Age: 56.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: FLUX
Symptoms: Loss of control of legs
Clinical narrative: Hospitalized 2-11-03 to 3-11-03 then went to rehab.  Symptoms - low back pain, weakness.  I am writing concerning my adverse reaction to the flu shot.  I had Guillain-Barre syndrome as a result of having taking it, confirmed by doctor, neurologists.  I am enclosing a copy of the report that was sent to Vaers, by my medical doctor.  I was hospitalized for 1 month, Feb. 11, 2003 - March 11, 2003 CMC 2 1/2 weeks for rehabilitation.  Out-patient also.  I think this is something that should be reviewed.  I would appreciate anything that could be done.  There are side effects you have to have to live with for the remainder of your life.  People have died.  I deal with pain everyday of my life.  If I had not had good insurance, I would have lost everything I own.  I took the flu shot as preventive care, I have asthma, and as a result of taking it almost died.  Please listen or hear me!  I have friends and family members who will not take it after seeing what I have gone thru.  "I am blessed to be alive," several doctors have told me this.  Prayers were answered, I can walk, but my legs do get weak, at times almost give away.  I have sensations in my feet and legs.  I live alone, I have limits.  I do what I can when I can.  I am in pain all the time.  I refuse to get addicted to drugs.  Why take them if they don't work.  I want to know what is going on, and I cannot afford to fall and break a bone or worse.  I called one lawyer, his receptionist called me back.  The answer, "no one, no lawyer wants to take on a pharmaceutical company.  This was in fall (September) 2003.  This is not right!  This needs to change!  We need a voice.  We need someone to stand up for us.  I have waited to write, I have no one to help me.  I am on my own.  My husband is dead, I live alone.  I don't want sympathy, I just want someone to listen!  I have nothing to lose and hopefully everything to gain.  I had never heard of Guillain-Barre until I had it.  God, help all of us.  To know something caused it how does it make you feel?  Please listen!  Hear me!  I can give you more information about my bout with Guillain-Barre.  It might help others.  Lord, we need all the help anyone can give.  Thank you, hopefully this will be read and passed on to others.  Just listen, if anyone can help us please do so.  P.S. Enclosed report to VAERs.  The only paper I signed was for Medicare to pay.    2/19/08 Reviewed pcp med records for 2002 which reveal patient in usual state of health on day of vax 10/7/02 w/increasing neck & left shoulder discomfort. Meds reviewed & changes made.  Referred for labs.  2/22/08 Received neuro clinic eval of 11/18/2003 which reveals patient experienced LE pain, ascending weakness resulting in total paralysis & weakness of left face.  Had been areflexic at times.  Had received IVIG.  Had residual pain in right chest wall & thigh requiring continued narcotics at present along w/continued fatiguem intermittent numbness & tingling of hand/feet, difficulty w/fine motor control & inability to return to work.    FINAL DX: Guillian Barre syndrome.  2/29/08 Reviewed hospital medical records for 2/11-3/11/2003 admission. FINAL DX: bilateral lower extremity weakness, etiology unestablished; hypo-osmolar hyponatremia, corrected; potassium depletion, corrected; hypocalcemia, corrected; and mediastinal & hilar adenopathy, etiology unestablished. HPI: developed right upper back & right hip pain 2 wks prior to admit which progressed w/weakness of bilateral LEs.  Originally admitted for pain mgt thought to be from spinal DJD.  Anesthesia consult done, epidural injection & multiple trigger point injections done.  Neuro consult done, absent reflexes in LEx, diminished un UEs; sensation diminshed in LEx; dx w/Guillian Barre syndrome.  LP done.  Tx w/IVIG x 5 w/o improvement in weakness.  Nephrology consult done & dx w/SIADH & Eaton-Lambert syndrome.  Pulmonary consult & bronchoscopy/mediastinoscopy done. Oncologist consulted.  Cardiovascular surgery consult done.  Developed confusion, hallucinations & disorientation along w/left facial weakness.  Gradually improved but had continued LE weakness.  Deferred thoracotomy & was transferred to inpatient rehab facility for further strengthening.  2/29/08 Reviewed neurologist & pulmonologist medical records.  Neurology records 3/9/04 through 3/26/2007 reveal patient initially seen in f/u for AIDP.  Progressed well.  Note of 9/21/2006 states GBS now w/leg pain & cramps along w/insomnia.   Pulmonology records 6/9/2004 revealed increased & productive cough, rhinorhea & congestion.  Additional pulmonology records of 3/29/2004 reveal CXR w/RLL atelectasis.