I felt a bit under the weather on Monday and my ear was a bit sore, but I’m not generally one for being ill, so I went to the gym and felt a bit better that evening. Tuesday I could feel a lump under the skin by me ear and I felt tired and lethargic, so I skipped the gym. I had a rough night, my face felt sore and by Wednesday morning the left of my face had swollen a lot and it was very tender. By midday I felt like I’d been run over by a herd of elephants, so I went to the doctors – first time in ages!
He told me I had Mumps! Mumps is an infection of the parotid salivary glands apparently (thanks to NHSDirect) and has generally mild symptoms especially, if like me, you’ve had it before. Thursday I still felt washed out and I slept most of the day. I got up about 4pm and felt much better though. This morning I feel fit and healthy again, except for the lumps and bumps on the side of my face.
There is no treatment for Mumps, just for the symptoms. So I’m on max strength Paracetamol and Ibuprofen and they seem to work fine. It’s only painful when I forget myself and touch my face. It would happen of course just as we have a Bank Holiday, added to which, Sod’s Law dictates the weather will probably be great!
Fingers crossed I’ll feel well enough for a walk on Sunday or Monday – or maybe both – I have been nowhere in August yet.