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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
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Hi everyone -
Thanks Greg for your words of support and encouragement to Hopeless Hurting Teacher, and I'm glad you're at least getting a bit of pain relief after all these months. It does seem odd, doesn't it, that something as simple as getting an injection can cause so much pain, worry and frustration?
Anonymous Teacher - Yes, unfortunately, you will find many others on the site going through the same symptoms and many different ways that people have handled this. You mentioned that you haven't seen a doctor, but you may want to see your family physician since you've been experiencing symptoms for about a year. You can learn a lot from the comments on this site to prepare for the visit. Since you're also experiencing pain in your lower back and knee, and all on the left side of the body, you really need to have this checked out. Please don't feel embarrassed about going to the doctor (if you do) or a need to tough this out - the pain is letting you know that your body needs the attention of a professional who can look at your full history, order tests as needed and diagnose what's going on. Are you able to go see your doctor and then let us know what you learn? We certainly hope you do, and want you to get rid of the pain!
August 30, 2010 - 5:20pmTake care,
Pat
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I have had similar pain in my upper left arm where I got the seasonal flu shot almost a year ago. The pain comes and goes, but varies on a daily basis. Sometimes it hurts a lot, and feels terribly sore, sometimes it throbs, sometimes it radiates into my shoulder, sometimes it feels heavy and hurts when I try to lift it up. It even bothers me at night, and I'm unable to sleep on that side of my body. Taking ibuprofen and other pain killers helps, but I've been hoping it will go away for good, and it hasn't. It's been chronic for about a year now. I haven't been to the doctor yet, but perhaps now know that it is possibly nerve damage. Maybe this is also connected to my continuous lower back pain and knee pain (all on the left side of my body). I would like to find out if this will ever go away! Does anyone out there know? I need help. ~Hopeless Hurting Teacher
August 20, 2010 - 7:00pmThis Comment
Dear Anonymous Teacher.
August 28, 2010 - 11:05pmSince no pharacutical companies have stepped forward and admitted they have poisened us, then the general consensus around here has been that most of us are victims of a badly placed needle that caused some nerve damage. I believe my shot was too low. Arm shots are supposed to be 3 fingers from the top of the shoulder approximately. Mine is about 7 of my own large fingers and probably 10 of the nurses fingers, so it was quite low down and in a place where the muscles join without much meat. Still I find it hard to beleive a little needle stick can cause so much damage, but apparently they can. Mine has mostly resolved over the past 9 months but I still feel it from time to time and the process was slow. The body heals most things we do to it without us interfering. The supports here helped a bunch just knowing your not alone is very important. Read all the posts here. I have not seen a successful MRI scan or surgery yet from anyone. I do exercise and beleive that has been where I have received the most benefit althought it hurt at first, before during and after a workout. Listen to your body, try different approaches, exercise, heat, cold, stretches, massage. See if you can find a combination that helps. Try a naturapath. Try ignoring it and turning it off yourself. Nerve pain is connected to perception so is definately somewhat subject to our contro. You might find homeopathic help. I have not heard anyone talk about going to a pain clinic or clinic that specifically focus on pain management. There are some new advances in understanding pain that may be worth persuing. Perhaps a University Hospital near you might have a pain clinic.
Best to you. Anonymous Teacher.
Greg
PS. By the way Pat from this site is super supportive. She will acknoledge your post.
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I would advise you trying homepathic medicine for nerve injury...called hypericum perforatum. It is available at a good health food store and they are safe and effective.
August 16, 2010 - 6:55pmThis Comment
Hi,
August 6, 2010 - 1:18amI had a Flu shot about 2 or 3 years ago on my right upper arm. It was the first time it hurt afterward. Once the pain stopped I was left with a red raised bump that looks like a mosquito bite. I has never gone away and, at best, is very light pink to very red, like I just go bitten by a mosquito. I have gone to my PCP and recently to my Dermatologists and get no help. I had it examined via an MRI during an MRI of other parts of my body and still no results. I hate it since it looks like I have a permanent bite, bump, or pimple on my arm where everyone can see. It's itchy sometimes too. Does anyone have this? My doctors don't believe that it's from the Flu Shot, but I know it is. Help. How do I get rid of it????? Thanks, LG
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Anon - Unless the bump is causing some type of medical problem, such as pain or bleeding, most insurance companies will not pay a provider to treat it. If you would like it removed for cosmetic reasons you may be able to find a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who can help you, if you are willing to pay out of pocket for treatment. Good luck to you. Pat
August 6, 2010 - 4:47pmThis Comment
I guess i can say that my arm feels 80% better.The soreness still comes and go's and it still hurts to sleep on it.I'm basically saying,it's not as bad as it was before.Slow progress is better than no progress.It still goes numb but not as often.Keep praying!
July 2, 2010 - 6:57pmThis Comment
Hi Greg - Yipee!!!!! I'm so glad to hear the pain's 90% gone. Sure makes you appreciate how much you do with your arm and shoulder, doesn't it? Thanks for sharing and for your good wishes for everyone. Pat
July 1, 2010 - 9:25pmThis Comment
Just writing to say that the pain in my arm from an h1n1 flu shot last fall has been slowly resolving. I notice it about once a week now and it is 90% gone. Never thougth it would go away, but the body is an amazing healing machine. Thanks for all of your commnets and support. You too Pat.
July 1, 2010 - 8:56pmWishing each one of you rapid healing.
Be patient and well.
Greg
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Hi Greg & Everyone Else Out There! This is the first comment I have seen on here where someone is actually getting better! HOORAY! Now that you mention it, I think mine is finally giving the pain a rest! It bothers me about as much as yours still bothers me, therefore it probably just takes almost a year to get better. I have had this since Oct. 09 and it's finally subsiding. I hope there are others that are getting relief now too. Thank you everyone that has contributed to this blog, it has helped me significantly!
July 1, 2010 - 10:17pmThis Comment