to explain any of it. He has advised me to stay on my Voltaren and over the counter pain killers which I am using Tylenol Muscle Aches & Body Pain.

I will have weekly physio appointments and work on exercises at home - I will do my best to make this end and not go on another 18 months.