First Dose of Moderna on 05/21/21 Lot #022C21A
Orangeburg, South Carolina
50 yrs old
Q: What was your life like before you got the vaccine?
I am a physical education teacher. Before the vaccine, I worked out at least 5-6 days weekly without getting tired.
Q: Would you like to share your reasons for getting vaccinated?
I got the vaccine because I had family members telling me I should get it. I carry an EpiPen, so I was hesitant. I was very uncomfortable about it but after talking with my doctor, I decided to get it.
Q: What was your reaction, symptoms, & timeline?
I received the vaccine on 5/21/2021. Two days later I got a headache that was so bad I could barely put my head on the pillow. The next week my legs started to feel extremely heavy. I couldn’t move them freely. I started vomiting and a rash similar to the chickenpox developed on my back. I went in for a doctor’s visit and had several tests done. Every result came back normal. I was told that it was a reaction to the vaccine and that the symptoms would slowly fade. Well, they got worse. By the first weeks of June 2021, I was in excruciating pain. I couldn’t move my head and neck. I had to sit with a travel pillow on for support. I went to the ER, and when I got there my BP was 188/110. My heart rate dropped to the low 40s. I don’t have a history of hypertension. The ER doctor informed me that he needed to get my vitals under control, so I wouldn’t have to be admitted. While at the ER, the physician ordered numerous tests and all results were normal. Covid test was negative. I was told that my symptoms mimicked GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome). He said the vaccine was new and there wasn’t a lot of research to refer to for treatment. He said he felt more comfortable by giving me something to assist with the pain. I was given a prescription for Percocet and sent home. My paperwork had the final diagnosis as myalgia resulting from the vaccine and to consult with personal care physician before receiving the second Covid vaccine. The next few weeks were horrible. I couldn’t move my left arm and leg. My hands and feet were numb. At times, I had no control of my bladder. The mental effects were devastating. To go from being so active to the state I was in had me depressed. I went back to my PCP who then suggested that I not receive any additional doses of the vaccine. My records were updated, and I was told that we would be playing the waiting game. We were hoping that the symptoms would fade as the vaccine waned from my body. The next 7 months I visited my PCP several times. I also had a visit with a neurologist and 3 visits with a cardiologist. I changed to a pescatarian diet and added a host of foods from the anti-inflammatory list I Googled. I started drinking lemon ginger tea with honey and turmeric. I sat in the sun as much as possible. Slowly my symptoms started fading.
Here is a complete list of my symptoms (side effects):
Severe headaches (mainly temple area)
Blistered rash
Swollen lymph nodes (underarm, groin, neck)
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Fluctuating blood pressure
Extreme pain in arms, legs
Limited mobility
Numbness fingers, toes, and arms (more in left arm)
Extreme exhaustion
Dizziness
Unbearable neck pain. Unable to turn my head.
Head felt heavy.
Pain in the back of my head on the left side
Low heart rate
Chest pain
Legs felt heavy at times like I could barely move them (Couldn’t move left leg for 2 weeks)
Heart racing at night
Poor appetite
Left knee locked up
Hard to control my bladder (wet clothes several times)
jumping right eyelid
Q: What is your life like now, after getting the vaccine?
I am not 100%, but I am working out again although I get tired a lot quicker than normal. I still get numbness in my fingers and toes but for the most part I have improved so much.
Q: Was your reaction reported, and what was the response?
VAERS. I got an email saying they received my report. I have called the CDC and tried contacting Moderna, but I didn’t get any assistance.
Update on 5/16/22: I was finally able to speak with a representative from Moderna. She took all of my information and said the safety team would contact me if they needed anything else.
Q: Is there anything that has helped, and have your symptoms improved?
Yes, my symptoms have improved. Changing to an anti-inflammatory diet helped.
Q: Have you had Covid before?
I have never tested positive for Covid.
Q: What do you wish others knew?
I wish that the potential side effects were made known and not pushed aside or hidden when we try to discuss them. I wish people that didn’t have severe adverse reactions weren’t so insensitive to those of us who did. This vaccine is not one size fits all. It affects everyone differently.
Tell Your Vaccine Injury or Success Story Here:
Subscribe Here: www.realnotrare.com/contact
REAL NOT RARE DISCLAIMER:
Real Not Rare does not diagnose medical conditions, offer treatment advice, treat illnesses, or prescribe medicine or drugs. Anything contained on this website or conveyed in the blog stories or groups, is not substitute for adequate medical care, diagnosis, and/or treatment from a medical doctor. It is strongly recommended that prior to acting upon any information gleaned via Real Not Rare or their representatives, you at all times first consult a physician. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual being interviewed in each story, and do not necessarily reflect the position of Real, Not Rare as a whole.
