First Dose of Moderna on 12/30/20
Second Dose of Moderna on 01/28/21
Moab, Utah
52 yrs old
Q: What was your life like before you got the vaccine?
My life before I got the vaccines was full. I had a full-time job that I loved, had all 6 grandkids over for sleepovers at least twice per month and had an active life. My husband and I enjoyed hiking, finding new adventures and we have always been into fitness. A few months prior to getting the shots, we were learning circular strength training, using some new tools to work out (maces and heavy clubs).
Q: Would you like to share your reasons for getting vaccinated?
The reason I decided to get the vaccine is because I've had vaccines all of my life. I took the flu shot every year without any problems. I worked in an industry that provided health care and felt I was "doing my part".
Q: What was your reaction, symptoms, & timeline?
After the first shot, I didn't notice any problems and was eager to get my second shot.
After the second shot, I began to experience extreme fatigue. It was all I could do just to show up at work. After work I didn't have the energy to cook or do any normal activities.
About a month after my second shot, I noticed I was having difficulty with sleep. At first, I would have one or two nights of sleeplessness a week and it eventually got to the point where I could only sleep an hour or two every night. This is when I went to my PCP for help. I tried countless sleeping aids that would help short-term and then they would become ineffective.
Less than a month after the insomnia set in, I started having severe short-term memory issues, dizziness, confusion, morning headaches, muscle cramps in my legs, neuropathy in my feet and hands, heaviness in my legs, feelings that my brain was shaking every time I would fall asleep and upon awakening, and heart palpitations that would set in every evening. I also experienced severe sensitivity to sound and having lot of activity around me so I felt like I needed to isolate to feel better.
Q: What is your life like now, after getting the vaccine?
My life is completely upside down. After battling to keep my job, I ended up quitting because the exhaustion would not relent. Although I am much better than I was initially, I still have 3-4 days of exhaustion every week when I can't do much. I am still dealing with muscle twitches, some sensory issue and a feeling that my brain is shaking as I drift off to sleep. It wakes me up and often I cannot get back to sleep.
Q: Share your experience with any medical care and any diagnoses you have received:
I have had a MRI, 2 EEGs, blood work and 2 sleep studies. All results have been normal.
Q: Was your reaction reported, and what was the response?
I have not reported my reaction anywhere as I don't know if it's even worth the time to complete it.
Q: Is there anything that has helped, and have your symptoms improved?
Over time, the symptoms have improved. When I experienced the dizziness, I took Ivermectin and it seemed to help. I was on the antihistamine diet for a while and that also seemed to help a little bit. After doing some research, I asked my PCP to prescribe methotrexate to tamp down my immune system. Because I've only been on it for less than 3 weeks, I don't know if it will help but I've had quite a few good days without complete exhaustion in the last week or so. I have tried to incorporate some sort of exercise daily. Although it hasn't helped much with the symptoms, I believe it can help improve mood.
Q: Have you had Covid before? What was your experience if so?
I have not had covid.
Q: What do you wish others knew?
There aren't many doctors, especially in rural areas that know anything about vaccine injury. Although many promising studies are beginning, there isn't a lot of information about how to treat this issue. Every individual will have to research and find a doctor willing to try different therapies that may help.
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