Owch! big lump in arm from tetanus shot.. what to do?

It's been almost a week and this big bump isn't going away - and it still hurts. The helpful patient aide said to put ice on it. I want something less cold. Any suggestions? Anybody else get this lumpy thing from your tetanus shot? Am I dying?

I don't know why... But I only have ICE as a suggestion... Does it itch? Usually when they start to itch they go away...

Any medical type know why???

It's probably just a local reaction, but a week is a long time to suffer a painful bump. You'll probably be fine but you have a right to see a physician.

Edited to say: If you were having a really bad reaction you would feel awful all over. No, you're not dying!

but they better not come towards me with another shot...

That may help so it isn't too cold. I don't remember getting a lump with my last tetanus, so I can't help you much.

square needle ? ;)

it was a multiple attack. They hid on the ground in a little piece of wood - totally camo.

on edit: the last time I had a tetanus shot was after a raccoon attacked me. I didn't see the point, but was manipulated into it by an overzealous raccoon-owner.

That would be good breeding ground for tetanus. Good that you got the shot.

but it is likely that your immune system is really attacking the tetanus agent. We see this kind of reation in some of our goat kids when we vaccinate them. The vets tell us that it is a good sign because it means it is working.

Tetanus vaccine can cause nerve irritation, especially if it it not injected in the right spot (maybe too low on the arm). The bump sounds unusual but not the pain. Take a Vitamin B supplement, or just B12, for a few days and I bet you that you will find very early relief.

No harm in trying at any rate.

s_m

Rub some dirt in it and get back in the game!

but is sure doesn't sound right.
I have a little heating pillow that can also be frozen, it's good because frozen is frozen but ice always drips.

Another thing is, get a bag of frozen peas, wrap in small towel, put in ziploc bag. A little better than ice because the peas are small and it doesn't drip as much.

I'd call the doc again, I don't think it's normal to have a large lump, but it may be something that has to resolve itself. I'd still call the doc again, there is nothing wrong with being assertive when your health is at issue. Have a clear analysis of symptoms (rate the pain from 1 - 10 with 1 being no pain at all and 10 being worst you can imagine) Describe it too, like burning, soreness, tearing, etc. And also know what makes it worse/better.

Best of luck.

I appreciate your replies, and the commiseration! I didn't want to lay down yet, 'cause it's on my good sleeping arm.

felt like they were being hit with big rain drops, and then I felt nauseated. I stopped one of the ER nurses who poo pooed the idea that I was having a reaction to the tetanus and suggested that I was having a shocky reaction to the small but deep cut on my thumb... more than three hours previously (two and a half hours in the ER waiting room and at least an hour waiting for my husband to get home to take me to the ER).

I, too, had a big lump on my arm from the tetanus shot. It lasted somewhere between three and four months. I'm over due for a tetanus booster, but I'm afraid to have one after my last experience...

yowza - poor you. I felt sorry for self after only one week. Hm.

So you might not have to suffer as long as I did...

Am toppling over, good arm or no. May you all wake to great news and cheerful people!

They should...but I'd like to know.
thanks and good luck and health to you....

s_m