COVID vaccines and neuropathy

I wish I had an answer for you but I have the same concerns. I have neuropathy in my hands and feet due to chemo therapy for stage IV Lung Cancer. I'm still receiving chemo treatments until I either go in remission or reach max toxicity level. I asked my oncologist about getting the vaccine and he said it's ok for me to get it when it becomes available to people with pre existing conditions but I'm still nervous. I'd love to hear if anyone has been vaccinated with neuropathy and if you experienced any adverse side effects.

Thank you Amanda Although it’s been nearly 2 months since my first and only dose, the neuropathy hasn’t lessened or resolved. Meds make it manageable but as those with neuropathy know, “manageable” doesn’t mean your quality of life isn’t impacted. Taking supplements. Hoping time is the tincture and 1 dose efficacy proves long term.

I have (small fiber) non-length dependent neuropathy. I had my first Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination 2 1/2 weeks ago. It exacerbated my neuropathy symptoms. I’m scheduled for my 2nd shot on Wednesday but I don’t know whether to get it since the 2nd shot is much more likely than the first to have significant adverse effects. I called Pfizer and they claim that Covid-19 vaccination is not related to any neurological side effects although I have read elsewhere it can exacerbate PN. My internist says there is just no data to know whether the 2nd shot is likely to make my symptoms worse.

Hi Joey, my symptoms worsened after my first shot along with a sore arm; it lasted for a week then back to normal. My second shot no sore arm but some new symptoms appeared, nothing drastic but I think (hope) are fading. I think anything that impacts our immune system is usually going to have some minor effect; it could even be for the better! 😊 Helen

Had my 2nd Pfizer shot yesterday. My arm neuropathy had died back to maybe a 4 before but it’s now a 6 or 7. Hopefully it will dial back again. Last night both my husband and I soreness in our shoulder blades and between them. No other side effects except pain in and near the injection site.

@joey5641. How is your neuropathy now after the 2nd covid shot and if you are feeling pain, where is it? Thanks much. Jen

This happened to me too. I developed neuropathy 2 yrs ago after taking Levaquin. It improved after about a year and I was no longer on any medication for it. Other than occasional mild flares if I overexerted, it was a non-issue. I got the first Moderna shot Jan 5 and within 6 hrs my feet started to burn. Within 8 hrs it was nearly my entire body and it did not go away. I saw my PCP and said although neuropathy isn't an expected reaction to the vaccine there are too many unknowns to know. She wouldn't advise on the 2nd dose because there are too many unknowns. I ended up not getting the 2nd dose. Unfortunately I still have the neuropathy all over. I've searched my brain to find another variable to blame, but there just isn't one that I can see. I'm now back on gabapentin 3x a day. I did report this through the vaers system. I hope in time things calm and it's not permanent. Every individual is unique and rare doesn't mean impossible, which medical providers often forget. In no way do I want to sway anyone from the vaccine. We all have to choose based on our own health history, risks, etc. My family and friends who received it had no problems. But I did want to share my experience.

same thing happened to me. It was dormant and then the 1st shot brought it back for a week,and went away..So i got the 2nd shot stupidly and now 3 weeks later, raging neuropathy everywhere. MOstly an intense itch in the nose and burning in the feet. Let me know if yours resolves.