Bobby Dalheim, Editor

First Dose of Moderna on 09/03/21

Algonquin, Illinois

Q: What was your life like before you got the vaccine?

I am a recently married 30 year old dude. I am a drummer in a metal band, work as an editor, and work out regularly. Everything was good.

Q: What was your reaction, symptoms, & timeline?

I first got my symptoms 3 days after getting the first moderna shot early September. Chest pain, shortness of breath. I went to the ER who did EKG and chest xray. They didnt find anything wrong. My symptoms then subsided that night. I returned to life as usual. 5 days later my symptoms returned and were worse, and still exist today two months later. My heart is also pounding. I feel every heart beat in my chest 24/7. I cant sleep because of it I have been to the emergency room 2 more times since my initial visit. Blood tests and an echocardiogram also saw nothing. I see a cardiologist now. He doesnt know whats wrong with me for sure, but suspects myocarditis. I'm on meds to bring down the inflammation but none have helped yet. Some days I feel like I am recovering a bit, but I always seem to relapse after a few days.

Q: What was your life like after you got the vaccine?

Its tough. I can no longer be active. I used to drum and exercise all the time. I no longer can. It is too tiring. Sleeping is hard. The pounding feeling keeps me up. It's hard to keep focus at work. If I didnt luckily work from home, I would have for sure had to quit my job or take time off. I feel bad for my great wife who has to put up with my sadness. This is the hardest test of my life. This makes every other thing I thought was hard look like a complete joke. I hope I get better but it doesnt feel that I am. Every single day is extremely tough. There is a chance this thing kills me. I feel very overwhelmed.

Q: Share your experience with any medical care and any diagnoses you have received:

First few docs thought it was anxiety. Didn't really believe it. The two cardiologists I've seen acknowledge my symptoms could be because of the vaccine but I can tell they're not convinced.

Q: Was your reaction reported, and what was the response?

I submitted to VAERS but didnt hear back.

Q: Is there anything that has helped, and have your symptoms improved?

Not that I know of. Resting might be helping. The pounding is down maybe 10 percent since it peaked a few weeks after the vax. But I'm still weak and can barely do anything.

Q: What do you wish others knew?

I knew the risk before I took it. I was forced to by my job. I should have stayed true to my beliefs. If you're young and healthy, I would advise against the vax. I'd give anything to go back in time.

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