SIRVA - i have it....
Discussion
Found this from a google search of my symptoms - reckon I have this too. 1st covid jab at a temp vaccine centre 6 weeks ago. I actually said "bloody hell that hurt" when it went in, not the needle but the harsh thumping of it, and it bled. Ended up at hospital last week they gave me anti inflammatories. It has got worse and am now waiting a gp call. Night time is excruciating and I've had to take my jewellery off on that side due to the swelling.
Also useful for support and not feeling alone with SIRVA there is a Facebook group for those affected. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1260523154328185/?...
FreeLitres said:
otolith said:
Suspicious number of brand new accounts here.
I did think that initially, but I guess if people google it and this is one of the only forums discussing the issue, they would sign up to PH just to comment. Sorry to hear of so many others in this situation.
I had my first AZ covid jab 6 weeks ago in a mass vaccination centre, on 30 March. Actual jab felt like all the others I've previously had, but within 30mins I was in a lot of pain. Progressively getting worse since then - trying to sleep is an ordeal, being constantly woken up from the sharp, burning pain. I did a dance workout yesterday, hoping that by mobilising my shoulder a bit more there might be some release, but instead I'm in the most pain (and most limited movement) I've been in since I was vaccinated.
I spoke to my doctor who said I was just unlucky - approx 1 in 2000 people who are jabbed suffer from SIRVA according to him. He thinks the small nerves near the surface have been damaged. He assures me it will eventually get better, but from reading the American websites, I'm feeling pretty negative and hopeless about it all - the thought that the limited movement and pain could be permanent is all-consuming right now. Terrified of having the next jab and no idea which arm to have it in?
I had my first AZ covid jab 6 weeks ago in a mass vaccination centre, on 30 March. Actual jab felt like all the others I've previously had, but within 30mins I was in a lot of pain. Progressively getting worse since then - trying to sleep is an ordeal, being constantly woken up from the sharp, burning pain. I did a dance workout yesterday, hoping that by mobilising my shoulder a bit more there might be some release, but instead I'm in the most pain (and most limited movement) I've been in since I was vaccinated.
I spoke to my doctor who said I was just unlucky - approx 1 in 2000 people who are jabbed suffer from SIRVA according to him. He thinks the small nerves near the surface have been damaged. He assures me it will eventually get better, but from reading the American websites, I'm feeling pretty negative and hopeless about it all - the thought that the limited movement and pain could be permanent is all-consuming right now. Terrified of having the next jab and no idea which arm to have it in?
FreeLitres said:
otolith said:
Suspicious number of brand new accounts here.
I did think that initially, but I guess if people google it and this is one of the only forums discussing the issue, they would sign up to PH just to comment. Ouchy said:
Sorry to hear of so many others in this situation.
I had my first AZ covid jab 6 weeks ago in a mass vaccination centre, on 30 March. Actual jab felt like all the others I've previously had, but within 30mins I was in a lot of pain. Progressively getting worse since then - trying to sleep is an ordeal, being constantly woken up from the sharp, burning pain. I did a dance workout yesterday, hoping that by mobilising my shoulder a bit more there might be some release, but instead I'm in the most pain (and most limited movement) I've been in since I was vaccinated.
I spoke to my doctor who said I was just unlucky - approx 1 in 2000 people who are jabbed suffer from SIRVA according to him. He thinks the small nerves near the surface have been damaged. He assures me it will eventually get better, but from reading the American websites, I'm feeling pretty negative and hopeless about it all - the thought that the limited movement and pain could be permanent is all-consuming right now. Terrified of having the next jab and no idea which arm to have it in?
At least you didn't get the "I've never heard of that" response that many seem to have had.I had my first AZ covid jab 6 weeks ago in a mass vaccination centre, on 30 March. Actual jab felt like all the others I've previously had, but within 30mins I was in a lot of pain. Progressively getting worse since then - trying to sleep is an ordeal, being constantly woken up from the sharp, burning pain. I did a dance workout yesterday, hoping that by mobilising my shoulder a bit more there might be some release, but instead I'm in the most pain (and most limited movement) I've been in since I was vaccinated.
