My name is Catherine. I am 34 years old and I am from Manitoba.
I have had two COVID vaccinations. One in late May 2021 and one in late July 2021.
Prior to having the vaccination I was generally healthy. After the first I had generalised fatigue for quite some time after. I also had extreme migraines if I had any alcohol. It would be quite some time after the alcohol and I was aware that it was not related to dehydration or extreme consumption and I had not had migraines prior to receiving the vaccines.
After the first vaccine I had flu-like symptoms, body aches and severe lethargy. I was pretty incapacitated. Although I expected some symptoms, I did not expect anything so severe. For two or three months I felt like I was just not right.
I have also had issues with my heart racing, and I was told this was due to blood pressure issues. Although I had some heart racing issues prior, it was definitely worse. I was not aware of blood pressure issues prior to having the vaccine. I had a nagging feeling of always being sick and I was dealing with random nose bleeds that lasted through to October. I had not had nose bleeds prior. That issue has stopped now.
As far as I can describe life before and after, I just did not feel myself for five or six months after the vaccine. It is hard to quantify, but I just had so much less energy and could not do the things I normally do. I felt like I was more delicate and could not do the things I used to with the same energy. I feel like I am back to normal now, but I will never get another vaccination.