Age: 48.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: TDAP
Symptoms: Demyelination, Dyspnoea, Extensor plantar response, Fall, Guillain-Barre syndrome
Clinical narrative: I recently accepted a position as the Clinical Research Nurse Project Manager for the Department of Surgery. I have been an RN since 1991; I was a vibrant, active and hardworking 49 year old wife, mother of 2 children and loved by 3 Newfoundland Dogs. I worked out daily; walking/ training my 3 dogs or swam. I accepted this new position, as it was my dream job; marriage of Surgical Research. In order to complete my acceptance I had to agree to receive the Tdap vaccination. At first, I declined the administration and was informed that I could not work without it, even though I do not provide patient care. On July 12, 2013 I was injected IM with Tdap by BOOSTRIX. I woke up the next morning with pain in my feet. I spoke with my mother who said probably heal spurs and get jelly inserts. I did. A few days later, my dog and I were entered in a dog show. We practiced out of sight and I fell running her through the course twice. I have never fallen ever; thought it was just the uneven grass. After a few more days had passed, the pain in my feet went to numbness. As more days passed the numbness started to travel to my toes, the tops of my feet, then to my ankles, my lower calves, middle calf and then to my knees. The numbness was bilateral and equal. I was in a new dream job and living life with my family and dogs, so no time to think about it. As the numbness traveled up to my thighs, I began to worry. On Friday August 16, 2013 I attempted to run up the escalator to catch the train to work and I could not run. It felt like my legs were in cement. I started to panic. I informed the office manager who instructed me to complete an ERA form. I did. I looked up the vaccine and saw that GBS can be an occurrence after a Vaccine administration. On August 18, 2013 I felt the numbness traveling up my waist and tightness in my chest; I was unable to catch my breath. I was admitted to the ER. On August 20, 2013 I saw my PCP, who diagnosed me with Mercury Toxicity which was later confirmed by a Urine toxicology screen; my Mercury level was 23, normal is <4. I began chelation Therapy, both Sub Q and PO, to remove the Mercury from my body. On August 24, 2013 I had an MRI of my Thoracic and Lumbar Spine; conclusion is enhancement of T6-T7 lesion, including demyelination. On August 26, 2013, I also saw Neurologist, who noted equivocal Babinski's bilaterally. Dr. diagnosed me with Sensory Guillain-Barre' Syndrome (GBS) or Transverse Myelitis. He had recommended I have a 3 day course of IV Steroids followed by a 10 day course of PO steroids. August 28, 2013, it was recommended to have an MRI of my Cervical Spine and Brain which revealed an 11 mm lesion noted. At this point I have missed several days of work. On September 11, 2013 I had a follow up with Dr.. Dr. confirmed his diagnosis of post-vaccine Transverse Myelitis caused by the vaccine. He recommended I be monitored by MRI in 3 months to be certain this does not develop into MS. Prior to this vaccination, I was a very healthy, outgoing, athletic and fun person. Currently I am unable to work with my dogs, go on walks with my family, swim or work out. I am sad and worried for my future and that of my family. If this develops into something more serious, who will care for my family if I am unable to complete the tasks of my position as the Research Nurse Project Manager for the Department of Surgery for Hospital? When I am not working, I spend my free time working on titles for each of my three dogs. My 170 pound dog was registered to test for this Rally Obedience Title (RN), I had to withdraw and I am not able to continue with classes at this time. My little 99 pound girl was working towards her Companion Dog (CD) title in Obedience and will not be able to complete that title. My other girl, 130 pound is a Champion in the Breed ring and we were registered in Best of Breed for her Grand Champion Title (GCH). I have withdrawn from each of these competitions. I was also working on their Water Dog (WD) titles and Draft Dog (DD) titles for each of them. Not only am I not working with each of my 3 dogs, but each class and test came with a huge financial commitment that will not be returned. This deeply saddens me that all of our hard work, training and preparation for these titles is lost and may not be able to be achieved. These dogs are my life and I cannot even walk them because I am a bit unsteady on my footing for now. Currently, as I write this document, my feet, calves, knees, thighs, butt and lower back are tingly numb. I have slight movement but, it never disappears. I am unable to feel and enjoy intimacy with my husband because I have no real sensation. I am sad, worried and confused how this could happen and worried as to why I am not better. I am dreading my follow-up MRI as to the diagnoses I may be facing. I wish I fought harder to not allow this toxic shot to enter my body. I have had my Physician sign a waiver to exclude me from the Flu shot. I wish to wake up from this nightmare and put it behind me, but I fear it will be with me through my entire life.