I spoke to my doctor who said I was just unlucky - approx 1 in 2000 people who are jabbed suffer from SIRVA according to him. He thinks the small nerves near the surface have been damaged. He assures me it will eventually get better, but from reading the American websites, I'm feeling pretty negative and hopeless about it all - the thought that the limited movement and pain could be permanent is all-consuming right now. Terrified of having the next jab and no idea which arm to have it in?
I had a steriod injection for a frozen some years ago that left me in pain similar to your description - when I called the doc he was very anxious to see me immediately (unheard of at our surgery) but didn't say why.
I've no idea about these things but presume for vaccines there are other injection sites that could be used which might offer a bigger target area.
Hi everyone, I am another addition to the long SIRVA list, I have been googling information for the last month & have been surprised how much information there is out there on something that most medical staff don't seem to know about! Or that's what they're telling us anyway. :-(
My story - my husband and I, both retired had our Astra Zenica jabs within 2 weeks of each other. OH had his first, said he had to check with the nurse she had actually done it, as he literally didn't feel a thing, he's now had 2nd jab & that was exactly the same. So when I went for my 1st jab on 25th Feb (2nd due 18th May) I was very upbeat about it, and am normally mine having injections or giving blood etc. Nurse was chatting away, I wasn't paying much attention, then when she put the needle in I almost yelped, it was really painful & I felt a strange warm & tingling sensation all down my left arm to my elbow and as if I could feel it traveling down my arm. The nurse said "Oh! That's never happened before" & that was it. Went home with a sore arm as I was told to expect, didn't have any other side effects thankfully & waited for the soreness to disappear. 2 days later I found it really difficult to move my arm,(only up to shoulder height & not behind my back) and the pain was waking me up at night. After a couple of weeks of struggling I decided this wasn't normal & started googling, then of course I came across SIRVA. Got a virtual appointment with a doctor who of course said it wasn't SIRVA & got me a virtual appointment with physio and an appointment for an X-ray - ( which apparently is no good to detect SIRVA - I need an Ultrasound or an MRI? Obviously more expensive) who in turn referred me for a face to face physio, who I've now seen. He's given me exercises to do, but I don't feel they've made any difference. In fact the most relief I've had is from Sports massage, this was suggested by my Chiro (treatment for back pain 10 years post Discectomy) at same practice, it helps at the time, but doesn't last. My movement today is hardly any better than it was back in February :-(
My story - my husband and I, both retired had our Astra Zenica jabs within 2 weeks of each other. OH had his first, said he had to check with the nurse she had actually done it, as he literally didn't feel a thing, he's now had 2nd jab & that was exactly the same. So when I went for my 1st jab on 25th Feb (2nd due 18th May) I was very upbeat about it, and am normally mine having injections or giving blood etc. Nurse was chatting away, I wasn't paying much attention, then when she put the needle in I almost yelped, it was really painful & I felt a strange warm & tingling sensation all down my left arm to my elbow and as if I could feel it traveling down my arm. The nurse said "Oh! That's never happened before" & that was it. Went home with a sore arm as I was told to expect, didn't have any other side effects thankfully & waited for the soreness to disappear. 2 days later I found it really difficult to move my arm,(only up to shoulder height & not behind my back) and the pain was waking me up at night. After a couple of weeks of struggling I decided this wasn't normal & started googling, then of course I came across SIRVA. Got a virtual appointment with a doctor who of course said it wasn't SIRVA & got me a virtual appointment with physio and an appointment for an X-ray - ( which apparently is no good to detect SIRVA - I need an Ultrasound or an MRI? Obviously more expensive) who in turn referred me for a face to face physio, who I've now seen. He's given me exercises to do, but I don't feel they've made any difference. In fact the most relief I've had is from Sports massage, this was suggested by my Chiro (treatment for back pain 10 years post Discectomy) at same practice, it helps at the time, but doesn't last. My movement today is hardly any better than it was back in February :-(
Bluedeer said:
I've just noticed that my post on 10th March has been edited by Piston Heads.
My solicitor had given me permission to post his name and contact details, which I did, but Piston Heads removed them.
Really sorry. Didn't think it would be an issue. Is anyone still interested in chatting to my solicitor? If so I'll have to try and find another way of getting this info to you. Peter Todd.
