Age: 75.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: FLUX
Symptoms: Arthritis, Axillary pain, Injected limb mobility decreased, Injection site pain, Insomnia
Clinical narrative: On September 16, 2001 I went to get the flu vaccine.  I was told I would have to make an appointment for later that day which I did. On my way to get my oil changed I passed another pharmacy - just about 4 miles further so I decided to see if they would be able to take me at this time since I wasn't sure I would back it back in time for my visit at the first pharmacy for the appointment.  I entered the pharmacy and it appeared there was no one waiting to get the flu shot so the pharmacist gave me the shot.  I wanted it in my left arm since I am right handed.  As the pharmacist was injecting the vaccine I felt it going into my left upper shoulder and near or on the bone area and felt a severe pain going down to my elbow and wrist area and I let out a yell and told him about the pain I had and he said for me to keep my arm moving so it wouldn't get stiff.  I called the first pharmacy to let them know I got the shot sooner and to cancel my appointment. I went home after my chores and about 5 hours later I couldn't move my arm at all.  It was though it was paralyzed. I could not move my left arm away from my left ribs on its own. In order to move it I had to take my right hand and put it on my left wrist to move it away from my ribs inch by inch and it was with pain. I know from past flu shots your arm would get a little lump and some soreness for a day or two and then it would be ok. I gave myself until September 28th to feel normal again and it didn't happen so I went to see PA. She didn't tell me anything I wasn't already doing like taking Aleve, heat on my shoulder, and taking hot showers and letting the water hit the shoulder. She says she sees this maybe once a year and it could take months before it would go away and mentioned it was probably injected too high in my arm.  She also took x-rays and it only showed mild arthritis. The pain was not only in my shoulder, but the pain went to the left side of my neck and across the left side of my left collar bone and under my left armpit which was swelled and left wing area was painful. It was difficult to sleep - the arm throbbed and I couldn't pull the covers over me with the left arm - it caused too much pain. Turning around from side to side and lifting myself out of bed hurt and I had to hold my right hand over my shoulder and the muscle area in order to do this. At times I head a cracking sound and my arm will lock up with a pain associated with it as of this date (4-22-21). I couldn't reach back with the left arm.  Getting dressed by putting on a pull over top and pulling up my slacks, washing my hair etc. caused much pain. Doing house chores that requires arm movement in certain directions (twisting the arm) caused pain. Because of these things I had to put most of the strain on my right arm which hurt because it was taking on double duty.  I went to see the pharmacist that injected the flu shot but he was not there, but I spoke to someone else in the pharmacy and she told me to call VAERS to report the reaction I had. I called 9-26-20 at 9:15 am but they were closed. I called again on 9-30-20 at 8:28 am and left a voicemail. I received a call from VAERS and they said they would send me a form to fill out. As of 10-15-20 I didn't receive form. I called again and ended up receiving two forms in separate mailings.  I have received flu shots both at a doctor's office and at the pharmacy and had no problem except for a slight soreness for a day or two.  I live alone and have to do everything myself and this problem hasn't made my life any easier. As of this date (4-22-21) my left shoulder locks up and I get a pain and a cracking sound whenever. If I am carrying something in my hand I have to be careful not to drop it when this happens.   I hope this will go away but I am beginning to have my doubts but meantime I have to live with it.