Hi Anne M,
I know exactly what you mean, by personal experience, and also from reading the many, many other people who have been effected!
My flu shot that resulted in pain occurred last year, and my sore arm/shoulder lasted for 6 months. It also effected my sleep, daily activities, and my mood. I was also afraid to really say anything to my doctor/nurse (and I'm a big advocate on, well, self-advocating!), but I didn't want them to think I was being silly or over-reacting. I used to work in a health care center, and received a flu shot annually without a problem; I also questioned whether the pain was from something else and not my flu shot.
I can tell you what I did, and what is sounds like a lot of other people did also. They either talked with their doctor/nurse/clinic where they got their original shot, or they spoke with another doctor/nurse/clinic that they trust. I did the latter; I spoke with my GYN nurse about what had happened last year (she wanted to give me another flu shot this year, and I "swore them off" due to last year's pain. However, I am currently pregnant and in the "high risk" category, so was motivated to figure out a solution). This nurse whom I really trust and respect validated my feelings and what I experienced last year; she said some people have received shots that were too far into their shoulder and it caused some nerve pain that lasted for well into 6-9 months.
I can tell you that it helped tremendously just to be validated, not only by others on EmpowHER, but by another nurse as well.
I allowed the nurse to give me another flu shot this season, and I experienced NO pain. Not even at the site of injection...she was wonderful.
What do you feel your options are? Can you find a trusted nurse/doctor who will listen to your concerns, and know you are not "one of those" patients who exaggerate symptoms, so you can just be honest and have your shoulder looked at? Can you wait another few months, and see if the pain dissipates? (My pain is completely gone; it did take 6 months to fully recover). Can you go back to the original location where you received your flu shot, and speak to them about your concerns?
Let us know what you decide, and if we can help any further.
Comment Reply
Hi Anne M,
I know exactly what you mean, by personal experience, and also from reading the many, many other people who have been effected!
My flu shot that resulted in pain occurred last year, and my sore arm/shoulder lasted for 6 months. It also effected my sleep, daily activities, and my mood. I was also afraid to really say anything to my doctor/nurse (and I'm a big advocate on, well, self-advocating!), but I didn't want them to think I was being silly or over-reacting. I used to work in a health care center, and received a flu shot annually without a problem; I also questioned whether the pain was from something else and not my flu shot.
I can tell you what I did, and what is sounds like a lot of other people did also. They either talked with their doctor/nurse/clinic where they got their original shot, or they spoke with another doctor/nurse/clinic that they trust. I did the latter; I spoke with my GYN nurse about what had happened last year (she wanted to give me another flu shot this year, and I "swore them off" due to last year's pain. However, I am currently pregnant and in the "high risk" category, so was motivated to figure out a solution). This nurse whom I really trust and respect validated my feelings and what I experienced last year; she said some people have received shots that were too far into their shoulder and it caused some nerve pain that lasted for well into 6-9 months.
I can tell you that it helped tremendously just to be validated, not only by others on EmpowHER, but by another nurse as well.
I allowed the nurse to give me another flu shot this season, and I experienced NO pain. Not even at the site of injection...she was wonderful.
What do you feel your options are? Can you find a trusted nurse/doctor who will listen to your concerns, and know you are not "one of those" patients who exaggerate symptoms, so you can just be honest and have your shoulder looked at? Can you wait another few months, and see if the pain dissipates? (My pain is completely gone; it did take 6 months to fully recover). Can you go back to the original location where you received your flu shot, and speak to them about your concerns?
Let us know what you decide, and if we can help any further.
January 10, 2010 - 4:48pmThis Comment
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