Just joined the site & posted my story today. My solicitor had given me permission to post his name and contact details, which I did, but Piston Heads removed them.
Really sorry. Didn't think it would be an issue. Is anyone still interested in chatting to my solicitor? If so I'll have to try and find another way of getting this info to you. Peter Todd.
Could you message me the details of your solicitor please?
Thanks
Quickmoose said:
I believe my partner has this.
2 weeks after the 1st vaccine, and having pulled the neck of her top down to expose her arm, as opposed to pulling up the sleeve.... from day to day the extent of the pain and movement restriction changes, from a single spot, radiating down the arm.
Lifting her child, getting dressed, changing gear whilst driving, or just getting comfortable in bed are all now daily challenges.
We're just looking for a solution that corrects it.
I'm also keeping an eye on any legal/financial recourse.
Her first point of call is a phone call with a nurse (?!)
GP and specialists are needed imo.... but the broader situation of denial or at least a severe lack of recognition makes me really worried
So last week she had her call with the nurse who said: "Sounds like SIRVA yes, we've seen a spike in these injuries (Somerset), I've got a slot for the local specialist next week, you can have that"2 weeks after the 1st vaccine, and having pulled the neck of her top down to expose her arm, as opposed to pulling up the sleeve.... from day to day the extent of the pain and movement restriction changes, from a single spot, radiating down the arm.
Lifting her child, getting dressed, changing gear whilst driving, or just getting comfortable in bed are all now daily challenges.
We're just looking for a solution that corrects it.
I'm also keeping an eye on any legal/financial recourse.
Her first point of call is a phone call with a nurse (?!)
GP and specialists are needed imo.... but the broader situation of denial or at least a severe lack of recognition makes me really worried
She went to see him on Wednesday..... but interestingly she has regained a lot of movement with a reduction in pain (2 months after jab) so I'm not sure she was as forthright with him as I'd like, but he said: "Yes its SIRVA, we've seen a spike in these symptoms, not seen before.... here's some exercises, we would normally prescribe (insert powerful painkiller/anti inflammatory here) but you can't have them as you're on blood thinners..."
hoping the end is in sight for her.....
After researching shoulder pain following the covid jab I discovered this site.
I had my second Pfizer jab on April 9th and have had arm shoulder pain ever since.
As I was waiting for my jab I saw a very elderly gentleman in a pale blue uniform moving around the area who seemed very ditherey. At the time I remember thinking I hope he does not jab me!
Unfortunately as luck would have it, yes he did.
He was very slow and asked to see my card about 3 times and I honestly sat there dreading it...After slowly recording all my information and disappearing about twice in the process he set about jabbing me.
I sat there and wiggled my toes as a distraction. The sensation this time round was very different to the first time whereas I felt a sharp scratch.
This time it felt more of a punch or as if someone had used a wall stappler and stapled me! I also bled.
Later that evening the pain was so bad I could not lift my arm, but miraculously was a lot better the next day.
However since then I have suffered with all manner of pain down my arm, including pins and needles in my hand and a strange crawling sensation which all seems to radiate from my shoulder. Typically over the counter painkillers seemed to help.
Last week the pain seemed to go and I was elated but noticed that I was having a strange ache beside my shoulder blade. The pain in my arm has not returned with a vengence and I am having a lot of nerve pain which normal painkillers do nothing for.
I spoke with a pharmacist and he prescribed solphadine, which helps a little.
This week I am going to try and speak to the doctor and mention SIRVA which I believe I have.
I feel a mixture of anger and despair as I have some 20 years ago suffered from 2 disc prolapses in my back and endured years of pain.
I am so angry that the person who administered my jab recklessly could have caused this and so sorry for all of you out there who are enduring the same thing.
I had my second Pfizer jab on April 9th and have had arm shoulder pain ever since.
As I was waiting for my jab I saw a very elderly gentleman in a pale blue uniform moving around the area who seemed very ditherey. At the time I remember thinking I hope he does not jab me!
Unfortunately as luck would have it, yes he did.
He was very slow and asked to see my card about 3 times and I honestly sat there dreading it...After slowly recording all my information and disappearing about twice in the process he set about jabbing me.
