Tonight I relieved a nurse so she could get lunch. Before I got report from her, I was told by two other people that one of her patients and their family member were very difficult so be prepared. In report, she told me the patient had bells palsy and was claiming it occurred after taking the vaccine back in July. I pulled out my phone and showed her the VAERS data as she smiled like it wasn't real. She had never heard of it before.
I knew why they were being difficult before even speaking to the patient, no one took her serious. I went to the patient's room to introduce myself. When I told her I understood and I knew her claim was legit, the patient and her sister put away the claws and confided in me. The patient had been diagnosed with bilateral bells palsy which is rare. All her symptoms started just a few days after getting her vaccination. She came to General when it first occurred and was sent to Vandy. She said ever since she has been in and out of the hospital. Today she was with her sister and just started having uncontrollable muscle movements that were seizure like in nature, which was a new symptom, so she came to get checked out. I told her she's not alone. After a good conversation, they thanked me, shook my hand, and said neither of them would be coming back.