Hi,
I've been diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy at Johns Hopkins.
My doctor did the biopsy and it was negative but he still thinks I have it.
I am required to have a tetanus shot at work and I am really worried that it could make me worse.
Any advice?
Thanks

I remember seeing something posted on NT but I couldn't find it. Hopefully someone will remember and post the info. In the meantime I looked at Pub Med and found some interesting studies. I'm not trying to worry you but here's one that may. Peripheral neuropathy after multiple tetanus toxoid injections. - PubMed - NCBI i=2&from=/18688160/related

I don't know what type of job you have and the risk you have of getting tetanus. I guess if it was me I'd do some more research and try to make an educated decision.

All vaccines have the potential for damaging people.

Either some have adjuvants in them that irritate the recipient, or other ingredients or contaminants.

It is really the person's own immune system that overreacts to the vaccine (this is what happened with the Lyme vaccine). Certain immune factors are inherited and there are some tests to see if you have one of these factors.

Also some vaccines have blood tests available to see if you still have active immunity from your last shot. You could get tested to see if your factors are still in a useful range. An immunologist would be a specialist you could consult for more information and possibilities.

Welcome Goosie:

Have you had tetanus vaccinations before without incident? I would use that a a guide.

What you are weighing is the possibility of contracting tetanus (you can read up about how it is contracted and what tetanus is like) VERSUS possible side effects from the vaccination.

My understanding is that the percentage risk from the tetanus vaccine is far lower than the percentage risk from contracting tetanus.

Regards, ElaineD