It’s been 5 months today since I’ve fallen ill after receiving the second C vaccine. I’ll add, I’m not an anti-vaxxer and did what I thought was right in order to protect myself and the people around me.

In early January 2020, it’s possible I had COVID. My partner had pneumonia and I too was sick- but this was before they knew to test for it.

After receiving my first vaccine shot on March 20th, I had localized nerve zaps in my left tricep, my injection arm. I also had a constant forehead pressure. My primary doctor thought perhaps I injured my neck; hence, I got a cervical x-ray which came back normal. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect the nerve zaps and forehead pressure to my first vaccination shot.

On the evening of April 17, the day of my second vaccination shot, those same nerve zaps started to happen all over my body. And since then, I’ve continued to suffer from many more symptoms. The symptoms parallel those whom suffer from long COVID: anxiety/panic, nerve zaps, forehead pressure, muscle/facial/head twinges and flutters, pin and needles in my extremities, numbness in my fingers, vibrations in my extremities, core, and head, post exercise malaise, insomnia, tinnitus in one ear, minor swelling in my ankles, leaking vessels in my extremities, and swallowing difficulties. Although I’m keeping a few symptoms at bay with intermittent fasting by eating a low histamine diet, even at 4 and 5 months, I’m getting new symptoms (the vibrations, numbness, swelling, and tinnitus).

Over the last few months, I’ve had numerous doctors appointments- 2 neurologists, rheumatologists, 2 primary doctors (and a third next week whom will hopefully test for Lyme and EBV), functional medicine doctor (whom will set a plan in place after she receives my blood, urine, and stool results) and acupuncture. In addition, I’ve had 2 ER visits. For some of these appointments, I’ve had to travel and pay for lodging in LA (twice already). A third trip may be necessary as well because my EEG was abnormal and my neurologist in LA would like to hook me up for a 72 hour study in addition to an MRI. Although medical expenses are adding up at $1000+ dollars a pop per trip to LA, $1600 for blood work with a functional medicine doctor, $2000+ for ER visits- I’d like to continue to seek help with alternative therapies (and I don’t want money to be a factor because they aren’t covered by insurance ). I would like to explore ozone therapy (250 a session), red light therapy, infrared sauna, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy if my ears clear (at 100 x 40 / or rent for a month at 2500).

The last few months have been terrifying for me and I’m scared for what the future holds. Most days, I’m in a pretty dark place- praying this isn’t permanent. If you can’t afford to donate, I hope you’ll think healing thoughts or pray for me!