I sat there and wiggled my toes as a distraction. The sensation this time round was very different to the first time whereas I felt a sharp scratch.
This time it felt more of a punch or as if someone had used a wall stappler and stapled me! I also bled.
Later that evening the pain was so bad I could not lift my arm, but miraculously was a lot better the next day.
However since then I have suffered with all manner of pain down my arm, including pins and needles in my hand and a strange crawling sensation which all seems to radiate from my shoulder. Typically over the counter painkillers seemed to help.
Last week the pain seemed to go and I was elated but noticed that I was having a strange ache beside my shoulder blade. The pain in my arm has not returned with a vengence and I am having a lot of nerve pain which normal painkillers do nothing for.
I spoke with a pharmacist and he prescribed solphadine, which helps a little.
This week I am going to try and speak to the doctor and mention SIRVA which I believe I have.
I feel a mixture of anger and despair as I have some 20 years ago suffered from 2 disc prolapses in my back and endured years of pain.
I am so angry that the person who administered my jab recklessly could have caused this and so sorry for all of you out there who are enduring the same thing.
Hi,
found this site and like others here strongly suspect I have SIRVA. I had my first COVID jab in February (Pfizer). Unlike some others the jab wasn't painful at all, although the administrator (who did not seem like a regular medic) said I had ' tough skin' (!?) by which I think he meant he had difficulty getting the needle into my arm. The story since has been much as others have reported: painful arm around injection sight (as I expected) but then excruciating pain when I tried to lift my arm above my head or backwards. This didn't feel like any kind of muscle strain I have ever had (not that I have any history of a problem with my shoulder), much more like nerve pain. My GP referred me to an in-house physio who gave me exercises to do which sound very like advice given to those on the forum. The physio suggested I get back to my GP in four weeks if there was no improvement, which there wasn't and I duly did. My GP (over the phone of course) said he suspected SIRVA (so at least he is not in denial) and has referred me to NHS physiotherapy, though I've no idea when I'll get an appointment - not any time soon.
I was understandably dreading my second dose of the vaccine. When I went along to the vaccine administration centre again I explained to them my experiences with my first jab; they all denied any knowledge or experience of SIRVA, including the attending GP ('never heard of it'). Since the second jab my symptoms have worsened; mobility has become more restricted and now nerve pains occasionally moving down my arm towards the wrist, though fortunately not too bad at the moment. I'm not sure how this will develop, but in any case it's good to know I'm not alone. Good luck to everyone else on the site with this problem and hope you get well soon.
found this site and like others here strongly suspect I have SIRVA. I had my first COVID jab in February (Pfizer). Unlike some others the jab wasn't painful at all, although the administrator (who did not seem like a regular medic) said I had ' tough skin' (!?) by which I think he meant he had difficulty getting the needle into my arm. The story since has been much as others have reported: painful arm around injection sight (as I expected) but then excruciating pain when I tried to lift my arm above my head or backwards. This didn't feel like any kind of muscle strain I have ever had (not that I have any history of a problem with my shoulder), much more like nerve pain. My GP referred me to an in-house physio who gave me exercises to do which sound very like advice given to those on the forum. The physio suggested I get back to my GP in four weeks if there was no improvement, which there wasn't and I duly did. My GP (over the phone of course) said he suspected SIRVA (so at least he is not in denial) and has referred me to NHS physiotherapy, though I've no idea when I'll get an appointment - not any time soon.
I was understandably dreading my second dose of the vaccine. When I went along to the vaccine administration centre again I explained to them my experiences with my first jab; they all denied any knowledge or experience of SIRVA, including the attending GP ('never heard of it'). Since the second jab my symptoms have worsened; mobility has become more restricted and now nerve pains occasionally moving down my arm towards the wrist, though fortunately not too bad at the moment. I'm not sure how this will develop, but in any case it's good to know I'm not alone. Good luck to everyone else on the site with this problem and hope you get well soon.
I had my first Oxford jab on the 12 March at a GP clinic in London. That evening I had all the flu like side effects along with pain at the site of the injection. I felt completely back to normal by the next morning but the pain at the site of the injection was just getting started.
