Age: 53.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: COVID19, FLU4
Symptoms: Burning sensation, Discomfort, Electric shock sensation, Immediate post-injection reaction, Loss of personal independence in daily activities
Clinical narrative: When the Covid shot was administered, I felt pain immediately. It felt like the needle hit the bone or something in my left shoulder (best way I can describe it is as a sharp, burning, electric shock feeling). The pharmacist gave me my flu shot in the right arm and it felt like a normal shot. However the flu shot was not given so high up the right shoulder like he administered the Covid shot in the left arm. I had to sit in the lobby area for 10-15 minutes before I could leave. While I was waiting, my left shoulder had already started to become sore. I took two Tylenol when I got home and rested while watching television. During that night, I had trouble sleeping, could not get comfortable due to my arm hurting. The next morning (October 5, 2023) I could not raise or move my left arm. For two weeks, I could not use my left arm without terrible pain. It even hurt to just let my left arm hang normally, so much so that I found myself keeping my left hand in my pocket in a makeshift sling. I tried cold compresses, heating pads, soaking in Epson Salt, Voltaren cream, Bio-freeze gel, Salonpas patches, Advil, Excedrin, and Tylenol. Nothing worked. I went to Medical Center on October 17, 2023 at around 1:30 pm and was examined by NP. Dr. prescribed Methylprednisolone 4mg (as directed for 6 days) and after about 3 days of taking this, it seems to ease the pain level from a 8 to 5, but when I was finished taking it the pain returned to a level 8. She also prescribed Cyclobenzaprine HCI 5mg (1-2 tablets every 8 hours as needed for 5 days); this did not help at all. I was taking this along with the Methylprednisolone 4mg. But when I finished the Methylprednisolone 4mg  and was taking the Cyclobenzaprine HCI 5mg alone, pain level still at level 8. Dr. printed out some exercises for me to do to keep my shoulder loose, which I did several times a day. She also advised me if no improvement in a week to follow up with my primary care or an Ortho for further evaluation.  On November 9, 2023, I went to Orthopedics due to the pain is still there. At this point, my pain level is about level 2-3, just a dull ache when I'm not moving the arm and sitting still. But If I reach above my head to comb my hair with the left arm or carry something with a little weight, like my purse or 1-2 bags of groceries with my left arm I experience an immediate sharp pain at level 9-10. I met with Dr. They took X-rays and examined me. Dr. prescribed Cyclobenzaprine 10mg and Diclofenac Sodium 75mg, neither of these medications gave me any relief so I have stopped taking them. He also gave me some more at home exercises which I have been performing regularly. Dr. wanted me to return in two weeks if my pain has not improved and consider formal physical therapy, gabapentin, and/or nerve conduction study. I have not returned yet due to my two weeks fell on Thanksgiving.  Currently, I am still experiencing pain most notably is when I raise my left arm to comb my hair, when I'm trying to dry myself after bathing, and when I'm sleeping. I cannot sleep on my left side and if I sleep on my back too long my left shoulder starts aching. I need to have my shoulder on the pillow so that its not extending backwards towards the mattress too far. I've been trying to ignore it and hoping it will soon stop, but this has gotten to the point it's affecting my way of life (continuous  pain and trouble sleeping).