Vaccine Injury of Bryce Mudroch

I was a very active individual since I can remember. I was always involved in sports/activities from a young age until the date of my injury. I was heavily involved in lacrosse, as a player (played in college) and coach, avid mountain biker, hiker, and snowboarder. Loved being outdoors and being busy. Rarely was lazy and bored as always active. I sustained a TBI during a lacrosse game in 2013 that ended my playing career, however, recovered and continued life as normal with minimal limitations.

I received my first Pfizer on Easter in 2021. Woke up the next morning with very intense tinnitus, fatigue, tiredness, brain fog, just over all flu-like-symptoms. I chalked it up to the known reaction of the COVID vaccines. This persisted for roughly three weeks. Within the three weeks I saw my PCP at this time and was told it was a "robust reaction" to the vaccine received. Thankful after the three weeks I returned to normal with no limitations or persistent reaction. My employer mandated the vaccine, so I continued to receive the boosters (2nd & 3rd) shots with no reactions.

Then came my fourth and final covid vaccine in October 2022, which was the bi-valent (or whatever) vaccine. No issues the day of, however, the next day I noticed black spots in my vision while working. Didn't think much of it at the time, but later realized they were floaters. These have persisted and worsened/increased over the years since the injury. In the following days I started to notice knee pain in both my legs and overall legs tiredness/weakness. Again, didn't think anything of it at the time and just rested for a few days. However, a few days later a large snow storm occurred in WI and I was out shoveling the driveway. Once I returned inside I noticed brain fog, tiredness, light headedness, and increased pain in my legs. The very next day my life changed forever and started to notice the same symptoms as most with the vaccine injury. I went to my PCP and started the battery of tests, imagining, blood work, exams, etc. Went to almost all the specialists (neurology, endocrinology, rheumatology, cardiologist, etc.) with every single test coming back normal or within normal ranges. Only test that showed anything was a positive ANA. However, through additional tests the autoimmune diseases started being ruled out one by one. My neurology team at the time settled on cramp fasciculation syndrome with no test actually showing a positive diagnosis as no test can diagnosis the syndrome. Was a diagnosis by default. During the two years from the vaccine injury and the "diagnosis" I was in the hospital several times due to severe fatigue and the inability to stand, walk, drive, etc. Seemed to have flair ups periodically without any known cause. But nothing ever came from being hospitalized, as all tests/MRIs/CTs/etc. were normal.
We moved from WI to AZ in early 2024. My symptoms were manageable (able to work and participate with family), however, started to worsen and increase. Which is still the case to this day.

It seems like some weeks it's a guessing game of what issues/symptoms will arise this time. I thankfully am able to still work full-time, however, that by itself is very challenging. I use all my time off throughout the year for rest days to make other working manageable. I have two young daughters and a loving wife that keeps me going.

-Pacing myself. If I know we have a busy day tomorrow I'll take the day before easy by resting, stretching, hydration, etc.
-Listen to your body. You know what it feels like when you over do it.
-Cold plunge
-Hot therapy (spa/hot tub)
-Stretching
-Walking
-Sleeping, get A LOT of sleep. On the weekends I try to sleep in and get at least 8-10 hours, if able
-Marijuana has been a big help with pain, anxiety, sleep, etc. But has it's cons as well.
-Mental Health Therapy
-Meditation

-Moving more or more strenuous exercise. I'm only able to walk which I try to do daily.
-Pushing myself to keep up with my kids or activities
-Drinking alcohol. Feels great in the moment as pain is decreased but takes several days to recover.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

You may feel or believe you are alone but you are not. I started doing mental health therapy in 2024 and this helped to learn coping strategies and just talk about my challenges. This sucks and life is flat out very difficult. I feel guilty my daughters won't have a "normal" dad growing up. I feel cheated and drew the short straw, but WE will get through this. TOGETHER. Don't stop talking, don't stop advocating for yourself. Place yourself with friends and family in low times. Science can and will catch up, it's just a matter of time.