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Simon Willison’s Weblog

Mumps!

The camera man wore a protective scarf.

I’ve become yet another statistic in the Bath Mumps epidemic of 2004. I’m quarantined until next Monday, and this afternoon we had a camera crew from ITV West come round to film some doom-and-gloom footage warning students to get vaccinated. Amusingly the camera man hadn’t had Mumps and took suitable precautions to avoid infection. I’m told that the piece will go out on ITV news for the south west at 6pm this evening.

Posted 15th November 2004 at 2:02 pm

This is Mumps! by Simon Willison, posted on 15th November 2004.

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456 comments

  1. I didn't think anyone got the mumps anymore. Isn't there a vaccine? I suppose that is a bit besides the point, so, GET WELL!

    seth - 15th November 2004 14:15 - #

  2. There is a vaccine and all of us that have come down with the mumps in the house had it as kids -- so we're really not sure what's going on! It's not fun in any case tho

    Meri - 15th November 2004 14:26 - #

  3. bad news fella! :(

    ed - 15th November 2004 15:27 - #

  4. Ick! Hope you get better soon.

    Jacob - 15th November 2004 16:38 - #

  5. Well, I am not surprised this has happened with all the commotion regarding vaccination in the UK over the last few years.

    Robert Wellock - 15th November 2004 17:31 - #

  6. Get well soon! I hope you at least have an Internet connection while quarantined.

    Michael Moncur - 15th November 2004 18:37 - #

  7. I believe the vaccines 'wear off' as you get older, getting the actual disease gives you immunity for life, vaccination doesn't necessarily which is why boosters/second doses are offered. I managed to catch all these diseases (measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, whooping cough ...) as a kid so the mumps infected hold no fear for me ;) Get well soon!

    Rachel - 15th November 2004 19:45 - #

  8. Quarantination must be the life! Being locked up, not being bothered by anyone, having all responsibility shirked off with a legitimate excuse, with nothing to do but sit on the computer all day. Can I have some mumps please?

    Will Chatham - 15th November 2004 20:41 - #

  9. just hope your "equipment" hasn't been affected, mate...

    patrick h. lauke - 15th November 2004 20:55 - #

  10. Even though having mumps is meant to immunise you for life, it may not do. I know someone who knows an ENT (ear nose and throat) specialist, and he swears one of his kids had mumps twice... and if he doesn't know, who does?

    Chris - 15th November 2004 21:20 - #

  11. I hope you get well soon Simon. I had chicken pox twice - once as a child and once as an adult - which was not fun!

    mmj - 16th November 2004 01:46 - #

  12. I hope you get well soon Simon. I had chicken pox twice - once as a child and once as an adult - which was not fun!

    mmj - 16th November 2004 01:47 - #

  13. Hope you feel better - I've never had mumps myself, though I did get chicken pox at 23!

    Yvonne Adams - 16th November 2004 06:28 - #

  14. Isn't mumps the one where your *cough* testicles swell to the size of a grapefruit? :-D

    Andy - 16th November 2004 10:58 - #

  15. I had thought that 'Bath Mumps' was a strain I hadn't heard of ... (Get well soon)

    Aaron Brady - 16th November 2004 12:05 - #

  16. pah. I'm just upset that I don't have mumps so they wouldn't interview me! I even offered to act for them. Damn their journalists' ethics...

    h

    hussy - 17th November 2004 00:51 - #

  17. I'm sure it's fairly common to have the Mumps more than once, hell I got the Chicken Pox 3 times as a child.

    Allyn Edwards - 17th November 2004 08:44 - #

  18. Hi Simon, Sorry to learn of this situation. Hope you're back on your feet soon. All the best from Lawrence.

    Ralph Gage - 19th November 2004 17:23 - #

  19. Hey i've got Mumps too just now! It sucks, going out of my head with boredom. I've even started doing self-directed study for uni...desperate times. It's been a week and the swelling in my neck and cheek is yet to go down but the chipmunk look is getting me lots of sympathy! Get well soon.x

    Lorna Mac - 22nd November 2004 23:35 - #

  20. Oh My Lord, so what was the point in having the MMR then, it clearly does not prevent mumps. Mumps seems to be doing the rounds of the universities, my brother is at Nottingham they have it there, we have it here at Roehampton, and Birmingham has it too. Im a little worried as I have to look after a 6 week old baby on sunday and monday and my best friend has mumps so I've been exposed to it for 3 weeks without even knowing, can i pass it onto the baby and is it dangerous for her?

