Unbalanced

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By Maureen Santini © Copyright 2017-2025. All Rights Reserved.

Five weeks ago, I got flu, pneumonia, and Covid vaccines at a doctor’s office.

The next day I could not walk without holding on to walls. I also got flu-like symptoms that added hours to my sleep each night and created ongoing lethargy during the day, like being in a catatonic state.

Although I do not have classic dizziness, I do sometimes hear unusual sounds in my ear.

I have been unable to walk normally, without grasping for nearby objects and watching every step, ever since. I am particularly wobbly while in the process of standing up. Thankfully, so far, I have not fallen.

No one warned me not to get three vaccinations at a time. It is still unclear if that was a problem.

After a week I went to the ER. At first some of the hospital staff seemed shocked that I had received three vaccines at the same time. Others said it shouldn’t have been a problem. Apparently there is no consensus even among hospital staff.

Tests did not reveal a cause for the sudden lack of balance. I still do not have a diagnosis.

I’ve gotten a lot of vaccinations in my 76 years but have never had resulting balance issues.

Hobbling around like a child, unable to drive, shop, clean, work out much, or anything else, has been challenging. I still often drift off to sleep hours before my regular bed time.

Within a month my weight-lifting regime dropped from eight-pound weights to five-pound weights although I am unable to lift often. I fear being unable to restore my previous physical condition, which was decent but far from excellent.

I am fortunate to have family nearby who have been driving me to appointments, shopping for groceries, and providing moral support. They have my undying thanks and gratitude.

The worst part, by far: I do not know when, if ever, my balance will return.