Age: 70.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: COVID19
Symptoms: Inflammation, Inflammatory marker increased, Injection site pain, Insomnia, Insurance issue
Clinical narrative: Over the past three months, I've had a number of medical doctors and therapists I've seen since the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on March 8, 2021. On the continuation page, I specify each one, the dates I saw them, my responses along with comments about the current condition at that time. I don't know what I would have done without the immensely supportive help from Dr. in particular. I am still undergoing tests per another doctors orders. My body is 60% back to normal, but, I've lost energy, time and general function over these past three months. Please read my comments carefully. And, please respond to this case. (Vaccine above is COVID 19 Jansen) Please see my attachment as I cannot place it below. My severe reactions from the vaccine did not start until 3 days after my J & J shot (March 8, 2021). Following is a description of my health status before given the vaccine: Late December 2020, I took a fall on black ice; my arm was sore, but, I didn't feel a need for any medical attention. Since that time, I had been walking 2-3 times a week (Winter months) on the park trails. Getting so much fresh air made me feel very healthy. Late February 2021, I felt discomfort in my rib / chest area, so I made an appointment with Dr., a well-respected chiropractor I've known for over 20 years. He has helped me through an auto accident, broken arm therapy and knows my system well. The assumption was my muscles were weak and I needed an adjustment due to the fall in December and from the strain of caring and carrying my baby granddaughter for several days. After three treatments, I was feeling much better. 3/02/21 Dr. Chest rib area discomfort (level 1-3), thinking due to fall on black ice in December, sought chiro care; all else fine 3/03/21 Dr. Chiro treatment as needed 3/5/21 Dr. Discomfort decreased (level 1) doing so much better; will continue to stretch, walk and ice On the following Monday, March 8, 2021, I had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. My system is very sensitive to any medication. I cannot take the flu shot without getting horribly ill. Even Benadryl doesn't work for me. I did leave a message for my Internist doctor to get his opinion whether I should even take the vaccine. But, as you know, there is little data showing adverse effects other than the more common symptoms that many seem to get. His response was that I should be fine. 3/8/21 (Monday) Johnson & Johnson vaccine 5:30pm at Pharmacy Shot in left arm, stung as vaccine went in. No soreness after, but I did soak in a salt bath. 11pm symptoms started: chills, headache, achy body, and fatigue - lasted that night, Tuesday & Wednesday. From the following Thursday, 3/11/21 to 4/16/21 (36 days), I had extreme shooting pain from my scull into my forehead every single night. It was extremely hard to find any position laying down, sitting up, etc., where the pain would subside. I might sleep for an hour, maybe two at the most, before I woke up again with shooting pain. My mornings were mostly taken up by trying to get movement in my body by stretching, icing, etc. Neck rotation was difficult due to stiffness and pain. By mid-afternoon, I might get some relief, just to start all over again that night. I have a high tolerance for pain, but, this took me down. 3/11/21 Thursday Dr. Frequent dullness and tightness in back and neck; prolonged sitting difficult; no more headache, but, the shooting pain into my head started. It was pain I had not known. It was a reverse of how good I was feeling the week before. Received treatment as needed. 3/17/21 Dr. Chiro treatment as needed; gave some temporary relief 3/19/21 Dr. Chiro treatment as needed, but, pain intensified. Dr. asked that I get X-rays should there be some degeneration issues in my disc etc. Insurance does not pay for X-rays ordered by chiropractors, so I tried to make an appointment with Dr., but, I could not see him for until 4/20/21, but, he did order X-rays. He also suggested I go to ER if needed. 4/06/21 Imaging X-rays of cervical spine; issues Non-intractable headache, chronicity pattern, unspecified headache type and neck pain 4/13/21 Dr. Chiro treatment as needed; reviewed X-rays. Dr. asked that I get a CT scan with a comparison to my 2009 CT scan; speculating degeneration issues of the spinal area. 4/15/21 Virtual office visit; ordered CT of cervical spine 4/16/21 Imaging CT scan completed; felt quick sharp pain in head when getting scanned; assistant helped me sit up after coming out of scan bed; sharp shooting pain into my head was gone, but, seemed to move into my shoulder blades and back. 4/17/21 Dr. Chiro treatment as needed 4/19/21 - Pain in upper back also shooting down right arm (as if it has traveled) Pain level has decreased somewhat. Body stiffness still an issue in mornings; able to sleep 2-3 hours at night before waking up from pain. 4/20/21 Dr. In office visit, Dr. ordered blood tests, referral for physical therapy, massage; asked if treatments from Dr. were helping and what his thoughts might be. Also gave referral for Rheumatoid Arthritus appointment; depending on outcome, may schedule an MRI. Proceeded to get blood tests that day. Scheduled appointment with Rheumatoid doctor; no availability until June 10th. 4/22/19 Neuromuscular skeletal massage after referring to Dr.'s comments on issues. 