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Laura Addison


What was your life like before you received the COVID-19 vaccine?

I was a nurse educator and took care of patients when staffing was needed. I’m also an avid crafter and was a healthy person. I could do yoga and walk long distances. After my reaction, I had to get a new job and I have hand pain when doing activities of daily living (brushing hair and teeth, writing, gripping steering wheel, holding phone). I can no longer take care of patients because of my limited arm movement and weakness, and I experience much pain when I use my hands for crafts. I have a hard time getting dressed and reaching for things because of my decreased arm movement.

Describe the symptoms and the timeline of the reaction.

I had a terrible reaction to the second vaccine. I had severe rigors, chills, and fever with excruciating pain in all my joints. I was out of work for 4 days and forced myself to go even though I didn’t feel truly well enough for a week. On the second day, my right shoulder was so painful, I couldn’t move it or get comfortable. I screamed with the slightest movement. Was diagnosed with bursitis & frozen shoulder. It took nearly a year before the constant arm pain went away. Now it just hurts with movement. For the past 7 months, I’ve also been having neuropathy (sharp, burning lightening, stabbing pain) to my hands and feet and it has affected my life greatly. It was a pretty sudden onset. Going to see a neurologist next week.

Describe the solutions that helped your symptoms

I have been getting physical therapy for over a year and I still don’t have full range of motion of my right arm (I’m right handed). I found that eating a plant based diet controls flare-ups (if I eat junk, I have more pain). Resting also keeps the pain controlled.

Which solutions were not helpful?

Tylenol, Motrin

What would you like others to know?

You are not alone. You are not crazy.
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The individual experience shared above is offered for informational purposes only. React19 neither endorses nor recommends any treatment(s) noted therein. React19 does not diagnose medical conditions, offer treatment advice, treat illnesses, or prescribe medicine or drugs. It is strongly recommended that, prior to acting upon any information gleaned from a shared experience, you first consult a physician.