    Caroline - 25th November 2004 15:47 - #

  21. Hey Caroline, it usually takes 14-21 days to get the symptoms of mumps from when you're first infected. I think I've got mumps, :( Going the dr today to find out... Wish me luck!

    Chris Kennedy - 26th November 2004 10:36 - #

  22. My sympathy goes out 2 every1 with mumps! iv got it 2. how long does this swelling last? im missin serious social events but my face n neck look huge!

    Dani - 28th November 2004 18:03 - #

  23. I feel your pain everyone. Got the mumps 3 days ago. No pain downstairs yet but looking like a hampster. To fellow sufferers, get well soon.

    Dan - 28th November 2004 22:51 - #

  24. yeah i have mumps too and two of my flat mates in my halls of residence in Portsmouth. I think it might be spreading quite a bit. I had all my injections for it though. I wished i stayed in Scotland now instead of coming down here.

    Robyn - 30th November 2004 15:46 - #

  25. I'm at Birmingham uni and i have it also :( got it on saturday, i look so fat :P and i have the christmas ball on sunday, i'm going whether i look weird or not !

    Sami - 2nd December 2004 00:23 - #

  26. This is unreal! I believe I have the mumps, too. I am 52 years old and live in the USA. What is going on ?!?

    peggy - 3rd December 2004 16:05 - #

  27. The mumps have taken over!!!!!! Ive had the hamster look for nearly 6 days now-not good, sooooo painful. I pity any poor child that has to go through this.

    Karyn - 4th December 2004 14:18 - #

  28. Could mumps be the worst illness ever? obviously i know that it isn't the most deadly , or the most painful, but sitting around the house with great big fat face, terrified that your family jewels are gonna swell up like volley balls, is certainly worse than any illness ive had before. i would quite like to give those MMR docters a good hard slap for christmas!

    Jackson - 4th December 2004 16:23 - #

  29. Hi there, I have mumps too, had it nearly a week now- yes, it's quite boring being cooped up inside, haven't seen daylight for 5 days now! How long does it take to get better? (Attractive as the Shallow Hal look is!) By the way, am a Sheffield student, there's an epidemic going round my uni and Hallam too!

    Michelle - 6th December 2004 21:39 - #

  30. My daughter has mumps as well and we live in central Scotland. She complains of a heavy head and is not eating much and seems to be sleeping a lot and that is 5 days so far, just wondering how long the swelling will last for.

    RM - 8th December 2004 11:23 - #

  31. Just come down with the mumps yesterday and i feel like a gerbil. Housemates are already starting to take the mickey. Sleepless nights, getting up every 30mins for a pint of water and a temperature are the last thing i need. Hey at least i have an extension on my coursework. Can anyone tell me how long the gerbil look lasts??

    Chris - 8th December 2004 13:18 - #

  32. I wish my son had read these comments last week, might have given him some company quarantined in his lonely (but comfortable) cell at Durham University, receiving daily meals left by loyal friends at the door. Well, what did go wrong with that vaccine? The question is, for all the vaccinated, will the booster wear off as well?

    JM - 8th December 2004 18:45 - #

  33. The comment by JM has made me think, as my son of 18 has been given the booster MMR due to his sister of 21 having the mumps, will this work? She is now 6 days down the line and the swelling is still not going down, so if anyone out there knows of how long the swelling will last it might give her some hope as she is getting really down about being and feeling ill.

    RM - 9th December 2004 10:21 - #

  34. I got mumps on monday and swelling up more and more each day! was vaccinated nearly three weeks ago, its thought i caught it from the jab! sympathy for all who have it - it hurts believe me! Ah well, got out of uni presentation and no lectures til after xmas!! Helen (20 Bristol)

    Helen - 9th December 2004 17:59 - #

  35. I also came down with Mumps on monday, its very uncomfortable, my neck and sides of face are getting larger as I type ! Slight fevers here and there seem to be a regular occurence and dry mouth. Been taking painkillers otherwise its impossible to eat, feels like ya jaw is paralised!!! No one knows how long the swelling lasts ! ?????

    James Watson - 9th December 2004 19:40 - #

  36. You poor thing! Nottingham's infested as well-my housemate had it and I thought I'd escaped but woke up this morning with a distinct hamster look! Ah well, at least I can go home and infect all my mocking friends...Hope you're better by now!

