I did have loss of muscle tone and some weight loss. I think it was from a couple of things; loss of appetite from worry, and just the whole weird neuro thing. The only way to describe it was like being psychologically paralyzed along with the physical pain and partial paralysis in my legs and all the other wierd symptoms, and not knowing what was going to go haywire next. I literally sat for months. I knew in my head it was important to keep moving and doing things, but I just couldn't...also was just so very low on energy. I managed to make nutritious meals, the laundry got done, and the bedding was changed every week, but other than that, the housework, gardening, anything else.....all went to hell in a hand basket literally for 5 months. I still don't feel that I'm back 100%, but I am far, far better than I was back in those dark days. Been keeping an eye on the weight, and I have gained back 5 pounds. Also hoping the best for everyone in this situation. It seems some are hit so much harder than others.

Hey guys, I am new to this group, but I am so glad that I found it! I am a 21 year old male and received the post exposure prophylaxis starting exactly 23 days ago (over 3 weeks ago). I was bitten by a rabid cat on my fingertip. I've spent the last 3 weeks absolutely paralyzed with anxiety and fear. Despite being told countless times by medical professionals and experts that I received the vaccine promptly and that I'll be completely fine, the anxiety is still lingering. This anxiety combined with vaccine reactions has definitely affected my life to the point of where I can't work because of fear that some little symptom will set off a panic attack.

It started with a headache and chills the morning after my Day 7 injection. That was followed by vomiting and diarrhea later in the morning. After that incident, I didn't have any more serious incidents. I got my Day 14 injection and I was good until about three to four days afterward. I started feeling tingling in my hands/fingers and toes. Then pain in my arms, mostly in the left arm(particularly on my elbow, wrist, and bicep area). The tingling has mostly gone away, but now I'm experiencing back pain. I'm currently researching to see if it might be related to the anxiety meds I've been put on.

Anyway, just wanted to share my story so far with this group. I'm really glad that I found it. It puts my mind at ease that I'm not alone in this and that rabies vaccine reactions are a very real thing. At least we can all get better together!

Hi Batbite,
So good to hear from you. Glad you're having a good week, you're coming up on a year mark, which I hear is the magic number for symptoms really just disappearing. I am over 4 months now. Twitching every day this month, sometimes more so than others. Getting EMG Wednesday. Heard it's very painful but permanent peace of mind (HOPEFULLY) will be worth the temporary pain and suffering
God Bless Us All
And any fellow rabies vaccine sufferers, please feel free to join in with us, we will be more than happy to answer anything or help

don't worry about the emg, its really not that bad......i've had at least 12 now and they really do not bother me.

Glad you were able to find this forum, peacefulday. Just reading your post brought back vivid memories. Hope the support you find here is reassuring for you as this experience runs its course. It's been a tremendous help to me.

Thank you for the warm welcome, Batbite. I'm not sure how long its gonna take before I'm fully healed, but in the meantime this group has been a great comfort. I hope the very best to you and everyone else getting through this.

Thank you for this! I got mine bumped up to Tuesday now. I read horror stories online and I have been scared after this vaccine reaction of what may happen.
Good to hear it's over hyped on pain

Peaceful Day,
Welcome here. You are safe here and no one will judge you. Come and read as often as you like and ask us anything.

I have a few things I'd like to say to you as I go through this. I am over 4 months since my last shot.

Your body will go through changes. Very scary changes. But your body and all of ours are fighting what it thinks is rabies to protect us. So don't be too alarmed and when you are, reach out to us here. We have all been through this. It is a process.

Go to the doctor early and get the tests done early to rule anything out and believe what they say to you. If they come back clean, they are. This will bring much peace and calm to your life.

If you go in panicked as I have many times to doctors, they will immediately write you off as a hypochondriac and won't help you. They will say its anxiety EVERY TIME.
Also- never tell the neurologist about the vaccine and blame it- they DO NOT believe us. Maybe say something like this at the end "the only thing different I've done is get a rabies vaccine series" and they will be much more receptive. Act very cool and only slightly worried at doctors- it will go much better for you. They are almost like presenting a case before a judge! Think of it that way.

Stay busy. This is where I failed. I have quit working and am done with grad school. So all day long I was reading horror stories and went through extreme
Anxiety to the point it really affected my life. It has taken a heavy toll on relationships and I have spent thousands of dollars and time at doctors, all for naught. Big Big Mistake.

Be prepared for the long haul. Some days you'll feel amazing and some you won't get out of bed. That's okay. We have all been here. When this happens, write to us.

Get on MedHelp and also HealthTap. There are great vaccine sufferers and doctors on both.

Read these posts again and again and also journal. BatBite suggested journaling and she was right! Wish I had from beginning. Every day write "I will get through this."

And last: re- evaluate your life. Get right with friends and family and whatever higher powers you believe in. I sat around isolated and felt sorry for myself. Big error. Practice gratitude even in these hard times

But if I help you, then all of my suffering has been worth it!

We care about you here and we believe you. Your friends and family love you but don't want to hear about the vaccine day in and day out. They won't think you're lying, but they won't believe you like we do. They aren't going through it and that's okay. We are- but you're not alone

Trippin2,

Thank you so much for your post and for taking the time to give me some really helpful advice during this difficult time. Your post was probably the only bright spot in a very dark day. The tingling/pain in my left hand and particularly my left index finger (where the bite was) came back from a few weeks ago. I had some pain in my left arm too. I'm still dealing with some back pain as well. I spent a few hours in bed just dealing with my fear.

I've had so many people tell me that I've done everything correctly when handling rabies exposure, but I'm still so so worried. Does anyone have any advice for dealing with these feelings?

Peaceful Day,
You definitely got the shots in time, don't worry about that at all.
You have up to 10 days easily and you got yours done FAR before that. Seriously, I promise.
There has NEVER been a death from rabies vaccine failure either. Never.
100% positive on this.


The numbness and tingling has been experienced by every single person here, so don't you fret. Totally normal. Just keep your hands down and watch a funny movie. Only watch comedies as you go through this, you will be amazed at how much better you feel.

If you need me I'm here and so is BatBite, and many others!