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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 have the same symptoms and reported this thread to my doctor. We don't see any posting about what it was or what doctors are doing about it. I have been in pain since September 23, 2009. I finally had an MRI done on Christmas Eve. Don't know anything about it yet...my FP brushed it off and gave me pain pills and a muscle relaxer and said I was having nasty spasms. I don't have spasms and I have not injured myself, so I sought out an orthopedic doctor who ordered the MRI. I see him again on January 12, 2010. Any one have any answers yet?
January 2, 2010 - 2:47pmThis Comment
It is good to know I am not alone. My left arm has been hurting about 2 months and every time I think its getting better, its not. I am also having pain in my neck and shoulders. Don't know if that's related and its been going on for wks. This is scary. What's going on. I have been so uncomfetable I can't stand it. Muscle relaxer, muscle rub, electricial stimulation only temp. relief if any. I'm made as hell and don't want to take it any more.
January 21, 2012 - 2:22pmThis Comment
I also had a flu shot back in October that was painful at the time and the pain has only gotten worse. I too had an MRI which shows a muscle tear. I am seeing the orthopaedist today and hope to get confirmation that this was indeed caused by the flu shot. I don't yet know what action to take but there is absolutely no way this was caused by anything other than the shot. The MRI also shows fluid buildup around the bursa. The pain is so excruciating that there are very few times throughout the day that I am not aware of it and have had to change the way I do most everything to protect it. I was told by a NP that a shot administered too high on the arm can definitely cause significant problems.
February 14, 2011 - 6:02amThis Comment
Ya know I am thinking that may be my problem i ended up getting 2 shots because of the first shot having a problem with the syringe leaking. The day after i was so sick and still my arm is not red or black or blue but very swollen kinda like a mini balloon filled with jello ( and no im not over weight or anything ) lol. It almost looks like a fluid pocket I think you should take legal action if they do not know how to give a shot then they shouldn't be able to do it. How is that fair to the people who have to suffer through this. I am located in lake worth florida if anyone else having similar problems please email me at [email protected] ;) maybe we can atleast get the proper diagnosys
November 5, 2011 - 11:29amThis Comment
Your symptoms are very similar to my wife's after she received a B12 shot through her work. She received the shot in Feb 2010 and as of today she is still dealing with cronic pain. CAT scan and x-rays show nothing. Her physician is refering her to a pain clinic. Have you had any success? If so, please let us know.
July 26, 2010 - 8:58amThank you,
Bob Gardner
(Personal email address removed by EmpowHER Moderator)
This Comment
Hi Bob - Many people have unfortunately had the same experience as your wife. There are 327 comments on this thread, and we have additional, similar threads on the site. You will find a wide range of solutions and answers that people have found, and some ideas for your wife. In many cases, those having the shots sustained nerve damage because the shot was not administered properly. I hope your wife finds the right diagnosis and solution, and that she has a lot of patience as this can be a very long process. Good luck to you both.
July 26, 2010 - 5:28pmPat
This Comment
I have the same issue, and I am not allergic to eggs, either. I started wondering if I was "favoring" that arm for awhile after my flu shot, then somehow injured it afterwards?
I think we should both go back to the location where we received the flu shot, and talk with them. If this is an adverse reaction to the flu, then it should be recorded (and, they can tell us if other similar reactions have occurred).
December 18, 2008 - 3:26pmThis Comment
I have the same problem too. very painful arm, cant sleep on it, hurts to move it. I thought it was just me. we need to have this checked
December 8, 2009 - 6:59amThis Comment
I Am not allergic to eggs.
December 18, 2008 - 12:41pmI had the flu shot in Nov.
This is the end of December, I am still having problems with my
left arm, where the shot was given. Tenderness, Soreness, Can't sleep on that arm. Bothers me to move my arm around. Help. What do I do?
This Comment
It is common to have your arm hurt after a flu shot but two weeks afterwards may be an allergic reaction. Are you allergic to eggs? Have you had the flu shot before and had this reaction?
It is common to feel achy but you may want to consult your physician about the persistence of the achy arm to be sure you may not be having a reaction.
December 7, 2008 - 10:47amThis Comment