Vaccine Injury of Colleen Hess
What was your life like before you received the COVID-19 vaccine?
Before the vaccine, life was wonderful. I have been an athlete for most of my life and an avid outdoor enthusiast. My oldest son and I would go on long-distance hikes regularly. I would take my dogs for an easy 7-mile hike on Saturday mornings. In my younger years I ran a few marathons & a ton of distance races. Love gardening & landscaping.
Describe the symptoms and the timeline of the reaction.
I am now 52 years old. I was 48 when I received the Moderna vaccine (doses 1 & 2). Within a year—and every day since—I have felt "off."
After exercising, I experience extreme fatigue that lasts for days. I developed unexplained itching on my lower legs, ankles, and feet, often accompanied by a rash. Over time, I had to slow down and eventually stop exercising altogether because my body simply couldn’t handle it.
For about two and a half years, I suffered from severe brain fog and heart palpitations. I struggled to articulate sentences, and as time passed, I realized I had to either step back from real estate or bring on partners to help. Since I have to work, I chose the latter.
I constantly feel a deep sense of malaise that never improves. My body no longer regulates its temperature properly. I have heightened sensitivity to light and noise. My vision is deteriorating, accompanied by frequent headaches. What I initially thought were migraines turned out to be trigeminal neuralgia flares, lasting for about 18 months. I also experience unexplained blood pressure issues, agitation, depression, and trouble sleeping. I have zero interest in sex.
In January 2025, while showing a property, I suffered a mini-stroke and was admitted to the hospital under a stroke alert. Between 2022 and now, I have been diagnosed with chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, and bipolar depression. I also suffer from severe joint inflammation, and I experience a painful popping sensation in my hips, shoulders, and neck when walking.
On February 12, 2025, I was diagnosed with shingles. My body is attacking itself.
During an EBV flare-up—which has been almost constant since the vaccine—I break out anywhere on my body. The flare-up typically starts in my head, moves downward, and affects my digestive tract, causing stomach pain, irregular bowel movements, and severe constipation. The pain then extends down my leg and exits through one of my toes. So far, I have lost three toenails. I also experience unexplained pain in my thighs. I was once proud of my leg muscles, but now I wear pants to hide what little remains. I am losing weight without trying.
I have ruled out external factors. My home tested negative for mold. My metal levels are within range. My hormone levels indicate menopause, and I take hormones as needed.
Doctors I Have Seen
Primary Care Physicians:
I have consulted three different primary care doctors. My original physician of 15+ years, who ran tests but found nothing unusual, left his practice at the end of 2023. His temporary replacement, Dr. Regina, diagnosed me with chronic EBV and ME/CFS. She mentioned that there has been an uptick in these conditions among vaccinated individuals. The newest doctor, Dr. Voight, seems clueless and insists I need to be seen at the Mayo Clinic—unfortunately, they do not accept my insurance.
Neurologists:
I have seen two neurologists regarding brain fog and potential early-onset dementia. Despite extensive testing, they could not determine the cause of my cognitive issues. An MRI ruled out multiple sclerosis (MS) and dementia. When I mentioned the vaccine as a possible factor, both doctors ignored me.
Ophthalmologist:
I have had yearly eye exams since my symptoms began. My ophthalmologist cannot explain why my vision is deteriorating. By examining my eyes, he does not see signs typically associated with MS. When I mention the vaccine, he does not ignore me outright but does not provide any insights either.
Gastroenterologist:
I have undergone two exploratory procedures—an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy. Both revealed minor polyps, but nothing to explain my digestive pain and discomfort.
Cardiologist:
After my mini-stroke in January 2025, I was admitted to the hospital under a stroke alert. A cardiologist performed an echocardiogram and had me wear a Holter monitor for five days. The echocardiogram showed nothing abnormal, but I never received a follow-up regarding the Holter monitor results.
Podiatrist:
When my toenails began falling off, accompanied by herpes-like breakouts on my toes, I consulted a podiatrist. She initially diagnosed it as toenail fungus. However, even after avoiding pedicures and continuing to lose toenails on different toes, she had no further explanation.
Urologist: I have a mass on my left kidney that is not cancer but has grown pretty fast. They are keeping an eye on it—reccurring bladder infections for no known reasons.
Psychiatrists & Therapists:
I have consulted multiple psychiatrists and therapists for depression. Psychiatrists tend to push medication, but I am highly sensitive to anything that affects my brain due to my persistent fogginess.
Describe the solutions that helped your symptoms
A clean diet. Less stress. Lots of rest. Let go of what you can't control. Vitamin supplements & ivermectin. Vitamin D, turmeric, Krill oil, Ivermectin, Gabapentin for neuropathy, baby aspirin, BP medication, steroids for when in flareup, Advil.
Which solutions were not helpful?
Our medical profession.
What would you like others to know?
Please be your own advocate. Make your voice heard. If you are not well enough, build your team. That can mean asking family, friends & work colleagues to help you. Bring people with you to doctors' appointments. Keep a journal of everything you have been through and are going through. Ask questions. Even if the doctor looks at you like you have two heads...ask! They are being told not to acknowledge us. We are there to let them know we are not alone in this and will continue not to tolerate being silenced.