For the first couple weeks I brushed it off as a normal side effect. After all it's what's stated on the NHS website and every other source available on the internet. So I just assumed it was normal, however the pain was not getting any better. I've had many other vaccinations (mostly for travel) and experienced zero prolonged physical pain, something wasn't right and the alarm bells started to ring.
The following two weeks I experienced persistent pain that spread from the site of injection across my chest, around my arm and down into my fingers — sleeping was difficult as any movement triggered the arm and I woke up.
Simple actions like taking off a t-shirt, lifting small objects and usual house work triggered a sharp pain in my arm so I eventually spoke to a GP over the phone who sent me for an urgent Ultrasound at St Thomas in London.
Another two weeks went by whilst I waited for the scan date and the pain did not decrease even though the arm had been rested for an entire month at that point.
The nurses who conducted the ultrasound focused on the top of my shoulder and neck — and they didn't at any point ask me why I was there. After 5 or so minutes of them struggling to find anything wrong I explained my problem and that the pain wasn't injury related but because of the vaccine. They had a once over of the injection site and said they didn't see anything wrong — I suppose that's a relief but I left without any answers.
For the following few weeks after the scan I hoped the pain would eventually dissipate and that I was just experiencing a unique reaction to the injection that'll fix itself. Unfortunately the pain remained the same and in some instances, worse.
I spoke to the GP again 8 weeks since the injection and 4 weeks since the ultrasound. I explained everything that has happened in which she responded, "You are not the only person having this side effect" and "This is not an injection problem but a side effect of the vaccination itself". She then prescribed me 'urgent' physio with the next available date in mid July. She said I should file a yellow card report in which I did but other than that she had no answers, offered zero advice and no reassurance.
To describe the pain: It's a constant warm dull ache where I had the injection. Any movement that agitates the area can be described as a spasm that feels like a dead arm and cramp. The spasm occurs when I lift my elbow above my shoulder or lift any object. I haven't exercised my arm for two months because of the pain so my arm has lost muscle mass. I'm concerned about my work as I rely on lifting equipment. It's also affecting my mental wellbeing.
I think the NHS would much rather the issue go away than even recognise it at all. If our side effects aren't labelled/documented and investigated then the data does not exist, therefore the problem isn't real. If the problem isn't real then there's nothing being done to try and diagnose/fix it.
This is massive negligence by the NHS and the pharma companies. There should be pre determined processes in place for the eventuality of any side effect. Patients should be reassured — not left in the dark.
For the first couple weeks I brushed it off as a normal side effect. After all it's what's stated on the NHS website and every other source available on the internet. So I just assumed it was normal, however the pain was not getting any better. I've had many other vaccinations (mostly for travel) and experienced zero prolonged physical pain, something wasn't right and the alarm bells started to ring.
The following two weeks I experienced persistent pain that spread from the site of injection across my chest, around my arm and down into my fingers — sleeping was difficult as any movement triggered the arm and I woke up.
Simple actions like taking off a t-shirt, lifting small objects and usual house work triggered a sharp pain in my arm so I eventually spoke to a GP over the phone who sent me for an urgent Ultrasound at St Thomas in London.
Another two weeks went by whilst I waited for the scan date and the pain did not decrease even though the arm had been rested for an entire month at that point.
The nurses who conducted the ultrasound focused on the top of my shoulder and neck — and they didn't at any point ask me why I was there. After 5 or so minutes of them struggling to find anything wrong I explained my problem and that the pain wasn't injury related but because of the vaccine. They had a once over of the injection site and said they didn't see anything wrong — I suppose that's a relief but I left without any answers.
For the following few weeks after the scan I hoped the pain would eventually dissipate and that I was just experiencing a unique reaction to the injection that'll fix itself. Unfortunately the pain remained the same and in some instances, worse.
I spoke to the GP again 8 weeks since the injection and 4 weeks since the ultrasound. I explained everything that has happened in which she responded, "You are not the only person having this side effect" and "This is not an injection problem but a side effect of the vaccination itself". She then prescribed me 'urgent' physio with the next available date in mid July. She said I should file a yellow card report in which I did but other than that she had no answers, offered zero advice and no reassurance.
