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 got my flu shot 2 weeks ago, and am having the same problem with alot of pain in my arm. Went back to clinic to tell them. Had to pay another co-pay for them to look at it. P.A. sayed that he didn't feel it was from the shot. He said that I probably strained my arm somehow. After reading these posts, I'm sure it's from the shot. Don't know what I should do next.
November 18, 2009 - 8:09pmThis Comment
Received flu shot in Sept. and still have pain in shoulder. Cannot sleep on left side. Cannot raise arm above head because of pain. Has anyone else had this pain and what can be done about it. It has been very severe .
November 18, 2009 - 8:06pmThis Comment
Just an update to my blog on 11/13/09 - pain in arm/neck/shoulder about 4 weeks post flu shot. My pain has subsided significantly (without treatment). I now only have minimal pain in my neck. I don't know what that was and can't believe it is not something well known from flu shots. I'm not one to ever have any type of pain and that was my first flu shot which I know was related to all this. Just good to know if anyone else had it, that it does go away in 1-2 weeks, at least it did for me.
November 16, 2009 - 5:46pmThis Comment
I recieved my flu shot on 10-2-2009. I did not even feel the shot. A couple of hours later my arm was aching severly. I did not give it much thought because I have had flu shots in the past and the pain subsided in a couple of days with no further problems. However, that is certainly not the case this time. My arm is still hurting and gradually getting worse. I have pain at the injection site and its a very deep pain that is a continual dull ache at all times and several times a day its a sharp stabbing pain.The pain in the last week is now radiating into my shoulder and neck area. I did do see my Dr. last week and he felt like maybe the muscle tissue in my arm was aggravated by the shot and prescribed a pain patch for me to where. It provided very little relief. The pain is much worse since seeing him. I went to the chiropractor for an adjustment last week also. Unfortunatley it provided no relief. He feels like it may be nerve damage. I am at a loss at what my next move should be. This is my right arm so it is effecting every aspect of my life.I am somewhat relieved to find this site and know that I am not alone but at the same time I am very saddened to know so many of us are suffering like this. I have read post after post and no one is finding a definate answer. Maybe it is just something that is going take time. I do know for a fact I will never get another flu shot. We need to keep posting and supporting one another and believing there are answers out there and we will find them.
November 16, 2009 - 9:41amThis Comment
Spent the better part of this weekend with my mother in the ER for extreme left arm pain to the point it is immobile. They sent her home with no explanation after X-rays, etc and some pain meds and muscle relaxers. She said it started a few weeks ago and just suddenly got unbearable. I asked her if it is the same arm flu shot in and it is...she showed me where the injection was given and it was put in too high on her arm..almost on the boney part of the shoulder! I'm convinced the pain is from the injection site if not the medicine itself. But none of this helps her pain...curious what her PCP will tell her tomorrow/
November 15, 2009 - 6:03pmThis Comment
My pain also has been severe since having my flu shot about a month ago at my local supermarket.
November 15, 2009 - 7:40amIt was also given high on my arm and I have had flu shots in the past with no problems.
I have not
seen a doctor and am wondering if I should make an appointment or just wait it out?
Wendy
This Comment
I had flu shot about 4 weeks ago. I had pain at site that lasted about 3 days. Last week I woke in middle of night with severe upper back pain. I could barely move my neck. Over next few days it changed to neck pain, arm pain, now it hurts right at the site of injection. What is this?? Will it go away?
November 13, 2009 - 5:10pmThis Comment
Hello Anon - I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing these problems. It's difficult to know if the pain you're experiencing is related to your flu shot or not. If you're in significant pain I would advise seeing your healthcare practitioner as soon as possible. Good luck to you, and take good care.
November 13, 2009 - 5:21pmPat
This Comment
Well, my prednizone pack is over and the pain has returned. It is so discouraging. I'm going to an orthopedic doctor this week. Hopefully he can recommend a therapist who does deep tissue work. Will it never end???
November 10, 2009 - 4:43amThis Comment
Anon,
I'm so sorry. It is so difficult when a hoped-for treatment ends without success. I hope the othorpedic doctor will be able to give you some relief. Thank you for continuing to update us. Hang in there.
November 13, 2009 - 9:50amThis Comment