First Dose of Pfizer on 02/19/21
Second Dose of Pfizer on 03/05/21
New Hampshire
Q: What was your life like before you got the vaccine?
Unlike many here, I do have pre-existing conditions and am 73 years old. I had a hemorrhagic stroke in 2015 and have worked hard to overcome the deficits. Prior to the vaccines, I had made amazing progress, leaving behind the wheelchair, walker, and usually even my stick. So the symptoms and problems I mention here start from where I was at the time of the injections. I also have had migraines most of my life, but they were fairly well controlled prior to the shots. I had learned to handle the CPS (Central Pain Syndrome) with meds and movement. In other words I had accepted the "new me" and was living my life. Despite my fairly moderate deficits, my husband and I traveled to two new continents and had nearly completed our goal of visiting 50 states, 10 provinces and 7 continents. So we traveled as much as we could until the pandemic changed that. I was an involved and active grandmother. We enjoyed the outdoors from our lake home.
Q: What was your reaction, symptoms, & timeline?
There was no reaction from the first shot. I was prepared for the second injection to have a bit higher chance of a reaction. Right after our shots we went to lunch and did a couple errands. That evening it hit hard, with an excruciating headache, fever and chills. I couldn't stop shaking. I took enough meds to get some sleep but in the morning it was no better. I maxed out on the allowed meds. Tylenol did nothing. (I cannot take ibuprofen or NSAID's due to the brain bleed.) Mostly I laid in bed shaking and waiting for my next allowable Fiorinal. I lost 2 or 3 weeks like this. Eventually the headache become intermittent instead of constant. The absolute worse was that my stroke deficits were intensified, taking me back to just after. I had to use a walker in the house. My husband did most of the errands. There was no way I could drive. My time was spent in bed or on the couch listening to books on Audibles. My eyesight was poor as everything was cloudy. (I've had cataract surgery.) About 5-6 weeks into this I started seeing double and objects appeared crooked. I went to the ER (not mentioning a vaccine reaction.) I was admitted first for observation and IV morphine for a break from migraine. Then I stayed for lots and lots of tests, diagnoses came and went. At one point they were certain it was Myasthenia Gravis but later blood tests ruled that out. Later, with my neurologist whom I had been seeing for years, I raised more emphatically the issue of a vaccine reaction. I had read some research indicating that possibility. She agreed then that it was theoretically possible, but too rare for a diagnosis. She continued to treat symptoms only. I tried PT again, was deemed a fall risk (no kidding!) I just simply did not have the ability or energy to complete the program. I know this drill and try to do a few of the exercises when I can. I am generally exhausted after 5-10 minutes, with a racing pulse and palpitations. Adding to my stress, my PCP moved and I now have no primary care doctor. The last PCP who moved attributed the problems as very likely a result of the vaccine. She is certainly an anomaly.
Q: What is your life like now, after getting the vaccine?
Please see above. Things have improved slightly. I now have as a trial monthly injections of Emgality and that seems to help with migraine. I have a special prescription for reading glasses so I can read again. That is my primary activity these days. My biggest problem is that I have no energy, and walking is once again a challenge as I wobble like a drunk. My balance is gone. Without my wonderful husband I would be in Assisted Living.
Q: Share your experience with any medical care and any diagnoses you have received:
Please refer to above narrative.
Q: Was your reaction reported, and what was the response?
I reported through VAERS and for a while received texts, first weekly and then monthly.
Q: Is there anything that has helped, and have your symptoms improved?
I have talked about that above. At this point, there is just the element of acceptance. And trying to do something you love. And seek help with depression, which is a partner in all this.
Q: What do you wish others knew?
I so wish the medical community would not be in such denial. I am furious that we are so ostracized. I am furious that this vaccine is so widely promoted without acknowledge of those of us who are just collateral damage.
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