I had a flu shot Sept. 2008 and remember it hurt when given. Since then I have pain in my upper arm and shoulder (it's now been a year). I believe it is nerve damage from the needle going to deep. I have had an MRI. meds and now going to Chiro with no relief. I cant't put my arm behind my back or lift it over my head and forget about putting weight on it. Does anyone know of relief for this condition?
Thanks
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment327 Comments
Anon - It's great to hear you're doing better too! Thanks for letting us know. We've had several people come back to report that they were better. One of the first people to have this problem started a new thread afterwards to describe getting a shot and NOT having pain. It seems odd, doesn't it, to view not having pain as a success, but I'm sure everyone in this group can relate. You can find her comments here: https://www.empowher.com/community/share/no-pain-arm-or-shoulder-after-flu-shot-year
July 2, 2010 - 4:22pmThis Comment
blueyes- I've been following our threads on this topic and I don't recall any one having a surgery that sounded like the one you had. I'm sorry to hear that you're still in pain. Is the pain now worse than it was before the surgery? Has your doctor given you any reason why you didn't get relief? How is the other person doing who had the surgery at the same time?
July 1, 2010 - 5:44pmSorry to flood you with questions as it probably hurts to type. You must be really frustrated right now, and we appreciate that you've taken the time to share these developments.
Pat
This Comment
Hi all, I have posted on the other thread: https://www.empowher.com/community/ask/it-normal-my-arm-muscle-my-shoulder-hurt-2-weeks-after-flu-shot
My injury date was Sept 15 09. I am still dealing with pain and motion issues. I had shoulder surgery in February from the injury. Has anyone else heard of someone having shoulder surgery? A friend of mine also had to have the same surgery following the same injury given by the same person on the same day as mine. I thought the surgery wwould cure me but sadly no. The doctor doesn't know how long it will be before I am pain free and able to use it fully again; it could be another year. Thanks for listening.
July 1, 2010 - 2:16pmThis Comment
Can you tell us what the shoulder surgery was supposed to treat?
July 1, 2010 - 2:28pmThis Comment
It was supposed to find the source of the pain and treat it. It was a scope surgery in which the tendons, tissues, and joint were explored. My bursa covering my joint was completely removed, so the hope was that this inflammation was the source of the pain and immobility and my shoulder would get better. So far, it has just progressively gotten worse again.
July 1, 2010 - 3:14pmThis Comment
Good to hear, anon! Situations like this can make us second guess ourselves, especially when the medical community doesn't listen. Let us know how it goes, and good luck to you!
June 3, 2010 - 5:13pmThis Comment
Anon - There really isn't any "new" news on this, but there is another thread that has information from others who've had the same problem and have tried various solutions. It may help you to read about how others have delt with this. https://www.empowher.com/community/ask/it-normal-my-arm-muscle-my-shoulder-hurt-2-weeks-after-flu-shot
Yes, large doses of ibuprofen for a long period of time aren't good for you, and you may want to go back to your doctor and push for more help to address your pain. It may help to mention that we have heard from dozens of people worldwide experiencing what you're going through and you're not alone.
Hope that helps! Pat
June 2, 2010 - 5:14pmThis Comment
Dear Pat,
June 2, 2010 - 9:42pmThanks for the insight! I will go back to my Dr. and probably print some of this blog and take it with me. I hate to say it, but knowing that I am NOT the only one does help. This has gone on way too long. Thanks again for the reply.
This Comment
I received my H1N1 shot in Oct. 2009! Here it is June 2010 and I am still in way too much pain for it being done so long ago. About a month after I received my shot, I went to my primary care doctor and told her of all the pain that I have been dealing with, sore to move, dress myself, sleep, put my arm over my head etc. My doctor told me that I most likely have a STERILE ABSESS. I tried massage, heating pad, ice, with getting relief from Ibupro., but I am concerned of taking 400 and 600 doses for a long period of time, but this is the only way I can sleep at night and make it through the day at work(physical job). Nothing has changed yet! If there is any NEW NEWS or ADVICE PLEASE LET ME KNOW! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
June 1, 2010 - 10:55pmThis Comment
To Anon in Australia - I feel your pain... literally! I was given the flu jab at work (Sydney) 4 weeks ago now & ever since have had terrible shoulder pain. It hurts to lift my arm up, get dressed, wash my hair etc. My flu jab was also unusually high. My doctor recommended an ultrasound last week, it showed nothing. How did your blood test go? I am going back to the doctor this afternoon to explore another avenue as I am still in so much pain. The pain gets worse at night so I find it hard to get a decent sleep. My pain is only in my left shoulder though, nowhere else in my arm like some other people have been experiencing.
April 26, 2010 - 10:23pmI just want it to go away now, I've never had such an annoying pain in my life!
Jade - Sydney, Australia
This Comment