COVID vaccines and neuropathy

Posted by cue @cue, Feb 15, 2021

I am 85 with small fiber neuropathy that is getting worse. My neurologist thought it would be a good idea for me to wait with the covid vaccine and not be first in line to see how it affected other people with neuropathy. Probably because it is a new technology. Has anyone had a problem with neuropathy after receiving the vaccine? If so, which vaccine?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

tigreyes2004 | @tigreyes2004 | Apr 14, 2021

In reply to @solobeee "Any pain or swelling in your legs - thighs, ankles? See the doctor- otherwise you’re probably..." + (show)

I live with pain in my feet & legs that never goes away so I don't kow if I would notice the difference.
thank you.

roadrunner73 | @roadrunner73 | Apr 15, 2021

I have medication induced neuropathy. First Modena vaccine just a little toe pain. Second one extreme neuropathy, pain in both feet and cramping and difficulty walking. Trying not to take medication for the pain. My pain level is worse than before the vaccine. I am still glad I got the vaccine, though.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 16, 2021

In reply to @roadrunner73 "I have medication induced neuropathy. First Modena vaccine just a little toe pain. Second one extreme..." + (show)

Hello @roadrunner73, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a welcoming online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. Sorry to hear you have pain in your feet and difficulty walking. You are not alone with your symptoms. You mentioned medication induced neuropathy. You may want to join in on the discussion here and share your story.

Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/

Are you able to tell us a little more about your diagnosis and any treatments you have tried?

chezpl69 | @chezpl69 | Apr 16, 2021

Hi. I have posted before about my experience with the vaccine. I got my shot of the pfizer vaccine in February, didn't go for the second because of the neurologic response to it. To this day the burning has gotten way worse. Working with the neurologist it's been extremely slow. He finally wants to check for nerve damage but he still didn't give me an appointment. I'm supposed to wait for them their call. I had my yearly endocrinology check up this morning and the doctor thinks that I'm having an immunologic response, I'm also seeing the family doctor a little later today. I hope there something she can do about this .I'm worried and in pain.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 16, 2021

In reply to @chezpl69 "Hi. I have posted before about my experience with the vaccine. I got my shot of..." + (show)

@chezpl69- This must be so frustrating for you to have this pain for so long. Unfortunately, we are seeing an uptick in neurological side effects with people who have a history with it. I would be worried too but hopefully, your PCP will have some relief for you. Will you let me know?

chezpl69 | @chezpl69 | Apr 16, 2021

I really don't know what to think anymore. I just came back from my appointment, this doctor doesn't believe this has anything to do with the vaccine. She is doing all kinds of blood test.. I don't know if I'm convinced. It is too much of a coincidence that this happened after the my shot. . My husband ,son and daughter had their vaccine with no reaction at all but I am the one with the most heath problems. I am really glad to be able to communicate with people that had similar experience. Thanks

claudia60 | @claudia60 | Apr 16, 2021

In reply to @helennicola "Hi Kathleen, I have SFN and had my 2nd Pfizer vaccine on 2/10. With the first..." + (show)

Helen,
I too have the same burning tingling in hands and feet since my Pfizer vaccine. I’m trying to understand if others have had this same reaction. My physician put me on Gabapentin which has allowed me to sleep. Unfortunately it causes extreme grogginess for me during the day. I would like to know if others have found relief from other means.

helennicola | @helennicola | Apr 16, 2021

In reply to @claudia60 "Helen, I too have the same burning tingling in hands and feet since my Pfizer vaccine...." + (show)

Claudia, the burning/tingling are typical SFN symptoms which is why I take gabapentin but only 300mg. at night. My symptoms were exacerbated after my 2nd BM vac. but they luckily subsided for the most part. I have no problems with grogginess, how much are you taking? I would suggest trying RAlpha lipoic acid 600mg/day to see if it helps your nerve pain, it helps me and there are no known side effects. Wish you well. Helen

chezpl69 | @chezpl69 | Apr 16, 2021

I read that if you are taking thyroid medication, which I am, you shouldn’t take RALpha lipoic acid.

cosette1968 | @cosette1968 | Apr 16, 2021

In reply to @chezpl69 "I really don't know what to think anymore. I just came back from my appointment, this..." + (show)

I am feeling just like you and I believe you. I have symptoms ( burning, hot, cold sensations) that were gone for 11 years and returned 1 day after the shot - full on within 3 days. I too had Pfizer in February. I still have all my symptoms - nothing has changed. I too did not take the 2nd shot. I have seen two doctors, primary care and oncologist. They both have expressed this could be a coincidence with no relationship to the vaccine. Really? The primary care is suggesting some tests - mostly to see if I have other more horrible things. Again, i believe you and I understand your frustration. Thank goodness for this site where I can hear of others in this predicament. Otherwise, I would have thought I was all alone. Take care.