    Charlie Girling - 10th December 2004 08:56 - #

  37. ahh i have the mumps too! and i do feel like a hamster with food in its mouth...i can't believe that there is no real treatment for the mumps apart from having to MMR jab to help prevent it but its impossible!it's nearly christmas and i don't want to celebrate it not enjoying the food etc...oh well i guess that even though it kills when i talk and chew its better to get it over and done with so i can't get it again....i just hope it goes away before january :(

    Natalie Balchin - 11th December 2004 14:52 - #

  38. A couple of weeks ago my roommate returned home from the UK after an unexpectedly abbreviated visit with her brother, a student at Birmingham. She'd been there only a few days when he came down with mumps, and her own class schedule made it impossible for her to extend her trip until he was well. Having had a booster inoculation she thought she'd be okay, but yesterday morning she woke up looking like a chipmunk with a winter's supply of nuts stored in her cheeks!

    Here in the U.S. we generally love British imports, but this is one we could definitely do without :(

    Despite at this point having very little faith in the MMR I did follow the advice I was given and got a booster shot yesterday, but am just keeping my fingers crossed that I don't come down with mumps at Christmas.

    Since the general consensus of medical opinion seems to be that having mumps is much worse for adults than it is for children, why don't we stop creating an artificial delay, allow kids to catch it and get it over with when they're six or seven, and not end up having to worry about the possible complications of a mumps epidemic among twenty-somethings?

    My mother's generation all had it as young children, and it wasn't thought of as dangerous or something that needed to be prevented until the pharmaceutical industry found a way to make money out of doing so.

    Best wishes to all of you, and hopes that all of us are well over the holidays!

    Kelly - 13th December 2004 03:36 - #

  39. Hi,

    I have had mumps since Dec.4th. On 7th day I could eat without pain, and on 8th the swelling had gone and I felt completely better. Next day however I was extremely tired and shivery. Since then for the last 3 days I've been back in bed running a temperature of 102 F day and night and can still feel a small lump under my chin. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has had this and would like to warn other hampsters to be cautious about feeling they've recovered.

    Felix

    Felix - 14th December 2004 20:10 - #

  40. Just finally recovered from the dreaded lurgy. Day 2/3 was agony!! Not having to go to uni and staying in bed for 8 days was fantastic. However when ure housemates go out and knowing that you arent allowed to,thats a bit depressing! Anyway, if u have the mumps, just ride it through and it will start to clear from day 6 onwards. Look on the bright side, u'll never have mumps EVER again. People who've had the jab will need to go back for another one in a few years time!!! All the best!!

    chris - 15th December 2004 10:50 - #

  41. I have the mumps and my mate does too, epidemic going round aparantly! im 20 and i cant believe iv got "the kissing disease!!!" (well.....with my reputation! lol) get well soon anyway, i hope i bloody do!!!

    Rob - 15th December 2004 13:17 - #

  42. I'm 55.Went to London recently.Picked up the "Mumps".Am the only case in the South of Ireland.Eight days in Hospital,six of those in Solitary confinement.No eats for six days(no appetite and no taste), water only plus 5 days on a "drip".Nearly two weeks later and still not right.Only benefit was losing about 10 lbs.weight and out of work until after Xmas.Looking forward to having appetite back for the Turkey.

    B Donovan - 16th December 2004 11:06 - #

  43. hey! was jst searching the web looking for info on how long the swelling lasts for mumps and came across this site! i had the bloody jab 2 weeks ago at uni, so there i was feelin all smug that id escaped it even tho one of my flat mates had it and i arrive home and BAM! now look like one sexy hamster. I can sympathise with everyone, could barely open my mouth on monday and tuesday, made eating terrible. Dont worry tho, mums home-made soup to the rescue!!(makes a change from uni..no veg..to all the veg in the world!) Its now thursday and one side is HUGE! im really hoping it will be gone by Sat as we are having a massice reunion with friends all back from uni. Am i being unrealistic? or does anyone think there is hope of swelling going by then, bearing in mind it started mon.

    Laura - 16th December 2004 16:09 - #

  44. I have twin sons aged 15, both had MMR as babies and boosters age 4 years. One has mumps the other left home temporarily! Ben had swollen neck glands for 4 days and that cleared up, went back to school for less than a week then began all over again, this time with obvious hamster look on both sides of his face and doctor confirmed he has dreaded mumps. Like others I thought MMR protected against this virus, now seems that's not the case - although his doctor suggested the first attack may have been fought off - however with virus being active before any visible change takes place it is possible he was exposed to others who were infected at his school in Southampton and was unable to fight it a second time.

    Harry - 20th December 2004 12:54 - #

  45. By the way, son back home from Durham now, no sign of the 'volleyballs' touch wood,and 'beachball face all deflated, but second son aged 16 has had what is probably his third jab, but I am still not confident. Better they had all had it when children perhaps, but on the other hand, perhaps the vaccination has at least made it a bit milder.

