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Recd flu shot in December and two months later still experiencing pain at the site of injection; could muscle or tendon or nerve been damaged from flu shot administration

By February 3, 2009 - 3:56pm
 
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The pain I am experiencing is preventing me from reaaching my arms above my head; putting my jacket on and off; twisting or turning. The pain is wincing at times. I cannot sleep on that arm.

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I had the flu shot in October of 2013 (at a pharmacy)and within an hour I noticed intense numbness and throbbing in the lower half of my arm which decreased slightly with taking ibuprofen around the clock. I could not sleep on my left side (same as injection) and had difficulty undressing. The injection was given high up on my arm and because of a high deductible health plan, I reported this to my doctor but did not have him examine it. I was significantly uncomfortable for 9 months before I noticed improvement. I had done some research online, and some had suggested that this discomfort had to do with a injection process, so when my employer required me to get a flu shot again in fall of 2014 I was hesitant but agreed to do it one more time. This time I decided to get the flu shot in my left arm again for fear of my right arm being disabled for an extended amount of time and unfortunately, I had the same reaction- on my RIGHT side. Now it has been nearly 3 months since I received my fly shot in my left arm and my right arm is killing me since an hour after the shot. I did visit my doctor and thinks that I have tennis elbow but I am not convinced. This is very frustrating and I may even have to consider leaving my job next fall when I am yet again required to get the flu shot. Has anyone found any answers yet?

January 15, 2015 - 12:30pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I got the flu shot in Weatherford, TX on October 24, 2013. Today is November 30, 2013, and I have been back to the doctor twice now for the pain in my arm, shoulder, back and neck. I cant' sleep on the right arm, can't lift it over my head, can't get comfortable in any situation. The first time I went back, two weeks after the shot, doctor told me I was having an allergic reaction and put me on steroids and pain pills. As long as I took the meds it brought my pain down substantially, but did not take it away completely. When the pills ran out the pain came right back. I can't sleep at night and went back to the doctor and this time he said it couldn't be the flu shot :o( and I know it is. He put me back on steroids but not pain pills so I take ibuprofen every fours hours. This is very discouraging to me, especially when I read that this could last years.

November 30, 2013 - 10:37am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Anonymous - Just a quick note.... ibuprofen (and any of that class of drug which is an NSAID) should not be taken at the same time as steroids. If you need pain medication while on steroids, you should only take tylenol. Aspirin or Ibuprofen (or any other NSAID) taken at the same time as a steroid can cause major problems.

December 2, 2013 - 8:10am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

This has happened to me also. The first night the pain was a 10. The pain subsided but it's been 2 months and my upper arm feels somewhat different than the other one. I was also asked if I hurt myself exercising or lifting. I have not had a injury but my arm feels like I did. Last month I had discomfort when I lift my arm but now only when I lay on my arm. I must say it is getting better as time goes on.

February 15, 2013 - 6:59am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

is anyone's arm hurting on the opposite side you have gotten the shot as well, and have you noticed where your physical muscle has been broke down..after several months to chriopracter, finally seeing a little more results, had my shot back in sept and basically been feeling the same symptoms, but the physical pain and muscle loss as well as not having usage of my arms at time bother me the most .

February 11, 2013 - 1:43pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Hi. You should really see an Orthopedist and ask for a referral to a Neurologist that specializes in shoulder injury. Your symptoms sound like there is a possibility of Brachial Plexus Nueropathy. Do some research yourself to compare what the symptoms are. The thing is, you need to do this within the first 3 to 6 months I beleive... for the tests to show the damage. I had the same problems and was not referred until 2 yrs after my injection. In your research you will find that you can get damage to the plexus from an injection. Bottom line though, there are sooooo many of us that have suffered from either an improper administration of a vaccine or from an adverse reaction to the concoction in the vaccine. As for myself, it's been since Oct. of 2009. It took a good 3 years for the pain to be manageable. I still have some problems with range of motion and pain... but not anywhere as bad as the 1st year. Be sure to look into the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund. I did and am in the process of a claim. Good luck to you all.

February 15, 2013 - 6:19pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Wow. I could have written exactly what you just wrote. Mine was in Oct 2009 too. Same situation down to the test for Brachial Plexus Neuropathy... which of course, was too late to have a definitive answer. I did file a claim with the National Vaccine Recovery Fund and WON my case. Just got my settlement check and it was substantial. WE HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY THIS FLU VACCINE. BY IMPROPER ADMINISTRATION OR THE CONCOCTION ITSELF. PLEASE EVERYONE EXPERIENCING WHAT WE HAVE DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF!!! YOU DESERVE TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THE PAIN AND SUFFERING. DO YOUR RESEARCH WITH THE FUND AND FIND AN APPROVED ATTORNEY (which can only be found on the fund site) AND START A CLAIM. Note, you can not start the claim until you've experience pain for 6 months. Most importantly, start a log of your life after vaccination. dates and notes on all Dr. visits and tests performed. Keep copies of all your Dr. comments. Ask if you have to for Dr. comments to put in writing for you. Advocate for yourself. Don't let them bully you into believing that it isn't the vaccine. With the majority of the issues you all are writing, it is more than likely the vaccine or the administration of it. This, of course, is just my opinion and I am not in the medical field. Just experienced in the pain and suffering that visited me on Oct. 8, 2009. By the way, it does get better. Just left with arthritis caused by the damage at this point. Days here and there that it hurts enough to take some ibuprofen. Range of motion is probably at about 85-90% of normal for 55 yrs old. :) Best of Luck to you all.

November 30, 2013 - 1:39pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

I have the same pain as everyone else is describing - upper arm, near location where needle was inserted but the pain is more internal - - feels like a muscle or ligament was damaged. It hurts when I lift my arm in certain ways (shoveling snow was a killer) and does intensify when I try to sleep. It has been going on for 4 months now. The doctor who administered the flu shot said he has never heard of problems and told me to see my primary care doctor. Not sure if physical therapy (and the expense) will help.

February 13, 2013 - 12:38pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Having the same symptoms as most everyone else but is anyone having bad and I mean really bad muscle crampingall over my body my legs are so sore it hurts to walk,went to the grocery store today and could hardly push the cart. I had the extra strong shot I am 67 and never,never had a reaction with the regular shots.

November 19, 2015 - 4:41pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

did you notice a muscle spasm running across the arm where shot was injected, and if you did, did it stay there for a while..

February 15, 2013 - 8:42am
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