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Susan Rice


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

I was working 50 hrs a week as a Technology Specialist in front of a computer for a large bank, I live at the beach and would take daily walks on the beach with my husband and dogs. I enjoyed yoga, going on day trips to thrift and antique stores. I loved to read books on my kindle by the pool. I was an organized, detail oriented person. I would visit with neighbors and participate in gatherings we had. I had spunk and energy, loved to laugh and crack jokes with friend. I loved to learn something new every few months from cooking to shooting at the rifle range. I was a pretty good shot with my pistol. I enjoyed my life, loved my husband and kids. I liked the person I was, giving and caring.

Describe the symptoms and the timeline of the reaction.

April 9, 2021, received 2nd dose of Moderna at 7:30 am. By that evening I felt tired, arm was sore and a headache. Saturday 4/10/21, had flu like symptoms, fever, hot and cold flashes, muscle aches. By Sunday 4/10/21, symptoms were more severe and I was in bed. Monday 4/10/21, called work sick, was vomiting, diarrhea, hot/cold chills, shaking, tingling and burning feeling in my body. Cramping at times, light sensitive, nauseous, couldn’t keep anything down, headache worse I’ve experiences. By 4/15/2021; had husband take me to doctors office (no appt just went) Husband explained what was happening and doctor took me right back. Sent me for bloodwork and CT and MRI. Gave me pain medication, nausea medication and a shot. Headache continued to get worse, body aches, nausea, burning, tingling all over body. Couldn’t stand or sit up very long. Dr referred me to neurologists, who then ordered MRIs, nerve tests, blood work. Referred me to Rheumatologist , more blood work. Tests never show anything except sed rate elevated, inflammation somewhere. Had spinal tap. Dr referred me to Mayo Clinic in February 2022. More tests, nerve study, another Rheumatologist. No one could help. Clinical diagnosis of New Daily Persistent Headache and Central sensitization Syndrome. To this day 12/7/2022, I am out of work, LTD canceled and am still fighting daily with persistent headaches, painful muscle aches, nausea, short term memory loss, brain fog, tingling and burning feeling all over body.

Describe the solutions that helped your symptoms

Yoga stretching to keep muscles from cramping, floating in salt water pool like a sensory chamber, pain medication and Amitriptyline and Duloxetine. Nothing touches headache, always there at a pain level of 6 to 8. A bit of Thc/cbd

Which solutions were not helpful?

Steroid shots , Tramadol, various other drugs.

What would you like others to know?

We need to get this in front of more people and part of all Covid materials. We need to be heard and cared for. Stay positive , and focus on joyful things in your life, but don’t forget it is ok to cry. To mourn your old self and become familiar with the new you. There are others that are out there who understand your pain and frustration.
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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.