Writer believes flu shot caused many problems

On Oct. 6, 2004, I received an ordinary flu shot after hearing dire warnings of getting the flu. I had only one shot many years earlier and experienced severe joint pain, which I thought came from the flu shot. I eventually recovered.

About 10 days after getting my flu shot in 2004, I started getting dizzy, had double vision, toes curling under, severe leg spasms. My one leg would suddenly give out on me and I would fall and be unable to get up. Also had loss of bladder function. I had MRIs and many other tests, all negative. The doctors in Cedar Rapids and Mayo could not figure out what I had.

To make a long story short, I was in the hospital and rehab at Cedar Rapids and Mayo off and on for nearly two years. My one leg nerve and muscle are still not completely better. I feel lucky to be alive.

No doctor ever admitted to me that all this came from my flu shot. I feel it was too coincidental that it all started about 10 days after my shot. My final diagnosis was an inflammatory disease affecting the brain and spinal cord.

I will never get another flu shot.

Joan Jasper

Masonville