Post vaccine neuralgic amyotrophy

[Horsewhisper]

Has anyone experienced this or have any knowledge of this condition? Further to the 4th Pfizer vaccine in early March, within hours of receiving the jab, both legs became extremely painful with electric shock-type shooting pains from my hips to my feet, along with losing strength in my legs I became weak, wobbly and unbalanced. My right foot is permanently numb and the symptoms along with an increase in fatigue are now episodic. I am trying to preserve the leg strength that I do have with regular Pilates, walking, horse riding and an overall healthy lifestyle. I am resisting the use of a stick, but may have to succumb at some point. I am under the care of a really good Neuro who suspects this condition was triggered by my over active anti-bodies responding to the vaccine. (I have GCA/PMR and UCTD) He is in the process of ruling out other neurological stuff. I’ve just had an MRI of the spine (waiting results) and I have a nerve conduction test date in August. EEG is normal. Regarding reactions to vaccines, I had a severe allergic reaction to the first one (Astra Zeneca), the second and third vaccines were Pfizer and I was fine, and now this….If anyone has any info of something similar that could be shared, I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for reading!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Hard luck - sounds more likely pouring than rain ,,, All the best

[Horsewhisper in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks Pro - my brolly is looking rather shredded at the moment!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Horsewhisper]

I can imagine!!!

[SnazzyD]

I’ve no idea if it is related to your experience but after each of my Pfizer’s I had shooting pains like small electric shocks in various places, especially my face, leading to neuralgic headaches. I also had shingles type sensations around my sides. It was mild with the first jab but got worse for three months after the third.

[Horsewhisper in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi Snazzy, how horrible to have had those pains especially involving the face and head. Have your symptoms started to settle now? Thanks for your reply xx

[SnazzyD in reply to Horsewhisper]

Oh yes, after three months it resolved after the January booster.

[Horsewhisper in reply to SnazzyD]

That’s good to hear, hopefully my symptoms will abate soon

[shella]

Poor you. After my Pfizer booster I had heart flutters and a strange feeling in my arm which was scarry driving home alone. Since then have also had odd nerve pains and a bad rash on my neck for months now. Also fatigue (GCA/PMR) doubt whether I will chance second booster.

[Horsewhisper in reply to shella]

Sorry Shella, for mixing you up with Snazzy! Early morning brain fog!

[Horsewhisper]

Hi Snazzy, sorry to hear that you have experienced something similar, the vaccine does seem to stir things up in some of us. I too am doubting whether to have a booster, I keep getting reminders to book my 5th jab, but would rather let these symptoms settle first. I hope the rash gets better soon xx

[Viv54 in reply to Horsewhisper]

Yes I have decided not to have the booster atm.

[Viv54]

Hi , i have the electric shocks in my arms, legs and joints ! It started when i first started with PMR, i can remember to this day,i was sitting down having a chat on the phone when they started , it was a real shock, they kept coming thick and fast ! Over the years this has been talked about by different Drs / consultants/ Rhumeys. I had the nerve conductive test, but never really got to the bottom of it, when my PMR was at its worst so were the shocks, they are not as bad now , but i still get the odd ones just to let me know their still hovering.I am now in the very long journey of tapering , hope you get some answers . Good luck Viv🌷

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Viv54]

A lot of people over the years have mentioned similar shocks. I used to have them, but not now. Doctors have always looked baffled ...

[Viv54 in reply to PMRpro]

I swear most of them looked at me as if I was making it up and I also never found out what they are, not were 😞

[Horsewhisper in reply to Viv54]

Thanks Viv - yes they are rather strange. I’m wondering whether the nerve conduction test will reveal anything - probably not! Good luck with the tapering, I seem to be stuck at 15 mg at the moment, each time I try and reduce, the sensations get worse! X

[Viv54 in reply to Horsewhisper]

Yes, I think the lower you go, it masks all the things pred kept at bay 😣

[Horsewhisper in reply to Viv54]

Indeed! I have to go everso slowly on the taper front! Good luck with your tapering