Improved
6115 HealthChanged
3786 LivesSaved
3570 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
I was happy to receive the flu shot this year, as I feel like it's "doing my part" to stop the spread of the influenza virus. Plus, any inoculation that can either prevent, or lessen the symptoms, of flu is motivation to me!
I've received the flu shot annually, for the past 10 years. I have the typical soreness at site, possibly a little tired that evening. But that's it.
This year...my shoulder muscle (at the site of the injection) is still painful, so much that I can't move my arm forward at shoulder-level, or lift my arm up over my head, without a sharp pain in that one muscle. If my arm is still, it does not hurt. It is affecting my sleep, as I am confined to sleeping on only my right side (it is my left arm that hurts).
Are there any other reports of this flu shot symptom? Did I just not move my arm enough after the shot (kind of "favored it"), or is there something else wrong??
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment735 Comments
Hi Anne M,
I know exactly what you mean, by personal experience, and also from reading the many, many other people who have been effected!
My flu shot that resulted in pain occurred last year, and my sore arm/shoulder lasted for 6 months. It also effected my sleep, daily activities, and my mood. I was also afraid to really say anything to my doctor/nurse (and I'm a big advocate on, well, self-advocating!), but I didn't want them to think I was being silly or over-reacting. I used to work in a health care center, and received a flu shot annually without a problem; I also questioned whether the pain was from something else and not my flu shot.
I can tell you what I did, and what is sounds like a lot of other people did also. They either talked with their doctor/nurse/clinic where they got their original shot, or they spoke with another doctor/nurse/clinic that they trust. I did the latter; I spoke with my GYN nurse about what had happened last year (she wanted to give me another flu shot this year, and I "swore them off" due to last year's pain. However, I am currently pregnant and in the "high risk" category, so was motivated to figure out a solution). This nurse whom I really trust and respect validated my feelings and what I experienced last year; she said some people have received shots that were too far into their shoulder and it caused some nerve pain that lasted for well into 6-9 months.
I can tell you that it helped tremendously just to be validated, not only by others on EmpowHER, but by another nurse as well.
I allowed the nurse to give me another flu shot this season, and I experienced NO pain. Not even at the site of injection...she was wonderful.
What do you feel your options are? Can you find a trusted nurse/doctor who will listen to your concerns, and know you are not "one of those" patients who exaggerate symptoms, so you can just be honest and have your shoulder looked at? Can you wait another few months, and see if the pain dissipates? (My pain is completely gone; it did take 6 months to fully recover). Can you go back to the original location where you received your flu shot, and speak to them about your concerns?
Let us know what you decide, and if we can help any further.
January 10, 2010 - 4:48pmThis Comment
The Orthopedic doctor that I am seeing right now, did an MRI and I will be seeing him Tuesday 1-12-10. I hope to learn something then. I have been prescribed pain meds, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers. My doctors agrees that the flu shot is the root of my problem. He just isn't sure what to do. I am not the only one he has seen with this reaction to the flu shot this year. His advice follows along with my own. (Don't take any shots) I will NEVER take another flu shot. I have been taking them for over 20+ years and have the typical soreness as well, but it doesn't last long. I got a shot September 23rd, 2009. I have a patch as well and they are indeed very expensive. It is because this patch is diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory) on a patch with a new trade name. I have not tried it yet. Waiting on the results from the MRI first. I hate that we all have suffered with this problem, but as for me...I am convinced that this flu shot is the source of my misery.
January 10, 2010 - 11:41amGood luck and keep posting...
This Comment
I originally posted this on one of the other sites. I wanted to comment here also because there was no response on the other.
January 9, 2010 - 5:59pmI have been experiencing the same pain from arm movement and continued muscle aches. I have pain when I try to reach up or around my body with my left arm. I have had to change how I put on & take off clothes because of the pain. I have had a flu shot every year for 11 years due to my son's medical condition. This is the first time I have never experienced these strong symptoms. I believe my past flu shots were given in my right (dominate) arm where this year it was given in my left arm. I received the shot in Nov at my husband's office and I did not see the location of the shot. My husband had a shot that day also but he has not experienced any pain. I work with some one who experienced this last year and she said that her doctor eventually prescribed a steriod patch for her which helped. She said that the patch was expensive, though. Any thoughts on the steriod patch idea?
