Q: What was your life like before you got the vaccine?
I was a care coordinator for a large community organization. I was able to perform my activities of daily living, as well as moderately exercise. I had GI and a prognosis of arthritis. As a mom, I participated in activities with my children.
Q: Would you like to share your reasons for getting vaccinated?
My rheumatologist highly recommend the shot. She felt it would be a wise for me to take the vaccine prior to receiving medication for psoriatic arthritis. I feared losing my job, as I witnessed coworkers let go.
Q: What was your reaction, symptoms, & timeline?
The day after receiving the shot my body was wracked with pain especially around the shot site. My throat was sore, and it felt a bit swollen. Over the next few days, the swelling continued and the pain increased. I pushed myself for the sake of keeping my job. After 10 days, the swelling in my throat worsened. I had difficulty breathing. I felt like I could not get enough air. My coworker looked at me and said your lips look blueish. I responded I cant breath! I was rushed by ambulance to the ER. By then I was having tingly sensations in my arms, legs, and muscle weakness. Around that time frame, I broke out in my first case of herpes zoster virus.
The worse case a doctor and nurse saw. They called it "shingles on steroids". With my immune system out of whack, it led to a bad infection. By 6 weeks, I could not walk or hold anything. The doctors could not figure what was going on. After labs, neurological tests, and MRIs, it was found I had an inflammatory response in my spine, which led to partial peripheral paralysis. My inflammatory flare ups continue to this day. At times, I find myself unable to perform simple everyday tasks. All this led to unemployment. My doctor at the time suggested I apply for disability. I optimistically thought I would recover, but it's been over a year.
Q: Was your reaction reported, and what was the response?
I reported my reaction on VAERS, as recommended by my Doctor.
Q: Are there any treatments we should know about that helped or hurt your health?
I had adverse reactions to the steroids I was placed on to treat the inflammatory response.
Q: Have you had Covid before?
Yes. I did get pretty sick with covid, however it was the vaccine that did me in.
Q: What do you wish others knew?
Follow your gut. I was really hesitant on getting the vaccine. I made that clear with doctors, but did not stand my ground. If you are prone to adverse reactions with medication, take caution. realnotrare.com
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