To describe the pain: It's a constant warm dull ache where I had the injection. Any movement that agitates the area can be described as a spasm that feels like a dead arm and cramp. The spasm occurs when I lift my elbow above my shoulder or lift any object. I haven't exercised my arm for two months because of the pain so my arm has lost muscle mass. I'm concerned about my work as I rely on lifting equipment. It's also affecting my mental wellbeing.
I think the NHS would much rather the issue go away than even recognise it at all. If our side effects aren't labelled/documented and investigated then the data does not exist, therefore the problem isn't real. If the problem isn't real then there's nothing being done to try and diagnose/fix it.
This is massive negligence by the NHS and the pharma companies. There should be pre determined processes in place for the eventuality of any side effect. Patients should be reassured — not left in the dark.
Hi again,
Sorry to see many more sufferers. After a long wait I finally got to see my gp. She agreed that it could be SIRVA but it was very rare!!!! She also suggested to me that I fill in a yellow card ,which I have done.
After examining me and checking the movement in my arm she suggested I have a cortisone injection , which( to my surprise) she did there and then.
I am now waiting to see if this has any effect.
Sorry to see many more sufferers. After a long wait I finally got to see my gp. She agreed that it could be SIRVA but it was very rare!!!! She also suggested to me that I fill in a yellow card ,which I have done.
After examining me and checking the movement in my arm she suggested I have a cortisone injection , which( to my surprise) she did there and then.
I am now waiting to see if this has any effect.
So I got my second vaccination on 31 May - 10 weeks after the first. SIRVA still not fully recovered from the first, but happy to report that my arm/shoulder is not feeling any worse after the second than it was before I went in. I was back at a mass vaccination centre again, but this time I made a fuss to get a nurse to do it. I got it in the same arm and it was definitely at least an inch lower than the botched first attempt. Hoping to get an antibodies test done in a few weeks to check coverage is as expected, given there is a risk a vaccine may not work properly when injected into the wrong site. Expecting another battle with the GP to get that organised. Hope everyone is finding some relief as the time goes on
cat_ess said:
So I got my second vaccination on 31 May - 10 weeks after the first. SIRVA still not fully recovered from the first, but happy to report that my arm/shoulder is not feeling any worse after the second than it was before I went in. I was back at a mass vaccination centre again, but this time I made a fuss to get a nurse to do it. I got it in the same arm and it was definitely at least an inch lower than the botched first attempt. Hoping to get an antibodies test done in a few weeks to check coverage is as expected, given there is a risk a vaccine may not work properly when injected into the wrong site. Expecting another battle with the GP to get that organised. Hope everyone is finding some relief as the time goes on
Had our second dose on the 30th. I went in and asked if my partner could have hers (2nd jab) too, they agreed. I mentioned SIRVA, my partner arrived and sat down.A young lad on a laptop and an older guy giving the jabs, were joined by a senior staff nurse and a pharmacist, who spent nearly 20 minutes with us talking through the situation. Felt to us that they both took it seriously but were suggesting she wait for a Phizer appointment. My partner said she'd rather have a painful shoulder than Covid and to get on with it. 3 pairs of eyes on the injection site and she's fine so far...
The pain has slowly decreased from the first injection and mobility is near normal...so there is hope for some...
I hope I'm wrong, but just had my second jab.
The first was done very carefully and I didn't feel a thing, this time no care and just jammed in, felt a sharp pain too. My arm feels tingly/numb, slowly increasing. I know you shouldn't have any anti inflammatory drugs, but swallowed 2 ibuprofen, just in case.
Update: it seems to have calmed down, so hopefully it was just me panicking.
Update: the next day and other than a slight tingly numbness, it feels OK. I think I was lucky.
Update: 3 days later, still slight tingly numbness.
The first was done very carefully and I didn't feel a thing, this time no care and just jammed in, felt a sharp pain too. My arm feels tingly/numb, slowly increasing. I know you shouldn't have any anti inflammatory drugs, but swallowed 2 ibuprofen, just in case.
Update: it seems to have calmed down, so hopefully it was just me panicking.
Update: the next day and other than a slight tingly numbness, it feels OK. I think I was lucky.
Update: 3 days later, still slight tingly numbness.
Edited by SlimJim16v on Wednesday 9th June 14:50
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