Age: 51.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: FLU4
Symptoms: Injection site pain, Joint range of motion decreased, Lacrimation increased, Loss of personal independence in daily activities, Magnetic resonance imaging
Clinical narrative: On October 22, 2021, I went to a pharmacy with my husband to get the flu shot.  My husband received the flu shot first and then we switched places so I could receive mine next. As soon as I sat down the pharmacist injected me without allowing me to fully settle and I was not ready for the shot at all.  The needle went into the top part of my left arm and struck me with a severe pain.  The pharmacist immediately asked me if I was OK, and he pushed the needle further one more time to finish the shot.  I guess the needle did not go in on the first push. The second push was even more painful, and I was in tears right away.   He told me to take Tylenol or Ibuprofen as soon as I get home.  My upper left arm has been hurting ever since and stiffness has been extended to my neck and both sides of my shoulder. I?ve also started experiencing tingling in my whole arm and fingers.   Since the tingling became so severe, I got scared that my under controlled UCTD (undifferentiated connected tissue disease) had progressed, so I contacted Dr. with the concern.  With the result of bloodwork, he confirmed that all my numbers were in the desirable range and there was no sign of my condition worsening and concluded that my UCTD was still completely under control.  As I expressed concern for experiencing long-lasting tingling, he then suggested that I have an evaluation of tingling and numbness and EMG/NCS of biliteral upper extremities for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at the Neurologist.   On 5/11/2022, I had the EMG/NCS of biliteral upper extremities for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at Dr.'s office.  The test was negative.   I mentioned the pain from the flu shot to my PCP during my routine check up on 1/25/2022 and 2/15/2022.  She didn't think the pain was caused by the flu shot and advised me to exercise and do some stretching.  I have been doing light stretching.   In an effort to relieve the pain, I?ve taken Ibuprofen, used ice packs and heat packs, tried an electric massager, and applied salonpas pain relief patches. Although they help temporarily, I?m still suffering from the pain.  The tingling in my arm and fingers also continued.   As opposed to getting better each day, it has come to the point that I now have trouble getting dressed and undressed and I am not even able to wash myself with my left hand anymore.   Recently I learned about SIRVA while looking up similar experiences.  I was so relieved.  I took this information to my PCP and she finally referred me to the orthopedic. I had my first consultation with them on 6/15/2022.   I had an X-ray done and was told there are no signs of damage in my bone or tendon. I was then referred to a physical therapist for treatment for Adhesive Capsulitis of Left Shoulder. I received an ultrasound and 2 injections on the back of my left shoulder.  I believe he said that it was a cortisone injection.   This injection immediately helped clear up the stiffness in my shoulder and neck area, however it didn't do anything to the pain in my left upper arm and the pain is even worse now.  This is the original spot where the pain originated from the flu shot that I received in October last year.  My follow-up appointment is scheduled on 7/20/2022. My first physical therapy is scheduled on 7/12/2022.   I also had acupuncture + cupping treatment three times so far. My whole upper body turned to a very dark color, showing a lot of inflammation. On the third treatment, Acupuncturist recommended a massage therapy and deep tissue laser on my stubbornly stiff left shoulder along with the continuation of acupuncture + cupping treatment.  I have my first appointment of massage therapy on 7/11/2022.   As of today, 7/10/2022, over 8 months past since the Influenza vaccine administered on 10/22/2021, I am still struggling with the pain, the tingling, and the decreased range of motion in my injured left arm. This injury has impacted my daily life enormously.  I intend to do anything for a full recovery.