My name is Grace Loveless, and I am 21 years of age. I received my first Moderna vaccine on 28 September 2021. Unfortunately for me, this was not on an optional basis – I was forced by current mandates. After a receiving an e-mail from my current employer stating, “If your occupation is classified as Group 1 and you have not provided evidence to [the employer] that you have received your vaccines (or obtained an exemption) in line with the dates, you will not be capable of meeting requirements and will be stood down without pay”, I decided it would be wise to get vaccinated in order to retain my employment.
After receiving the vaccine at approximately 1:30 pm, I felt dizzy and was concerned. When I spoke to the attendant at the chemist, they offered me a glass of water and monitored me over a period of 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes, I was discharged and sent on my way, as everyone usually is after their appointment. The next day, I noticed pins and needles at the vaccine site, which extended down into my hands, legs and feet, along with high temperatures reaching 38.5 degrees Celsius. After doing some Googling, I discovered this may be a common side effect, and monitored myself closely and taking regular Panadol, resting in bed, and drinking plenty of fluids.
On 30 September 2021, the fever and the pins and needles continued. However, now I had developed a rash on my arms and legs. Again, after doing some personal research, I assumed it was a common side effect, so I treated myself with some Dermaid ointment, and focused on recovering. Over the next few weeks, the symptoms persisted and were accompanied by aches and pains.
On 29 November, I received my second vaccine. Again, this was not optional, after the state made it mandatory, and it being continuously pushed by work, both in person and via e-mail. Shortly after my second vaccine, I started experiencing the same symptoms, dizziness and light-headedness. Again, there was no great concern and after the 15-minute period, I was sent on my way. On the first and second day, it was very difficult for me to function normally. I suffered from extreme fatigue, muscle aches and pains, pins and needles, high fevers and rashes. Weaning myself back into normality, I started developing bruises on my legs. Bruising is not common for me, and I had no reason to suspect bruising was caused from any previous activity. It was very dark and spread right around the top of my thighs. This continued for three days and then settled.
Over the Christmas period, I had four weeks off. During this time, I had severe chest pain and shortness of breath. Again, this is not very common for me. I made a doctor’s appointment. It was difficult to get an appointment with my regular GP, so I made one to see an emergency GP in a different suburb. This doctor explained that the cause was inflammation of the chest lining and rapid heartbeats, inevitably diagnosing me with pleurisy and tachycardia. He said this should subside with some over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories, but if it continued, I should make another appointment.
About a week later, I still had symptoms, so I made an appointment with my regular GP, and he prescribed Crysanal 550mg twice a day. Three days later, I developed a very painful infection at the site of a piercing I had done over five months ago, so I drove down to ED, as concerns grew after I tried to treat it with saline.
When I arrived I was unable to have anyone stay with me, which made me feel very isolated and concerned as at the time I had been very unwell. I was seen to three hours later – they inspected the site and told me I had a severe postauricular infection and a severe middle ear infection on both sides, which again, I had never had before. When I mentioned the vaccine, they had told me that it was far too late for it to be remotely related and that I should not be concerned.
When discussing the next outcome, the nurse wanted to admit me overnight and be treated urgently with IV antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to get the infection under control. However, his higher-ups had instructed removal of the extremely painful earring and sent me on my way. This process consisted of having an ear block, meaning they block all central nerves with local anaesthetic.
On 12 January 2022, I returned to work. After all the events, I was still not well. I tried to push through to continue my employment and making a living. However on 13 January, I fell extremely ill. I was not able to be in any direct light, I felt very stiff, my body was constantly aching, and I was not able to retain any fluids or solid foods. Unable to work in such a poor condition, I was sent to the hospital, where they treated me for a migraine, which is something I had never experienced before, and I was sent home after begging for answers. When I returned home, I made a follow-up appointment with my regular GP in the hope of getting some answers. Unfortunately, I was also brushed off with a diagnosis of a migraine and referrals to the pathologist for a blood count and iron count.
My symptoms are still ongoing, and I am concerned I will never fully recover from the side effects.
Contact: https://www.instagram.com/lovgrace2/