Age: 47.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: FLU4
Symptoms: Musculoskeletal pain, Musculoskeletal stiffness, Nausea, Pain, Pain in extremity
Clinical narrative: I received the flu vax on 11/26/18 (my company was sending notices if I didn't get the vax by 11/30, I would not be able to work). The injection was administered in the right deltoid. The next morning 11/27, I woke up and had a very difficult time moving out of bed due to low R back pain that had not been there when I went to bed on 11/26. I stood up and pain was also in R mid buttock, making it difficult to walk with a normal gait (I was limping); I was quite alarmed. I used the bathroom, my menstrual cycle started. It was extremely painful to even clean myself after using the bathroom. My body felt very swollen, esp at injection sight (I am aware swelling at injection sight is normal) and across my entire abdomen, both buttocks, hips and both thighs. I felt as if I had lost control over my abdominal/trunk muscles. I felt stiff all over. As the day went on, the pain in my R buttock seemed to shoot around the front to my anterior hip, down the front and side of my R thigh to my knee as well as my anterior lower leg to ankle. I could not lift my R leg to dress or undress myself due to weakness and shooting pain. The pain was so intense at times I felt nauseated. I was unable to lie flat on my back or stomach because the pain intensity from my anterior R hip to my knee. I was unable to stand up straight or in one position more than 30seconds before feeling the need to sit or somehow shift my weight to attempt alleviation of the pain intensity. I also found myself walking with a stooped posture. Despite daily applications of heat, ice, stretching, taking Epsom salt baths every other day, 2400mg ibuprofen daily, massage therapy and applications of various topical analgesics I was not getting relief. Walking and standing were very difficult. I was awakened 3-5 times during the night due to discomfort. Getting out of bed in the morning was particularly challenging--much gentle stretching was needed to get my day started. I am (WAS, prior to the injection) an avid gym-goer and was unable to even walk on the treadmill more than 1-2 mins before needing to stop because the pain was too intense to continue. The pain seemed to 'float' between the areas I described above, some days the R buttock was the focal point of the pain, others days it was more prominent in my anterior or lateral thigh, or anterior hip. Discomfort was consistent in my Right knee daily. I believe that the vaccine also had a negative effect on my hormones: despite a menstrual cycle that began on 11/27 (lasting 5 days), another menstrual cycle started on 12/14 (lasting a full 8 days), and again 1/9/2019. This is a very abnormal pattern I've been experiencing over the past year prior to this vaccination, which, despite peri menopause would occur every 4-8 weeks. I would also like to mention that last year, 2017, I received the flu vax in my L arm and experienced VERY similar symptoms the day after, body swelling, Left low back and buttock pain, and my menstrual cycle was triggered. Severe pain in my L shoulder joint (I am STILL experiencing a sharp pain in that joint to this day w range of motion). Those symptoms lasted at least a month or more but not as intense. I tried speaking with a couple of my physicians about the issues I experienced after that particular vax but I had nothing to back up my suspicions of an adverse reaction. Now, since I had the injection on the right side this year I feel there is some sort of correlation to the vaccination having a negative effect on my body and my suspicions are validated. Since this most recent vax, I have had x2 Family medicine office visits, hip x-rays (negative). I had  an appointment with sports medicine on 12/28/18. I have been working closely with my naturopath for energy work, chiropractic therapy and oral supplements. Also massage and lymphatic drainage therapies as another natural healing pathway, and continuing Epsom salt baths every 2-3 days. These modalities have produced a breakthrough in my healing, most notably on the dates of 1/10 and 1/11. I am sleeping through the night and able to walk without feeling pain. I will admit I am still experiencing mild discomfort in my anterior right leg which continues to include my right knee. Even though my body has started to loosen and I'm regaining range of motion, my low back remains extremely tight and stiff. I still need to stretch every morning to loosen my hips and back in order to start the day. I suspect this issue is a result of trying to alleviate the pain by compensating my posture and gait for over a month. Again, I am working closely with my naturopath and massage therapist to correct. The effects of this vaccination has been debilitating and disruptive to my life, my work and my health. Every aspect of my life has been affected and negatively impacted. I need help and guidance regarding this situation which is why I'm reaching out to you. Something is wrong and something needs to be done. I welcome any feedback or information you can provide. I hope you can help. Thank you for your time and attention.