Megan Gawel
What was your life like before you received the COVID-19 vaccine?
I was very active and in the best shape of my life. I was training for a half marathon and working with a running coach. The day before my second vaccine I ran 8 miles with no issues.
Describe the symptoms and the timeline of the reaction.
The day of my second vaccine I woke up in the middle of the night with a high fever and my entire body ached. I slept it off and the fever went away 24 hours later. The pain did not go away. Even though my body still hurt a few days later I tried to go for a run. I made it less than a mile due to the pain in most of my joints. I thought nothing of it and decided to just take a break for a little bit to give my body time to feel better. The joint pains would not go away and became constant. Hands, feet, back, hips – everything hurt. I decided to go to my PCP and he ordered tests. My ANA came back abnormal as well as some other tests. I was referred to a Rheumatologist and have been under the care of one since then. After multiple tests and scans I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and take injectable Biologics weekly which I will probably have to take for the rest of my life. I still have not been able to run since the vaccine due to the pain.
Describe the solutions that helped your symptoms
The day of my second vaccine I woke up in the middle of the night with a high fever and my entire body ached. I slept it off and the fever went away 24 hours later. The pain did not go away. Even though my body still hurt a few days later I tried to go for a run. I made it less than a mile due to the pain in most of my joints. I thought nothing of it and decided to just take a break for a little bit to give my body time to feel better. The joint pains would not go away and became constant. Hands, feet, back, hips – everything hurt. I decided to go to my PCP and he ordered tests. My ANA came back abnormal as well as some other tests. I was referred to a Rheumatologist and have been under the care of one since then. After multiple tests and scans I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and take injectable Biologics weekly which I will probably have to take for the rest of my life. I still have not been able to run since the vaccine due to the pain.
What would you like others to know?
Trust your gut and be your own advocate! You know your body better than anyone else!
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Details
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Pfizer Vaccine:03 November 2021
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Injury Date:
04 November 2021 -
State/Region:
MA -
Country:
US