Age: 60.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: FLU3
Symptoms: Dizziness, Dysphagia, Dyspnoea, Ear pain, Electrocardiogram normal
Clinical narrative: Before Nov. 3 I was a very healthy 60 year old, jogging 3 1/2 miles, 6 days a week, yoga 5 days, excellent diet, correct weight, and on no medications.  Five days after flu vaccination, I began experiencing symptoms.  They have lasted 2 months, and I just now feel that I am getting better.  Symptoms: difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, extreme weakness in arms and legs, chest pressure and numbness, headaches, dizzy.  These symptoms increased in intensity for 4 weeks, at which time I was admitted to the ER and hospital, and they thought I was having a heart attack or stroke.  In a weeks time I was admitted to the ER 3 times, and each time to the hospital for 1 or 2 days.  All tests ruled out a heart event or clot in lung, many tests were done, and all negative.  The "spells" that included all the above symptoms, lasted anywhere between 4 hours to 24 hour events, and then a slight reduction in the symptoms for a period of time, and then it would all start again.  The doctors in the hospital were puzzled, and I would tell each one that I recently had the flu vaccine.  They didn't know what was going on.  And they all denied that these would be reactions from the flu vaccine.  Well, I think they are wrong.  I have been doing my own research.  The preservatives used in this particular flu vaccine is Thimerosal (mercury), and I have read about problems with that.  This is only the second flu vaccine that I have had in my life, the last one 18 years ago, no problem that I remember.  And I do know that I will never get another one!  1/15/08 Reviewed hospital medical records which reveal patient experienced chest discomfort, fatigue & SOB x 3 wks.  Admitted 12/6-12/8/07.  D/C to home on antibiotics & urology f/u FINAL DX: ureteropelvic junction obstruction; hydronephrosis; cysto w/right double-J stent placement.  1/24/08 Received email from patient that she was seen by neurologist on 1/23/08 & dx w/severe reaction from flu vaccine which may have triggered a cascade of reactions due to a previously undiagnosed autoimmune disease.  2/1/08 Received neuro office note of 1/15/08 which reveals patient experienced fatigue, lassitude, disequilibrium, dizziness & paresthesias.  Neuro exam was WNL but was referred for MRI of head & c-spine as well as rheumatological labs & paraneoplastic labs to r/o other concerns. FINAL Neuro DX: possible connective tissue disorder or anxiety/panic disorder.  2/19/08 Reviewed hospital medical records which reveal patient experienced chest pain.  Hospitalized on 12/3 but signed out AMA.  Returned after having chest tightness, fatigue & SOB at home.  Admitted 12/4-12/5/2007.  Cardiac consult done. FINAL DX: Atypical chest pain. Follow-up: Along with the other symptoms previously listed, I am now also experiencing: Tingling hands, feet and face. Earaches. Occasional shooting pain in arms and legs. Numbness, chest. Occasional difficulty swallowing. Twitching mostly in arms. Waking gasping for air. Some neurological events, like difficulty typing and putting sentences together. Severe chills. Have an appointment with a neurologist on Tuesday. I had one more visit to the ER last week, with breathing difficulties, and the increase of the intensity of all the symptoms. This is all very frightening, I need help.