COVID vaccines and neuropathy

This thread has helped me and I thank you all for that. Before the COVID vaccine I had no signs of neuropathy. I had my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on April 30th. Within 5 minutes my injection arm felt very heavy with extreme tingling. 10 minutes later, my lips, tongue, and hands and feet followed suit. I was transferred from the vaccination site to the ER and by the time I was wheeled in, I was trembling rather violently as if all of the muscles in my body were have rapidly moving spasms. The trembling subsided after about an hour and after 2 more hours of observation, I left there with the left side of my face feeling as if I'd rubbed icy hot cream all over it. I remained in this condition with half of my face tingling until day 5, when my feet and hands joined in again. The paresthesia has been consistent since then. On day 5, my muscles and joints ached terribly and I had a headache. On day 7 the joint pain largely subsided, but I have been weak and wobbly, and prone to losing my balance ever since. I have consistent pins and needles in my limbs and face, and a constant low grade headache. As of 2 days ago, I have burning pain on one arm upon light touch. My symptoms appear to be progressing. I'm very concerned that this might be my new normal. I have worked in the woods with small children for over 20 years, where I walk all day, climb trees, climb boulders, and play physically. These changes brand new to me and debilitating. I reported to VAERS and V-Safe. I have Hashimoto's.

I didn’t have neuropathy before the shot and after second shot day three neuropathy in my right leg, foot and hand. I knew I shouldn’t have gotten this stupid shot. I have enough health issues and now this.

@lia I never have times when I’m completely symptom free, but I do have episodes of worse intensity. Overall I feel these episodes are getting slightly less frequent and intense. It’s been quite a strange journey.

I also got the 1st vaccine and had the side effects w/neuropathy. I was afraid but did go ahead with the second and the side effects for that were milder than the 1st. Still had some issues but not to the degree I had with the 1st vaccine. I am glad it is over and done with!

Hello @lia and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear of your symptoms. You said that you were transported to the ED following your vaccine and emerging symptoms. Can you share more about what they did for you at the ED and what you were told upon discharge in terms of what to expect and what type of follow up you would need?

Hi Amanda, the ED simply kept me under observation for 3 hours. They had nothing to offer other than acknowledging that this was either a vaccine reaction or hyperventilation (the latter, is clearly not the case). They kept me under observation for 3 hours and released me wtihout any info on discharge other than to contact my PCP if the symptoms persisted and to take some Tylenol. They did not run any tests, other than heart and bp monitoring.

You said you had less side effects from the second dose. Does that mean all your side effects resolved from the first dose before getting the 2nd? I am still in a lot of pain. My Neurologist says I still should get the booster. He says I’m only 50% protected. But I’m afraid it will cause me even more pain. And they don’t know how long the vaccine even lasts yet.

Have you requested a follow up with your PCP?