Age: 43.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: FLU4
Symptoms: Injection site pruritus, Injection site swelling, Injection site warmth, Limb discomfort, Muscular weakness
Clinical narrative: October 6, 2015-received flu shot late afternoon. Site at injection pain (normal) but moved to rt armpit. October 8, 2015-at work noticed more pain upper rt arm and into armpit. Some tingling and numbness down arm. Looked at injection site-large area redness, itching upper arm, swelling upper arm and armpit--warm to touch. Went to (infection control) and they told me to go to ER. Informed (supervisor) and (HR)-HR gave me packet. To ER and saw staff-was told allergic to preservative in flu shot. Gave me ZYRTEC and PEPCID-told to take for the next week once a day along with BENADRYL at bedtime as needed. October 9, 2015-at work rt arm swelling, pain, numbness, tingling to fingers-fingers are cold. Went to ER-staff at desk-told her my symptoms and she said she feels this is allergic reaction to preservative and that it was working its way down my arm. Told me I should be better by weekend. October 10, 11, 12, 2015-still symptoms rt arm. October 13, 2015-to Dr.-left work at 1:15. He agreed with diagnosis. He felt my upper arm and examined it. Stated to give some more time but also wanted nerve conduction study as sometimes a complication from flu shot. Upper arm extremely painful after appointment. October 14, 2015-I called Dr office and nurse spoke with (PA)--she did not want to prescribe prednisone or methylprednisolone tabs due to my low immunity and methotrexate meds for RA. She advised heat compress and to call office next day if no better. October 15, 2015-the severe pain subsided, so I did not contact doc office-as above. October 15, 16, 17, 2015-still symptoms rt arm-but no severe pain. October 18, 2015-slight tingling lft arm. October 18-21, 2015-still symptoms rt arm. October 21, 2015-bilateral upper leg tingling and numbness-started approx 8pm. October 22, 2015-continued upper leg symptoms, along with rt arm. Went to acute care and discussed with staff. Staff later spoke to Dr. who wanted me seen by neurologist that day. Staff kept in touch with me and explained what he wanted. I started with lf foot numbness, cold, tingling at approx 10am. She stated she tried to get me into clinic but they would not see me on an emergent basis. Continued search for a doc who would see me and within a few hours was seen by Dr. Upon arrival, presented info and was told do not take that insurance, so she took my other insurance-knowing may be denied. I had no choice but to be seen. I went where doctor was able to get me in to as my symptoms were worsening. Dr examined and noticed my rt arm swelling and discoloration directly. Told me reaction to flu shot and that it was attacking my nerves throughout my body-which explains my arm and leg discomfort. He prescribed prednisone and ordered a nerve conduction study for my rt arm due to possible damage-this is to be done Nov 5 at 11:00 at office. Until I returned I had tingling down lft leg, lft foot still cold, tingling, numb. Rt foot tingling. Took prednisone at 4pm. Bil leg and rt arm symptoms through night. Paid $25.00 office visit copay along with $4.43 for prescription--to be refunded by insurance. October 23, 2015-some upper leg (bilateral) discomfort along with rt arm and lft foot. October 23, 24, 2015-lightheaded, dizzy, foggy, slight short of breath. October 24, 25, 2015-palpitations, slight SOB. October 25, 2015-lightheaded, dizzy, slight SOB. October 26, 2015-bil upper leg, feet burning. October 27, 2015-bil upper leg burning, bil feet burning, upper rt arm burning and tingling for all, also chills, spoke to Dr (ER) and he took me to the ER to be seen by staff again. She did lab work and made me an appointment for Friday (10/30) with Dr as other Dr dropped me because he does not bill specific insurance. She told me to take NEURONTIN at bedtime and TYLENOL as needed. After home, legs, feet, rt arm still burning/tingling. Lft arm slightly burning and tingling. My back, back of neck, face burning/odd sensation. October 28, 2015-8am-feet and legs burning but not as severe. Back, face, abdomen and rt arm burning/tingling. Throughout day upper back, abdomen, face and legs slightly burning/tingling. Rt arm continues to tingle and burn. Approx 3 pm rt upper arm and forearm numb. Upper spine feels funny-tender and thumping. October 29, 2015-upper spine numb. Upper bil arm weakness-this has happened before but unsure of dates. Throughout day rt upper arm and forearm tingling/numb. Upper spine to neck numb. Bil legs burning. Tingling upper legs in evening. Neck-numb...rt arm numb, stiff...lft foot numb and weak.