First Dose of AstraZeneca on 03/28/21 Lot #PW40009
Wales, United Kingdom
Q: What was your life like before you got the vaccine?
I run my own Business. I am a property developer, Landlord, and I also do build works for disabled external lifts. I trained 4-5 days a week, had a healthy lifestyle, and had a good social life.
Q: What was your reaction, symptoms, & timeline?
I got the 1st jab March 28th. I developed blood clots in my calf 2-3 weeks after. They were very painful. Then the ear and throat infections started, as well as constant headaches, heart palpitations, confusion, memory problems, and breathlessness. I had stroke like symptoms. I could not talk, and this lasted for months with lingering fatigue. I felt like blood was rushing up and down my entire body. I had raised adrenal, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, tinnitus, weight loss, 3 stones, bleeding gums, tremors, muscle spasms, seizures, passing out, dizzy, sleep problems, and sweating while sleeping. I could not sit down as felt like my heart was going to explode, and my head would be spinning. The symptoms were really bad for 5-6 months. These then eased to heart palpitations, tinnitus, shakes, headaches, and dizzy spells. I still cant sit for long periods, even now 8 months on. I don't really go out. Nothing sets if off, but I just have good and bad days. Unfortunately more bad than good.
Q: What is your life like now, after getting the vaccine?
I had to stop working for 4 months due to the confusion and constant shakes, palpitations, and the fact I could not talk. It felt like I was going to die. They sent me for blood tests to Morriston hospital where I collapsed and was seen by a doctor in A&E. He told me after all the tests I was a fit healthy man, and it was down to the vaccine. As the months progressed it just got worse to the point I did not want to go on. I was so tired, but could not sit down due to the palpitations and heart racing. I felt like my blood was rushing up and down my body. It was horrible. Walking is hard as I find it hard to catch my breath. Then one night in the house, I had a seizure and had to call an ambulance. The ambulance never showed, so a friend drove me to the hospital. Again I had more blood tests, to be told its the vaccine.
Luckily it was a Thursday 4 months in, and the buzzing and confusion had gotten better. I felt a bit of hope. From then on, I had good days and bad days. I thought I was getting over the worst. It was just high blood pressure, palpitations, and a bit of confusion. On days I felt ok I would go to work. Basically I would get up go to work, and then come home go to bed.
Then it all came back, and I had to take more time off work. I did not feel safe to drive. 8 months in now, and I still feel bad. I have not taken on any work as the job I started before the 1st dose of the vaccine would have normally taken 6-8 weeks - but it took me 4 months. I am not capable of doing the work I used to. As for training I have started back to get some fitness back, but find it very hard and get fatigued so quick.
Q: Share your experience with any medical care and any diagnoses you have received:
I have seen or tried to see doctors. They said it was anxiety, so put me on beta blockers. All blood tests came back normal. I was sitting at one doctor shaking and having pains in my chest, and I broke down crying. He asked me what I would like him to do for me. He sent me for bloods in Morriston, where I collapsed in the corridor and was put in a wheelchair to A&E. I paid to see a cardiologist. All tests came back normal apart from high adrenal and the fact they found I had mitral valve prolapse, which the professor said I was born with. I accept I had a reaction to this vaccine, but I would have thought all this time some help or advice would be available. The doctors, as I have been told, have not had the data or any information on these adverse reactions. The lack of compassion and denial is unbelievable.
Q: Was your reaction reported, and what was the response?
I reported it to the yellow card and to AstraZeneca. I had a generic email from both. I have contacted AstraZeneca on the 10th of December 2021 and spoke to a Mia Hoffman. I explained what symptoms I have been experiencing and asked for help, but they cannot offer any. Instead they asked me to contact my doctor, and tell them to ring AstraZeneca which I will doing on the 14th of December 2021.
Q: Is there anything that has helped, and have your symptoms improved?
I haven't been advised by any medical expert what I could take to relieve the symptoms, apart from beta blockers for the palpations. I get more information, help, and support from the Facebook group I am on. I get lots of rest, and keep a good diet which I have always followed. Since the vaccine, I cannot have any caffeine-based products.
Q: What do you wish others knew?
I was very frightened in the beginning not knowing what was going on, like everyone. However, when you hear there are many people going through the same thing it helps. I think the media should discuss the adverse effects for people suffering from the vaccine, and more information to help or even acknowledge there is an issue. I do believe this is not as rare as they are making it out to be.
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