COVID vaccines and neuropathy

I am now 3 months out from Moderna and the pain is the same. It literally has changed my life completely

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I’m a 36yo male, healthy and physically active w/no prior history of neuropathy.
On 4/21 I received my first dose of the Moderna vaccine in my right arm and within two minutes had a vasovagal reaction—tingling in my underarm, flush feeling face and stiffness and tingling in my upper lips. That mostly subsided within 30 minutes as the dull arm pain set in. Over the next 7 days my arm pain intensified some and moved up my shoulder and down my triceps and into my elbow.
4/28 I awoke with numbness and tingling in my pointer and middle finger of my shot (right) arm in addition to the arm pain and neck and shoulder muscle tightness.
5/8 Arm pain and finger numbness still present, I did some yard work which exacerbated the arm pain, and at this point it was the first day I recognized the pain as a specific intense nerve pain from my shoulder, down my triceps, across my forearm and into my pointer and middle fingers. From this point on the nerve pain and finger numbness/tingling persisted and included intermittent cold forearm/fingers.
5/11 Met with my primary physician who diagnosed me with cervical radiculopathy (C7) as cause for the specific finger numbness without any prior trauma. Prescribed physical therapy, prednisolone and flexeril.
5/12 Had a massage w/aroma therapy, cryotherapy, and cupping. Provided some relaxation, but no change in nerve pain or symptoms.
5/14 First day of PT; neck and arms stretches, neck traction and nerve glides
5/17 Completed Medrol dose pack, steroids seemingly had no effect. Flexeril at night helped relax neck and shoulder muscles a bit.
5/20 (Today) Still have numbness and tingling in my pointer and middle fingers with specific nerve pain down my triceps, elbow, across forearm and into my two fingers that intensifies with activity and at night. Intermittent cold sensation in right hand, underarm inflammation and tenderness, and general weakness of right hand and arm. My 2nd dose is scheduled for tomorrow and given my reaction to the first, I don’t think I’ll be getting it. At this point I’m not concerned with when these symptoms resolve but if they ever resolve.

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Hi. I have neuropathy and several other health conditions. I had the Pfizer vaccine in January and I wish that I hadn't as I have worsening peripheral and autonomic neuropathy. The pain and discomfort is truly awful.

I opted not to get the second vaccine because of this. My quality of life now is very poor.

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@revisl- I had Moderna too. That was one tough second dose! It's not true that scientists aren't interested in the seemingly large number of neurological side effects from vaccines. It might seem that way because much of the research to date has focused on acute infection and saving lives. These strategies have included preventing infection with vaccines, treating COVID-19 symptoms with medicines or antibodies, and reducing complications in infected individuals. Look at this- trials have already begun:

"Some symptoms experienced by some people weeks to months after COVID infection suggest the peripheral nervous system, the vast communication network that sends signals between the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and all other parts of the body, is impaired. Peripheral nerves send many types of sensory information to the central nervous system (CNS), such as a message that the feet are cold. They also carry signals from the CNS to the rest of the body, including those that control voluntary movement. Nerve dysfunction is also a known complication in those with critical care illnesses such as acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary depending on the type of nerves – motor, sensory, or autonomic – that are damaged.

Motor nerves control the movement of all muscles under conscious control, such as those used for walking, grasping things, or talking. Damage to the motor nerves can cause muscle weakness and cramps.
Sensory nerves carry messages from our senses of touch, sight, hearing, taste, and smell. Sensory nerves transmit information such as the feeling of a light touch, temperature, or pain. The symptoms of sensory nerve damage can include loss of sense of touch, temperature, and pain or a tingling sensation.
Autonomic nerves control organs to regulate activities that people do not control consciously, such as breathing, digestion, and heart and gland functions. Common symptoms include excess or absence of sweating, heat intolerance, and a drop in blood pressure upon standing. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (also known as POTS) can increase heart rate when standing up and cause such symptoms as lightheadedness (or fainting) or difficulty concentrating."

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Hello @tcp36c and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear that your neuropathy seems to have worsened your neuropathy. How long have you had neuropathy?

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I'm so sorry. I also wish I hadn't gotten the shot and won't be getting the second.

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So sorry. I can sadly relate. Everything is different.

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Hello. I've had neuropathy for 14 years.

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