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Bursitis or something more???

I recieved a flu shot in October, and immediately following the shot enitire arm began to throb.  Within an hour I literally could not move my arm.  The pain was unbelievlable.  I had never experience this trouble with a influenza injection before.  I took a muscle relaxer and 1000mg of Ibuprofin and went to bed.  It did take the edge off the pain.  The next morning I could again move my arm but with much pain.  It felt as though I had pulled muscles in my bicept.  By the fourth day I was able to move my arm much easier but the pain was still there, however it never fully went away.  By week 2 the pain travelled up into my shoulder and I was having shooting pains that only lasted until I would move my arm out of its current position.  Night time is the worst and this week my hand has begun swelling and turning blue, and causing tingling in my fingertips.  I finally went back to my Dr. as a month of pain is really getting on my nerves.  I explained that all this started when I recieved my flu shot.  He examined my arm and strength in my hand and said he doubted there was any connection and that he believed it was bursitis.  He scheduled me to see an orthopedic specialist.  However it is becoming even more difficult to do daily activities as the affected arm is my dominate hand/arm.  It is painful to lift a coffee cup. I get relief when I don't use the arm, however when the arm is at rest at my side it immediately swellls and trurns blue/purple.  What could be going on and should I be using the arm or not?
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351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Since the arm is turning blue black, it is either inflammation and infection of blood vessels or lymphatic channels or an abscess has formed in the muscle in which the shot was given and this has caused infection in surrounding area. It can even be an injured nerve, a blood clot or inflammation of muscles. I suggest you either go to the ER or consult another doctor immediately to get a clear picture. Please do not wait to rule out bursitis which appears to be a less likely cause.
  Hope this helps. Take care!
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Avatar universal
It sure as hell isn't bursitis.  Something is pressing on a major artery or nerve in your arm.  Even if it's just from the swelling, call your doctor and tell her your arm is turning purple.
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