Tetanus shot made my Arthritis Pain UNBEARABLE. Is this normal?

[meubanks09]

I have had moderate to severe joint pain since April, and was recently diagnosed with Parvovirus B19. Apparently the virus can cause severe Arthralgia that lasts upto 9 months.

On good days my pain level is at a 3. On bad days it will go upto a 6/7. Yesterday I stepped on a metal wire and it got stuck in my foot. The urgent care center recommended I get a tetanus shot, since I have not had one in over 10 years. I asked what the side effects were, and they said my arm would be a little sore.

Well, " a little sore" does not quite describe it. My arm was in excruciating pain all night and still really bad today. I can't even lift it more that a couple inches. Also,  all my joints on my left side ( side I got the shot) were in excruiating pain 8-9. I just sat in bed and cried last night. I took 3 tylenol arthritis's and an extra Meloxicam that I have for joint pain and it did nothing, My arthritis continues to be really bad today. I called the urgent care and asked if I could come back in to get some medication to help until the pain stops. They said they could not do that, and that the tetanus shot would not aggrivate arthritis.

Let me know if anyone else has experienced worsened arthritis symptoms after a vaccination or shot. I wanted to get the flu shot soon, but I am scared now. Can the Flu shot make me hurt this bad as well? Let me know If I should tell the doctor and ask for additional pain medication. Or if the doctor will just tell me " No". Thanks

[Tuckamore]

I'm sorry you are experiencing a flare - that was most likely caused by the tetanus booster.

It's difficult to weight one against the other sometimes. However contracting tetanus is usually fatal - so I encourage ppl to try to deal with the flare.

I hope by now you are feeling much better. Thanks for your input.

~Tuck

[Kazzyb2b]

It's 3 in the morning, I was awakened by my moaning husband. He's in unbearable pain. He too had a tetanus shot a month ago. Experiencing most of the symptoms noted in previous comments. Where do we go from here folks? He's getting discouraged. How long will this last? Drs aren't helping.

[Simplygodsgurl]

I too got the shot and four days after my hips hurt..feel like I got carpral tunnel in my hand my elbow us sore..and walking isn't fun right as I get up... I didn't feel like this before that shot..

[Woody61]

You are absolutely right.  I had the same experience.  I changed doctors and now I am cautious regarding any medical treatment.  

[Woody61]

I went to the doctor for a follow-up exam and he insisted that I receive a tetanus shot since my last shot was more than 10 years ago.  A few days later I experienced stiffness in that shoulder.  Two weeks later I returned to the doctor due to the shoulder pain.  He said an X-ray showed signs of arthritis (which I never experienced prior to the immunization) and ordered physical therapy.  I will not return to this doctor again.  I am a healthy 61 year old woman with no health issues until that tetanus shot.  Doctors should at least advise patients of potential negative outcomes.  I am hoping the pain  gradually goes away.

[scullripper]

I have some pain in my shoulder and nerve pain in my arm and left leg. I have been seeing several doctors. My Primary care says I need a tetanus shot it's been 11 years since I had one. I get the shot and shortly after I can't lift my left arm up past horizontal position. So I think well it will go away in a couple of days. Ya right I called the doctor and she said it will go away. On my next appointment One month later things are even worse. My arm still kills me My right ankle is swollen my hands feel swollen my wrists are swollen and numb and my shoulder are in constant pain.I tell the doc she says I need tests so they come back positive for parvovirus B-19. I never had this before and don't know were it came from. But It all started with that tetanus shot.

[apedogg]

******** I Am pist too I know my pain is worse cause feom the shot I have a lomg story cant type rite now much but yes on my right side it hurts worse n its feom tetnus shot for sure doctor trting to tell I got a virus well I am not stupid but too pist off I am going through that plus more and I think they offer me a tetnus shot every time I move