I have noticed that it aches more at night when I am sitting down watching TV. I think because of the lack of movement. It doesn't ache like this during the day. I try to move it around within the non-pain range during the day.
I am glad to know that I am not alone in trying to find out how to stop this pain and to get the word out to other people. I will be taking my shot in my son's doctor's office next year and let him know what I have experienced this year.
Thanks for all the comments from everyone! I hope you all feel better soon! RA
This Comment
I had an MRI on Christmas Eve. Seeing that doctor on Tuesday for the results. I have tried all of the prescription ant-inflammatories like Mobic, Naproxen, Lodine, etc....none of them helped. The pain is much worse at night, but it is almost constant now. I am currently making and using a compounded cream (in my pharmacy) that contains ketoprofen 10% and alternate it with another anti-inflammatory cream we make with 6% diclofenac. That has helped quite a bit. I got my shot September 23, 2009. Some people are saying it resolves eventually...but how long is eventually? My personal experience is that physical therapy and massage made my pain much worse last week and I am a big believer in therapy....Maybe I will try it again later, but for now..I favor that arm a bit and try to keep from overworking it.
January 8, 2010 - 8:26pmThis Comment
I had an MRI on Christmas Eve. Seeing that doctor on Tuesday for the results. I have tried all of the prescription ant-inflmmatories like Mobic, Naproxen, Lodine, etc....none of them helped. The pain is much worse at night, but it is almost constant now. I got my shot September 23, 2009.
January 8, 2010 - 8:13pmThis Comment
I have posted on here several times. I am still in pain after my flu shot that was given on 10-02-09. The pain I have is a deep sharp pain in the area the shot was given. The pain will radiate to my shoulder and neck area. Right now I am just in a wait and hope it goes away stage. I just keep thinking with enough time it will leave. My Dr. wants to do an MRI but I have not scheduled it. I appreciate reading all the posts here. It helps knowing your not alone. I too hope that anyone who has an MRI will post. I would like to know the results to see if it would even do any good to get one if it will not change anything. Best wishes to all of you.
January 8, 2010 - 9:34amThis Comment
I am so grateful to have found this site. I received my flu shot on Dec 21, 2009 and as of today Jan.6, 2010, my arm aches at night. I am unable to sleep on it. It feels like I have been punched in the arm. I will report my experience to my doctor. Reading this blog makes it appear that this is not an isolated event.
January 6, 2010 - 11:52amThis Comment
Anon,
We're so glad you found us, too. No, this is not an isolated event. So many people (especially women) have reported this kind of pain after the flu shot that it feels like there must be a connection somewhere.
Anon, do you remember where exactly in your arm your shot was given? Apparently the ideal place is about the width of three fingers down from the shoulder.
Do anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, for instance) help your pain at night?
Please come back and tell us what your doctor says. We're very interested.
January 8, 2010 - 8:09amThis Comment
I too would like to hear about the results of your MRI. I've had the same experience and it's been months now... still pain that wakes me up and when I move my arm up and down or side to side there is pain... I also believe that the doc (who usually doesn't give the shot) was too high up in my arms.
January 4, 2010 - 5:48pmThis Comment
I have a rotator cuff injury, bursitis, and tendonitis from a seasonal flu shot vaccine given 8/29/09. It was given to high, directly into my tendon and rotator cuff. I had days where I could not move my arm at all, stiffness, pain, and pain at night when trying to sleep. I am now on "light duty" at work; can't lift anything overhead or more than 5lbs. It's such a headache with all the things I've been through. I was on a steroid dose pack first. Then, I had a steroid shot and physical therapy. Then, I had another steroid shot and "light duty." Now, I've finally gotten an MRI and am awaiting the results. The MD is thinking surgery!!
January 3, 2010 - 8:20pmThis Comment