Pain in arm after flu shot

I got a flu shot this year 2009 October and my left arm is still aching and numb at times.It is now December.I don't know what to think or do but this is the first time a flu shot effected me this badly.I have the mild headaches to.Motrin,massage,warm baths,nothing helps.Somebody please tell us what we can do.

Hi everyone - The following articles on the national vaccine injury compensation program may be of interest.

https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/11/03/national-vaccine-injury-compensation-program-part-1-who-qualifies

https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/11/05/national-vaccine-injury-compensation-program-part-2-what-injuries-are-cov

The first article covers who qualifies for the program, and the second one covers what injuries are covered.

Hi, I'm back. I was the one that had the normal flu shot back in the beginning of September. My doctor still doesn't think that my symptoms are from the shot which is aggravating. I'm racking up medical bills even just through copays for rehabing my arm. The pain keeps radiating from the spot of the shot, up my neck and down my arm. I'm getting physical therapy on my arm now. There is nothing that alleviates my pain or lack of sleep. I have two small children and none of this is easy. There's another woman in the same pt center that is getting therapy on her arm as well from the flu shot. I just heard a story from some elder men friends, and they have a friend that is a surgeon that received the flu shot and now has these same symptoms along with paralysis. He can't perform his job any longer. He is suing the vaccine maker.

I had the seasonal flu shot at CVS pharmacy about 5 monts ago and I can still barely use the arm it was given it. It hurt when I was given the shot. A few hours later, my arm began to throb. This type of pain began to go down my arm to my fingers and also up my arm into my shoulder and the back of the neck. It is extrremly painful and keeps me awake at night. 800 mg of ibuprofin helps. I can barely use this (left) arm. The arm is extremely weak. My regular doctor thinks the shot triggered muscle spasms up and down my are and are pressing on nerves in the back of my neck. She said this pressed never is causing pain to radiate all the way back down to my fingers. She is sending me to physical therapy which I start on Monday.

Another one of my doctors thinks there is something in the innoculation that is causing the pain. She seems to be concerned about contamination. I will speak with the physical therapist about this.

One of my friends is a nurse that works in infectious disease control. She said she has heard from many people in our city (San Diego) who are reporting the same symptoms we have. She said they think this reactions are from several preservative that are used, an not anything that is contaminated.

I hate to hear of other people having all this pain, but maybe together we can find an answer.

Thank you for your concern. I was assaulted eighteen years ago---L2-5, neck whiplash damage. I have been to dozens of doctors. I'm broke, physically and financially. Most recently I was diagnosed with severe Vitamin D deficiency, stress fractures, bone bruising, dental problems. Nsaids did a lot of damage to my system. All of my other bloodwork comes back normal. No celiac disease or Lyme, just Reynauds. It is strange how pain will last a very long time after an injury then suddenly migrate. When I am desparate for sleep I take a benadryl. The bursa pain is slightly better. I force myself to move on, P.T. does not help. I don't think I will ever get a flu shot again!

It has been over three months that the flu injection hit my bursa. My job entails lots of lifting which is excruciatingly painful. Sleeping is also difficult. I am 58 and also suffer from fibromyalgia. I'm sorry to hear so many persons are suffering from a misplaced shot!

Eleanor - Thanks for your comments and the information you've shared. Indeed, the pain has been described by many as horrendous.

I wanted to add to your comments about reporting adverse reactions to the FDA - this can be done by individuals and does not have to be done by a physician. The website with information about this, and the form to file a complaint, is at:

http://vaers.hhs.gov/about/index

Take care, Pat

Hello. I had a flu shot on November 20, 2009. I don't believe anyoone who has not experienced the pain understand how it feels. All of my pain is above the elbow. I went to my doctor 5 days after the shot. I have been prescribed everything from Tramadol all the way up to a Morphone derivative. Other than knocking me out, none of the prescriptions have worked. Tegretol (a nerve pain drug) does ease the pain for a little while. I'm taking that plus 100 mg of trazadone (for sleep) and I am finally able to sleep about 7-8 hours. I pray that you will heal quickly. Unfortunately, I had this same reaction to a DTaP vaccination 2 years ago so that arm is finally usable. I still have pain but it is tolerable. The doctor is doing research to see what is common between the two vaccines. (probably the preservative). I've been told not to take any shots until he finds that out.
Now, just FYI, keep good records of what is going on with this. If it lasts longer than 6 months, you will probably want to file a claim. (also make sure your doctor reported the problem to VAERS). Your best location for research is The Vaccine Injury Table (Table) www.hrsa.gov/Vaccinecompensation/table.htm. It explaines the procedure for filing a claim. I have filed a claim through a vaccine injury attorney. There is minimal, if any, up front costs. The HRSA compensates the lawyer.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can give you any more pointers.

First and foremost, I hope the pain goes away fast.