Is it normal for my arm muscle in my shoulder to hurt 2 weeks after flu shot?

I have this same problem. I see the ortho in about 2 weeks so I can get an MRI referal. My primary doc is not allowed to get me an MRI directly, I have to go through a specialist now.

I am so glad I am not crazy think my flu shot caused this.
My primary doctor told me it was possible but rare, thus he wanted me to have the MRI.

Charles - from Oviedo, FL

Victoria - You said it well, thank you. It seems absurd that you and others have gone through so much pain and disruption in your lives, as well as spending thousands of dollars. Hopefully the sharing that all of you have done here has helped you know that you're not alone or "nuts" as some have been told when they've sought help. The problems and issues are real, and a caution to everyone to not take the administration of any vaccine for granted. Pat

I have posted numerous times. I am still here, still have pain..still in PT every week and still seeing the Orthopedic doctor. NO more tests. It has been a huge waste of money, except for maybe the MRI. They have not shed any light on the answer to this problem..which seems to be universal. We all have the same symptoms. Common sense says it was the flu vaccine. My doctor has finally agreed that he thinks I have had "a violent reaction" to the flu shot that I got September 23, 2009. I have not heard the term "chemical bursitis"..I will look into that. I finally gave in 3 weeks ago and took a Depo injection from the Ortho doc. I am only just now seeing that maybe it is helping. I have been in PT for 22 weeks now and credit it for saving me from "Frozen Shoulder"..I still say that PT has been the greatest help for me. I am using a compounded topical anti-inflammatory cream, Diclofenac. It helps me get through the day. With the help of PT, I have regained most of my range of motion, (still with some discomfort, but workable) but there is a certain way that I move that will feel like I have impinged a nerve and I am back to square one..so I avoid sudden movements. I honestly do not know if I will ever get my "life" back..but I am a long way from where I was 8 months ago. It has cost me thousands, all for one flu shot. Never, ever again. Wish I had an answer for everyone..I really can say that I truly understand your pain.

Victoria Loveday

Kathclare and Anon - Is it possible that you've now developed frozen shoulder? https://www.empowher.com/frozen-shoulder/content/frozen-shoulder-it-really-frozen-part-1
https://www.empowher.com/frozen-shoulder/content/frozen-shouler-it-really-frozen-part-2

I had my flu shot in September and it is now May and I can't lift my arm up or reach high.It happened after the shot.My doctor said that if it was from the shot if wouldn't last more than a few weeks.He thinks it could be Bursitis.I don't buy it.I'm am going to an orthopedic doctor.

Daisygirl - Glad to hear you're doing better!! and appreciate so much that you shared this information with us. I believe this is the first time we've heard the term "chemical bursitis" used, so I tried to find out more about it. There aren't a lot of references, although I did find several mentions in sports medicine journals. Here's how one defined it:
An inflammation of a bursa that results in a form of internal blistering causing the bursal sac to become inflated with fluid. Bursitis may be caused by repeated mechanical irritation (frictional bursitis), substances formed as a result of inflammation or degeneration of tissue (chemical bursitis), or bacterial infection (septic bursitis). Treatment may include diathermy and the topical application of anti-inflammatory drugs. Chronic bursitis may require surgical excision.

What do the rest of you think about this concept? Do you think your pain came from chemical bursitis caused by the injection? And, how are you doing? Hopefully most of you are feeling better these days as we haven't been hearing from you lately. Pat