Shingrix and peripheral neuropathy

Shingrix is the new immunization for shingles -- you get two, several weeks apart. I'm sorry that you had an adverse reaction. However, getting shingles is no fun, and a small percentage never get rid of the pain -- the smallpox bug stays in your system for years, and comes out as shingles especially in older people -- my mom was one of those where the pain never went away, and we tried all kinds of meds, etc, etc and never did get rid of the pain. Do some research.

@lois6524, the bug that causes shingles is chickenpox, not smallpox (thank goodness).
@oannerhodes, I don't believe PN is a known adverse reaction to shingles vaccine, and if it is, it is extremely rare. I am aware of at least one lawsuit that claimed it was, there may be others.

Hi @jesfactsmon,
Thanks for the reply. I got an EMG and NCV test done by a great Neurologist who specializes in testing. The only thing he could tell me for sure is that I don't have large fiber neuropathy. By default, he said I more than likely had small fiber neuropathy based on the description of my symptoms. These include severe tingling, pins and needles and burning pain in my feet and lower legs. I have some tingling in my hands and arms, itching and pins and needles all over. The PA Neurologist I saw said they could do a nerve biopsy but said I didn't really need to so I didn't. I recently switched to Pregabalin just to try it because the Gaba is making me groggy and I wanted to see if the Lyrica would be any different. Unfortunately, I am having thyroid problems right now so not feeling great anyway so hard to evaluate if it's any different. From my own research I have read that the Lyrica is more completely utilized. I'm taking a pretty light dose (50mg) and when I can't stand it I'll supplement with 300mg Gaba. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without the drugs. Love/hate relationship. I'm sure people can relate.

Hi @avmcbellar Thanks. I didn't have any problems on the first. Yeah upper arm injection. I did feel some burning. I talked to 3 doctors already. Truth is they don't know.

@jonnyd the burning in your arm where the medication was injected may indicate the needle hit a nerve causing the nerve damage. Just a thought. Hope you feel better. Toni

@jonnyd you may want to look in the group...Brain & Nervous System. There is a discussion titled, “Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia and Pain”. This may offer more information for you. Hope it helps, Toni

@jonnyd I had the same reaction to the Shingrex shot and injection site was sore for a month but it did get better I just had my flu shot usually take it on Oct but thought I'd better get it now

Thank you!

Toni, you said it is possible to get nerve damage which can cause neuropathy by the needle used when getting a shot? Is it then possible this could also happen when getting a flu shot? A few years ago the pharmacist who administered mine caused it to bleed when he administered the shot. He said it was very unusual. Helen

@helennicola @avmcbellar

Helen, just FYI, 4 days ago @hazelnut posted this:

"I had a ultra sound guided steroid injection for the arthritis in my hip. The rhuemologist must have erred as my leg jumped off the table during the procedure and since that injection I have unbearable pain. The neurologist believes it also polyneuropathy but haven't had tests done for that. I did have the EKG that shows nerve damage."

This is a link to the page the post was on:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-neuropathy-welcome-to-the-group/?pg=194#comment-425429
Just thought it interesting that this came up again so soon. Hank