    JM - 20th December 2004 22:18 - #

  46. I had the MMR jab at Bath uni 3 weeks ago. Just got home to Ireland for Xmas and woke up with a huge swelling below my right jaw. Went to the doctor today and he diagnosed mumps. What exactly was the point in the vaccine if I just got it anyway!! Im in pain when I swallow and he just told me to take paracetamol and water. How am I going to enjoy my turkey on Saturday!!!! He says its not contageous after day 5 of the swelling so I should be safe to see people Xmas day. He said the swelling should go down in a few days, hopefully for New Years Eve. Good luck every1

    Greg - 21st December 2004 19:06 - #

  47. I had the MMR on Monday and on Saturday woke up with mumps. So what the hell was the point in he vaccine? Meant to fly home to Ireland today, hope they let me on the plane! Just worried my boyf has it now as it's worse for men. Well hope it'll have gone for New Years Eve. Good luck to everyone else whos got it!

    Helen - 22nd December 2004 14:40 - #

  48. dude feel sooo sorry for you, I have mumps right now too. I thought that once you had it you were immune for life, but if the doctors are lying to me (again!) i shall not be happy! I went to the docs and she said I had tonsilitis!! yeah right! and you look like a walrus when you have tonsilitis. I dunno why the whole uni population has suddenly decided to get mumps, but it is a good reason to get out of work..if only it wasn't the xmas holidays!! D'oh! Just my luck! Ah well, at least I can cheer myself up with the knowledge that I may have infected my ex boyfriend! mwahahaahaaaaahaaaa-ahem not bitter at all!! Get well soon too aaaaalllll the people with mumps! (that's what? half of all 18-21 year old in the country?!) hope it doesn't ruin ur xmas too much...

    Vicky - 22nd December 2004 21:08 - #

  49. God! Hated it, i've got mumps at the mo! Its horrible, i can't sleep i can't eat. i thought i had got rid of it i started off about 10 days ago and the left side ov my neck swole up! I went to the docters and they sed i had a virul throat infection! No sooner had the swelling gone down a day later the other side cum up! I dont think theres any hope of getting better in time for my christmas dinner! O well! :'( Get Better n e 1 in the same boat as me :)

    Marsey!! - 23rd December 2004 10:06 - #

  50. God! Hated it, i've got mumps at the mo! Its horrible, i can't sleep i can't eat. i thought i had got rid of it i started off about 10 days ago and the left side ov my neck swole up! I went to the docters and they sed i had a virul throat infection! No sooner had the swelling gone down a day later the other side cum up! I dont think theres any hope of getting better in time for my christmas dinner! O well! :'( Get Better n e 1 in the same boat as me :)

    Marsey!! - 23rd December 2004 10:07 - #

  51. ha, ha, christmas day... and here i am with my suspected case of the mumps. i don't look too pretty and when i just tried to eat the pain on both sides of my jaw was pretty awful. what's worse the doctor told me to avoid contact with others. so here i am... on my own. i hope everyone else is having a great christmas! now, back to updating my journal� http://www.livejournal.com/users/andrewkendall/ :P

    Andrew - 25th December 2004 12:28 - #

  52. Another mumps sufferer here! Having had it twice already as a child (the second time confirmed with a blood test) i figured i was pretty much sorted, immunity wise! Returned home from uni..to find out one of my housemates has been struck down with the dreaded hamster/gerbil/walrus*(delete as appropriate!) affliction. "Phew!" i thought...at least i'll be alright.... I spoke too soon. The next day, i awoke with that too-familiar sensititve neck and cheek feeling...and the lovely look of having hoarded a winters-worth of food in my mouth. That was on Tuesday...and now its Boxing day. Thank god the swelling is beginning to subside. Am i a medical marvel or what? 3 times, and im only 21! Managed to load myself up with Nurofen to *try* and have some xmas dinner (its only once a year! was gona try my damn hardest to eat what i could) Its been a memorable christmas, thats for sure. I can empathise with all you mumps-affected people..i hope you feel better soon! may 2005 be more lucky!!