4/23/21 Dr. Chiro treatment morning after massage; felt the most relief, thus far, two days after massage/treatment combination. 4/29/21 Rehabilitation Services Rotation and stretching observation and recommendations for daily therapy on own. 4/30/21 Dr. Chiro treatment as needed 5/06/21 Neuromuscular skeletal massage; again in cooperation with Dr's notes. 5/07/21 Dr. Chiro treatment morning after massage During past two weeks, shooting pain would move for a day to several days at a time, from upper shoulder, then to include left arm; back to right arm, down to mid back; lower back; hipsters; front of upper legs and finally down to the left ankle (as if it were working itself from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet). After the last massage and chiro treatment, I was extremely sore for two days. I started sleeping 4-6 hours at a time before waking from discomfort. I went into a very deep sleep each time with such vivid dreams. Surprisingly, I realized I had lost my sense of taste for awhile. My specialty coffee I made each morning had no taste for a few weeks; so much so, that I almost gave it up. Pizza I normally enjoyed had no taste. 5/09/21 NO PAIN - I had -0- pain for the 1st time in two months. Shockingly, I could taste my wonderful full-bodied cup of coffee; realized I had lost my sense of taste for awhile. Slept 6 hours straight; deep sleep with vivid intense dream. Next few days were fairly comparable; as time went on.........?????????? 5/13/21 Rehabilitation Services Rotation and stretching observation and recommendations for daily therapy on own. 5/14/21 Dr. Chiro treatment as needed Lower back; hip flex area constant ache; feel my muscles are week; started working out slowly with resistance bands to improve strength. Always stretching, icing, hot baths, etc. 5/25/21 Neuromuscular skeletal massage Blood tests not taken until April 20th when inflammation was still high. I cannot imagine how high it would have been that first month! My immune system was strong before all of this; I was walking 2-3 times a week in the Winter weather; I was taking quality supplements and eating a good diet. Mentally, emotionally and physically I was healthy.  Where would I have been had I not been going in to see chiropractor right before the vaccine, then continued to seek his help after the vaccine? The intense pain shooting into my head; would that have caused a stroke or worse my death? He works in many areas of chiropractic care and each time I had a treatment, I felt some level of relief. How could I have dealt with the pain had he not helped me so much? And, what would have happened had I gone to the ER and they gave me but one more "pain med" to complicate my system even more? I don't know that I would have been here in all seriousness. I have "never" felt that type of pain or restriction in my body before, even with my other injuries over the years. This was like none other. You get to know your own body over the years and I know mine well. I strongly believe I had an adverse reaction to the vaccine that poisoned my body causing high levels of inflammation, muscle spasms and who knows what else. I'm thankful to be alive and thankful for the medical care I've received.  Walking seemed to be the best thing. Energy levels started to increase, but, still limited to half a day of activity. Working on computer longer bits of time, but, need to stop to stretch or ice. Getting there slowly. 6/10/21 Rheumatologist Virtual visit; doctor was very thorough with many questions regarding pain. Observed from CT scan there were degeneration issues; vaccine may have prompted a sudden onset of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) ordered blood tests for Vitamin D deficiency, etc. Talked about PMR steroid injections should that be a continued result of onset. Will have a follow-up in two to three weeks. SUMMARY Monday, June 14, 2021 - Moving forward a few weeks, I finally am feeling back to some type of normal. My energy level has improved to approximately 60%; if I exert myself one day, I am still very tired the next day or two; my strength has improved as I am able to exercise. I continue to walk, stretch and still feel a need for another neuromuscular skeletal massage, but, holding back due to the cost. I am awaiting a call from the schedulers to set up more blood tests ordered by Rheumatologist; then have a follow-up in three weeks. Although, I am taking quality vitamins, I can see a difference in my face and skin; it appears so much dryer than normal, as if the nutrients have been extracted. I have concern over my financial situation as I have lost three months of time that I should have been preparing for workshops and working on editing projects. The massage therapy has helped immensely, along with the chiropractor treatments, but, there are co-pays and the massage is not covered at all by insurance.  With all that has happened and because I've tried earnestly to get better, I feel I should be compensated for my time and costs. My progress and treatments are documented and verified by the doctors and specialists I've seen. I was doing "my part" by getting the vaccine as to not get the virus or spread it to anyone else, so my intent should be recognized. Through no fault of my own did I think I would loose so much time working and living life. And, yes, I do understand life is not fair. But, this could have been avoided had we had more time to test the vaccine. Please let me hear back from you.