Age: 60.0
Sex: M
Vaccine: FLU(H1N1), VARZOS, VARZOS
Symptoms: Vertigo
Clinical narrative: I have always had suspicion that the ZOSTAVAX Vaccination I had in Dec 2009 caused my irreversible auto immune medical conditions as an adverse reaction to the ZOSTAVAX Vaccine. After nearly two years of researching publications and the timeline of my complications I am fully convinced of it. Below it a brief chronology of my events. 1) 12/03/12 Received ZOSTAVAX Vaccination at Healthcare System. 2) 03/04/10 After working outside in the sun for a few hours, later that evening I broke out in a horrible large rashes on my scalp, neck, jaw forearms and chest. All area's that were exposed to the sun. The rash never went fully away. 3) 04/10/10 Rash still present. Did more outside yard work in sunlight. Later that evening current rash got much worse as well and affecting all areas where sunlight was exposed to my skin. 4) 04/20/10 Visited Endocrinologist for annual visit. He noted the rashes and stated it could be sun poisoning due to its only on sun exposed areas. 5) 04/27/10 Went to dermatologist due to worrisome rashes. Dermatologist advised to stop taking HCTZ and Lisinopril to rule out sun sensitivity rashes that can be caused by these two medicines. Punch biopsy taken from one area of the rash and large blood testing work up ordered. 6) 05/11/10 Return visit to Dermatologist. Punch biopsy ruled out drug induced rash and was demonstrative of Subacute Cutaneous Lupus. Also some positive blood tests of Positive ANA 1:320 titer Speckled Pattern, Positive Anti-SSB, Positive Anti-SSA. Mild steroid cream prescribed. Did not help much. Ordered to use sun-blocked cream. 7) 06/28/10 Seen a rheumatologist. He reviewed my symptoms and blood tests. Diagnosed me with Sjogren's Syndrome and Cutaneous Lupus. Gave referral to a different dermatologist. Rashes still present. PLAQUENIL Prescribed. 8) 08/19/10 New dermatologist reviewed records and blood tests. Rashes still present. His diagnosis of subacute cutaneous lupus and sjogren's syndrome. Prescribed stronger steroidal cream. Ordered to use sun-blocking cream and stay out of sun. Sun exposure could cause fatal renal disease. 9) Began getting other symptoms of myalgia and joint aches. Vertigo, loss of appetite, tremors, malaise. 10) Symptoms persist. Made an appointment to new rheumatologist who is a specialist in auto immune diseases at the Lupus Program. 11) First appointment with new rheumatologist. Exam, oral and visual given. Previous dermatologist and rheumatologist records reviewed. Photographs of my sun sensitive rashes observed. Her diagnosis was three fold 1-Systemic Lupus, 2-Subacute cutaneous lupus, 3-Secondary Sjogren's Syndrome. Large blood work up ordered which again showed Positive Anti-SSB, Positive-SSA, Positive ANA titer 1:320 Speckled pattern. PLAQUENIL was changed to an alternative anti-malarial medicine of Quinacrine. 12) I continue to have rheumatologist visits and will forever. I see the dermatologist if I get a large photosensitive rash flare. OTHER NOTEWORTHY INFORMATION: Approximately 10 years ago I had an ANA lupus panel blood work done as part of an annual exam. The ANA and other auto immune tests were Negative. For may mixed connective tissue/auto immune diseases listed above additional prescriptions have been added that I will have to take for the remainder of my life. They are Quinacrine, Prednisone, RESTASIS (chronic dry eye syndrome resultant of Sjogren's Syndrome), Hydrocodone and Desoximethasone Cream. If the lupus advances I could be taking even more medicines as well as chemotherapy. I have recently notified my doctor where I got the ZOSTAVAX vaccination of my findings as well as obtaining the Merck Lot Number for submission to VAERS. I very recently showed documentation to my civilian GP, who I have seen seeing for 18 years, regarding an adverse reaction to ZOSTAVAX. My GP agree's that its more likely than not that it was an adverse event reaction to ZOSTAVAX. This information has been entered in to my medical records there. I phoned Merck in late May 2012 and reported this adverse reaction. I continue to suffer each and very day with auto immune symptoms. I am also very, very fatigued as well. My life style has been affected dramatically. I can no longer function and enjoy life as I did with myself and family as I did prior to the ZOSTAVAX vaccination. I have nothing to look forward to. I worry constantly of the diseases advancement. The ZOSTAVAX vaccine robbed me of lifestyle. I have constant aches, pains and many other problems from it. I wish I never had gotten the ZOSTAVAX vaccination. Evidence I've located supporting my ZOSTAVAX adverse reaction. More exists as well as reports in the VAERS database. MY OWN EXPERIENCES AND OBSERVATIONS: The temporal relationship, listed in this document, of my symptoms with the ZOSTAVAX vaccination. I have no doubt whatsoever that my autoimmune/mixed connective tissue, and Musculoskeletal diseases are a result of the ZOSTAVAX vaccination.