Sex: M
Vaccine: LYME
Symptoms: Joint swelling, Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging abnormal, Osteoarthritis, Pain, Rash
Clinical narrative: This case was reported by a lawyer and described the occurrence of joint pain in a male subject of unspecified age who was vaccinated with LYMERIX. A physician or other health care professional has not verified this report. On an unspecified date the subject received unspecified dose of LYMERIX (unknown). At an unspecified time after vaccination with LYMERIX, the subject experienced pain, stiffness, and swelling of his joints, numbness, shooting pains, rashes, fatigue, difficulty walking, flu-like symptoms, headaches, possible memory loss, possible neurological injuries, possible autoimmune disease, and decreased activities of daily life. At the time of reporting the outcome of the events were unspecified. This information was received via a Statement of Injuries. Follow-up was received on 22 September 2008 in the form of medical records. The subject was evaluated on 27 November 1991. At that time, it was reported that a recent MRI scan showed three herniated disks as well as arthritis. The subject had experienced an accident resulting in a pulled left arm and shoulder and a cracking sensation in his neck about a year ago. He received NAPROSYN. At the time of evaluation, the subject was experiencing stiffness in his neck and decreased range of motion, especially with hyperextension. An exam dated 22 August 1994 reported a one month history of left should pain about the scapula and shoulder point. Pain is increased with activity, but there is a bit of constant pain. An MRI demonstrated a soft tissue mass which is bright on T2 weighted image and consistent with a ganglion cyst. The ganglion cysts was removed via surgery on 23 September 1994. A medical note dated 27 August 2008 indicated that the subject received LYMERIX vaccine in 1999 and noted intense discomfort 3 to 4 days after the 2nd shot. He noted such terrific achiness that he found it hard to move on a fishing trip. The symptoms progressed and the subject began to take ALEVE to treat the symptoms. The problems involved both hips, groin region, knees, back and hands. Advanced degenerative osteoarthritis of both hips was reported in an exam dated 16 September 2002. Prior exposure to LYMERIX vaccine and hypertension were also noted. Hypertension was not indicated as an event relating to LYMERIX per medical records. The subject stated that his back felt well with no pain. The symptoms persisted as of 07 October 2002 with bilateral hip and groin pain. The subject continued BEXTRA and TOPROL. The subject was evaluated for right greater than left hip pain on 09 July 2003. Severe degenerative disease of both hips was reported. The subject had become very limited in his ability to ambulate for any significant distance and performing his job had become difficult. The subject was hospitalized for left primary cementless total hip arthroplasty due to degenerative osteoarthritis of the left hip on 23 September 2003. Degenerative joint disease reported. He tolerated the procedure, made expected improvements and was discharged on 26 September 2003. Medications included unknown antibiotic and COUMADIN. Concurrent medications mentioned included BEXTRA and TOPROL. An examination dated 16 August 2005 stated that the subject was returning for a follow-up of his polyarthralgias, osteoarthritis and bilateral total hip replacements. He continued on BEXTRA and initiated CELEBREX. Another follow-up visit on 20 March 2006 for the same events indicated a little achiness, but other than that, the subject was doing well.