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I was happy to receive the flu shot this year, as I feel like it's "doing my part" to stop the spread of the influenza virus. Plus, any inoculation that can either prevent, or lessen the symptoms, of flu is motivation to me!
I've received the flu shot annually, for the past 10 years. I have the typical soreness at site, possibly a little tired that evening. But that's it.
This year...my shoulder muscle (at the site of the injection) is still painful, so much that I can't move my arm forward at shoulder-level, or lift my arm up over my head, without a sharp pain in that one muscle. If my arm is still, it does not hurt. It is affecting my sleep, as I am confined to sleeping on only my right side (it is my left arm that hurts).
Are there any other reports of this flu shot symptom? Did I just not move my arm enough after the shot (kind of "favored it"), or is there something else wrong??
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I read on the Internet that nerve damage can happen in either the arm or the buttocks. My neurologist said that nerve damage is more common when the injection is in the buttocks and it affects the sciatic nerve. He said that is the more common of the two sites as well.
April 17, 2010 - 7:17pmThis Comment
I read on the Internet that nerve damage can happen in either the arm or the buttocks. My neurologist said that nerve damage is more common when the injection is in the buttocks and it affects the sciatic nerve. He said that is the more common of the two sites as well.
April 17, 2010 - 7:17pmThis Comment
I read on the Internet that nerve damage can happen in either the arm or the buttocks. My neurologist said that nerve damage is more common when the injection is in the buttocks and it affects the sciatic nerve. He said that is the more common of the two sites as well.
April 17, 2010 - 7:15pmThis Comment
I read on the Internet that nerve damage can happen in either the arm or the buttocks. My neurologist said that nerve damage is more common when the injection is in the buttocks and it affects the sciatic nerve. He said that is the more common of the two sites as well.
April 17, 2010 - 7:15pmThis Comment
I had my shot at CVS two weeks ago (H1N1) and knew the pharmacist gave it awfully high in my shoulder. I've had the same pain as everyone else, and it's waking me at night. I have thought about calling my primary care doctor concerning this.
January 20, 2010 - 7:02amThis Comment
Hi Anon - If you go back through the thread you will find several people who did eventually get relief from their pain using different processes. Also, the woman who made the original post to this thread reported that she had a shot in 2009 and there was no pain from it. Hang in there! Pat
January 18, 2010 - 5:13pmThis Comment
The information was more than helpful. I will contact my docter immediately to see if there is anything that can be done. I would like to know if anyone has found relief from their pain.
January 17, 2010 - 7:32pmThis Comment
Hi all, I posted earlier about receiving a flu shot into my rotator cuff at the end of August 2009. Some of you wanted to know my MRI results. It showed either a small tear or dennervation of one of my muscles. I am back in physical therapy. My therapist says my shoulder muscles are very weak and stiff and that I have limited rAnge ofmotion and possibly nerve damage. I still hurt almost all the time even while not lifting greater than 5 lbs nor reaching overhead. I'm also taking ultram and flexeril as needed. I'm so aggravated at this. Got another dr appt next week n he'll probably schedule me for a scope (surgery).
January 15, 2010 - 4:23pmThis Comment
Blueyes,
January 15, 2010 - 7:38pmMy doctor is very conservative in scope and surgery decisions. He said that the tiny tear in my rotator cuff was not the source of my pain and certanly not worth surgery. It seems everyone prescribes ultram and flexeril for this problem we all seem to be sharing. In your PT, has your doctor order any iontophoresis for you? A little Iontophoresis with dexamethasone works wonders on the pain. A good therapist will know what I am talking about. Might save you an expensive and painful trip to surgery....
This Comment
Hi blueyes - Thanks for the follow up. Does your doctor believe the shot caused the muscle tear or dennervation? I'm so sorry you're in such pain, but am glad to hear you're working with a physical therapist who should be able to help you avoid the frozen shoulder problem that some others have had. Yes, all of this is very aggravating. Good luck at your next doctor appointment, and let us know how it goes. Take care, Pat
January 15, 2010 - 5:27pmThis Comment