See All
Preferences
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests

2 nights after receiving the shots my neck froze up. By the following morning I had NO mobility in my neck at all and had a lot of neck pain. Could not move 5 degrees to either side.
I see an occasional posting about stiff neck as a side effect of flu shots but this was very extreme. I tried cold but mostly moist heat. The next day I went to an urgent care (It was Sunday and could not find a real doctor). They told me to go to the emergency room and thought I might need a CAT scan. I was scared. I went to the emerency room and they said it was a muscle spasm caused by the fllu shot and gave me a muscle relaxant (valium), a pain pill, and iboprofen. This combo upset my stomach. So I then had extreme neck pain, little mobility, and terrible stomach pain.
Three days later the mobility is slowly returning. I now have about 30 degrees in each direction. Hoping to regain all 90 degrees, of course.
1. I want to know if I should avoid flu shots and tetanus shots in the future. I have received a flu shot every year for 30 years.
2. I want to know if other people have as extreme reaction as I did to either shot. I can't find anything on the internet to reassure me. I don't even know what caused this. Do you?View Thread

My doctor persuaded me to get half a flu shot this year, as there was so much flu around. If I had no reaction he suggested that I get another half.
I did this and had no negative reaction. I truly believe the stiffness came from the combination of the two shots. I tried to report it to the FDA but they made the process so complicated that I gave up. Despite Dr. Mose'rs comment above that there are no documented problems, the FDA WAS aware of possible problems with some batches of vaccines but to report it I needed to know which batch I had had. I no longer had that info but will keep it in the future.
I'm glad there are cyber communities like this for support and to help us to help ourselves.View Thread

I am discontinuing following this link. I have made my decision and no longer get flu shots. I shall continue my previous policy of hiding out all winter from public gatherings. Indeed this winter I am going to the southern hemisphere to avoid winter altogether.
Other injured persons on this link can review my previous postings or if not... they are on their own.
As far as your assertions that the FDA approves the practice that has caused so much trauma to people on this thread I can only remind you that the FDA also endorses Pink Slime and Ammonia as acceptable additives to red meat.
People need to take care of themselves these days as I no longer feel secure that the FDA has my best health and best interests in mind.
Bye.View Thread

All medicines come with a list of POSSIBLE side effects so the consumer can make their own decisions. But I was not given a similar list when I got my vaccinations. I think the FDA should provide written information for prospective patients before they take these two shots together. I think you, Dr. Moser, are in a good position to contact them and share my suggestion. Thanks.View Thread

I am not in the medical profession so I hesitate to diagnose but I think some research is necessary in the advisability of administering two shots of ANYTHING at the same time.
In the meantime flu season is approaching and I am about to start my first winter season in 30 years without a flu shot as a result of two month long problem last year. I already give up a lot of my social activities in January and February to avoid contact with people and am not sure what else I can do for the rest of my life to live a normal life during flu season.
Anyway, good luck to you. Dr. Moser suggests (below) seeing a doctor and that is what I would do too. And if it is any comfort to you know that eventually my neck returned to normal and yours will too.View Thread

Here is a followup for my situation.
After two months the stiffness in my neck went away completely. But it did take that long. I am now 100% normal. Not sure what to do about future shots as I have no spleen and worry about flu. I reduce my social interaction in the winters a lot as it it.. But I digress.
I got these shots at a clinic in the drugstore run by a big corporation. They kept in contact with me. I kept in contact with them. My bills, including a trip to the emergency room, and the cost of the shots, a massage or two, a chiropractor or two, and I forget what else, came to over $1000. The corporation paid all my bills.
The good news is: the pain and stiffness is not permanent.View Thread

Anyway, where you iput could help is you thoughts as to:
1. whether at 64 in excellent helath (but without a spleen) I should get further flu shots.
3. Whether you think geting both a flu and teatnus shot simultaneously might have triggered this response
4. Whether you think poor technician technique could have caused this response
5. whether I am out of line wanting the drugstore clinic where I got the shots to pay for the emergency room and chirporactor (I have no insurance coverage.
Thanks.View Thread


I notice on another post you said vacines are safe but "I do think some people giving the injections need a refresher course of proper technique."
So my question is: DO you think the cause of my problem might have been receiving two vaccines on the same day OR some problem with the way it was given (like poor technique).
View Thread
Women's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Other Ear, Nose & Throat Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

