We appreciate you visiting EmpowHER, but you must be logged in to view this page. If you are already a member, please log in here. If you are not a member yet, please fill out the form to start your free membership today.
Hi, Anon, I'm so glad you found this thread. But I'm so sorry for the reason why. It sounds like you've had an incredibly tough time with your tetanus shot.
It may help you to know that you are not the only one who has had this kind of reaction. A site I found states that for some people, tetanus is among the most painful shots, and that the pain can last for quite a while. Here is an excerpt:
"The truth is that the tetanus vaccine is often singled out as a particularly painful shot to receive, and the residual pain can last for days or even weeks. Some people report feelings of numbness in the receiving arm within minutes of getting a tetanus vaccine booster shot. Others claim to feel a sensation like a hard marble at the injection site itself, accompanied by radiating pain throughout their arms, neck and back.
"Some also complain of general fatigue and muscle weakness after receiving a tetanus vaccine. The usual course of treatment involves taking OTC painkillers such as ibuprofen until the pain subsides, generally within a few day or a week. More serious reactions to a tetanus vaccine booster shot could be hives, rashes or pronounced muscular weakness."
Here's the whole page:
http://www.wisegeek.com/why-does-the-tetanus-vaccine-hurt-so-much.htm
While that doesn't make your arm hurt any less, perhaps it relieves a little bit of your stress.
Do you notice any redness, heat, or fluid leaking from the site of the injection? Is it swollen? Those are things that could indication that you've developed an infection, which would indicate a return to the doctor, most likely for a round of antibiotics.
Has the pain moved? For instance, has it gone from the site of the injection up into your shoulder or neck or upper back? There is a possibility of allergic reaction (though you would probably remember this from the last time you had a tetanus shot). Please ask the gp about this the next time you go back or call.
If the shot hit a nerve in your arm, that too will heal, but it will take a while. And I know nerve pain is especially excruciating. Taking a B-vitamin complex will help, as it helps with nerve issues. Do you have a pharmacy (or do they call it chemist in London?) near you where you could ask about the most trusted B-vitamin complex they have? You want one with good quality control.
Please keep monitoring yourself and don't let yourself believe you need to suffer in pain. Every few days that the pain doesn't recede, I would call your gp's office and let them know.
Please write and update us. I hope you feel better soon.
Comment Reply
Hi, Anon, I'm so glad you found this thread. But I'm so sorry for the reason why. It sounds like you've had an incredibly tough time with your tetanus shot.
It may help you to know that you are not the only one who has had this kind of reaction. A site I found states that for some people, tetanus is among the most painful shots, and that the pain can last for quite a while. Here is an excerpt:
"The truth is that the tetanus vaccine is often singled out as a particularly painful shot to receive, and the residual pain can last for days or even weeks. Some people report feelings of numbness in the receiving arm within minutes of getting a tetanus vaccine booster shot. Others claim to feel a sensation like a hard marble at the injection site itself, accompanied by radiating pain throughout their arms, neck and back.
"Some also complain of general fatigue and muscle weakness after receiving a tetanus vaccine. The usual course of treatment involves taking OTC painkillers such as ibuprofen until the pain subsides, generally within a few day or a week. More serious reactions to a tetanus vaccine booster shot could be hives, rashes or pronounced muscular weakness."
Here's the whole page:
http://www.wisegeek.com/why-does-the-tetanus-vaccine-hurt-so-much.htm
While that doesn't make your arm hurt any less, perhaps it relieves a little bit of your stress.
Do you notice any redness, heat, or fluid leaking from the site of the injection? Is it swollen? Those are things that could indication that you've developed an infection, which would indicate a return to the doctor, most likely for a round of antibiotics.
Has the pain moved? For instance, has it gone from the site of the injection up into your shoulder or neck or upper back? There is a possibility of allergic reaction (though you would probably remember this from the last time you had a tetanus shot). Please ask the gp about this the next time you go back or call.
If the shot hit a nerve in your arm, that too will heal, but it will take a while. And I know nerve pain is especially excruciating. Taking a B-vitamin complex will help, as it helps with nerve issues. Do you have a pharmacy (or do they call it chemist in London?) near you where you could ask about the most trusted B-vitamin complex they have? You want one with good quality control.
Please keep monitoring yourself and don't let yourself believe you need to suffer in pain. Every few days that the pain doesn't recede, I would call your gp's office and let them know.
Please write and update us. I hope you feel better soon.
April 21, 2009 - 6:28amThis Comment
Reply