Reporte zur Charge UG512AA

Symptomtext

Received flu shot in Left arm and did not feel anything so very surprised to next get TDAP in Right arm and immediately experience "fireworks" pain at injection site radiating down arm. Looked at needle as it was withdrawn and appeared longer than expected (I used to be a nurse). Pharmacy tech said I could go but was nervous to leave store so walked around and felt my right arm grow heavy and difficult to raise. Eventually drove home using left arm to steer. Took tylenol with little result. Following day called pharmacy who said DTAP is known to be uncomfortable and they "never use needles longer than 1 inch." By Wed 9/23 arm was not improving so called insurance advice nurse who said go to urgent care but declined to avoid unnecessary covid exposure. She said to wear arm sling and use Voltaren gel because I cannot tolerate NSAIDS. Following morning I had a virtual appointment with my primary care physician who said to minimize use of sling to avoid frozen shoulder, keep using Voltaren and ask physical therapist currently treating me for rehab post back surgery 6/2020 to add shoulder exercises, and let her know if still not better in 4 weeks at which time she would refer me to Physical Medicine specialist for nerve testing. I found I had to wear sling at work (part time librarian) but was able to get by at home without it. By 4 weeks the pain and limited range of motion was improving, by then I could drive and dress myself, but it took a further 2-3 weeks to resolve fully. Primary care physician at checked with immunizations clinic supervisor who asked if the pharmacy tech had been standing (and if I were sitting) for the injection. Yes to both. Immunization clinic chief said this (bad) practice can sometimes direct the needle into the nerve or joint capsule, which may have happened in my case. If you happen to follow this up with the pharmacy please note their paperwork has the injection sites reversed. I chose to have the flu shot in my left arm and the TDAP in my right arm.