    Jules - 26th December 2004 20:30 - #

  53. UPDATE: Guys been able to eat since Xmas Eve. Had my Xmas dinner with no pain and the swelling started to go down Xmas Eve and is now totally gone and I feel totally recovered (Today-Boxing Day) For those of you still ill Ive one word .... WATER. Guys I swear this cured me, you need to flush the mumps out. I must have been drinking 4 or 5 litres a day. Got first swelling on Monday 20th and totally cured by 25th. And for help with the swelling take an Ibuprofen and it should come down a bit. Good luck guys! Greg.....PS- WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Greg - 26th December 2004 20:47 - #

  54. Bet ya cant guess what i have got ........ yep mumps !!! symptoms started christmas eve(of all days!!!) and as a great lover of my food I was gutted , its been 4/5 days now and my swelling is getting worse! , my boyfriend is taking great delight in the bo selecta , gerbal jokes but its all wearing a little thin for me!! I keep driking lots of water and ibuprofen but nothing is happening!!! thinking of all you fellow mumpers out there , hoping we will all be better for new year. Lauren , west yorkshire

    lauren - 27th December 2004 15:17 - #

  55. IM AN UMPER MUMPER!!.....crap!!! am not happy! Ive had tonsilitus for the last month and now ive got a chin on me like Sophie Ellis-Bextor. I started getting pain in my jaw on Christmas day but thought i had a mouth ulcer or sumthing and then i woke up on boxing day in agony, only being able to open my mouth enough to pop a couple of pain killers in. ive probs given everyone at work the old hamster's curse now..but it was double pay being boxing day and all! Ill be going to the doctors on wednesday as they are closed today and tomorrow pfft Ive been wondering if its possible for people to carry the disease but not actually show any of the syptoms, my sister recently came back from uni (durham) where there'd been a few breakouts..but shes fine *lucky cow* and ive got it???? Anyhoo i hope everyone gets better soon..and i also think some other kinda forum should be set up so people can send in photos to compare their fat chins!

    Tomoose - 27th December 2004 21:57 - #

  56. i missed my annual christmas party last night due to the old mumps. i stayed up in my room looking like a the slug man out of star wars in hellish pain while my entire family got drunk and had a great laugh. why on earth did i get infected - ive had my MMR vaccination. ijust hope all the other vaccinations against polio, tb, menigitis are not quite so useless. i have my driving test on the 6th of January and i just hope my testicles do not flare up and the facial swelling goes away.

    ct - 29th December 2004 12:08 - #

  57. While my previously-infected roommate fully recovered in time to enjoy the holidays, I woke up with mumps on Christmas morning. So much for the MMR booster! For the first three days the swelling was only on the left side, but then yesterday it spread to the right as well and I'm now in major hamster mode. It's too painful to either eat or talk, both sides of my face are blown up like balloons, and I'm in quarantine until 2 January. I've had the mumps for 5 days now and the jaw and cheek swelling is still getting worse-- how long can this go on? Mumps may not be the MOST unpleasant thing one can have, but it will certainly do until something else comes along!

    My sympathy and best wishes for a much better new year to all the rest of you who've been having bouts with mumps-- at least when we're over it we'll never have to have it again!

    Kelly-The-Hamster

    Kelly - 30th December 2004 02:42 - #

  58. i was supposed to start a new job yesterday but guess what.... yup the mumps. they should give this as punishment to inmates as nothing hurts more!!!

    claire - 5th January 2005 10:26 - #

  59. Hi, i was just looking for info on mumps as i have now just developed the hamster look yesterday.Found this site, found it very helpful. I think that most people who attend uni has it. There apparently has been loads of people with mumps down here in south wales. Thats all i'm doing is sleeping all day. As then the jaw pain is not so bad. I hope we all get better soon !!!!!!!!!!!

    zoe - 5th January 2005 14:28 - #

  60. Just a progress report for sufferers, I noticed the first swelling on the 20/12/04, got worse so by Christmas day I couldn't eat without inflicting terrible pain on myself (water and pain killers helped) and I just wanted to sleep all day. By the 27/12/04 I was able to eat a little better, but still with pain and by the 29/12/04 I felt reasonably recovered except for a very dry mouth and tiredness which stayed with me for the next few days. It's now the 5/1/05 and today both my gf and flat mate noticed their first symptoms. So touch wood I don't get it again!!!

    Andrew Kendall - 5th January 2005 18:24 - #

  61. hey MUMPSTERS yep u guessesd it i am yet another mump infected person,I live and work in warrington in a local nightclub so if i served you a drink i probably served a side order of this delightful disease! looking like something out of wallace and gromit has not been easy and the pain of it! makes u really apreciate good health ( and looks!) get well soon every1!!!!!!

    dominique - 7th January 2005 17:23 - #

  62. Well, I'm 15 and I have it since Monday and well the swelling it getting bigger and bigger so theres no sign of it going down now in 5 days, suppose it is better to get it out of the way at my age rather than having it when i'm older

    Kyren - 8th January 2005 01:48 - #

  63. argh ive had mumps since yesterday and it hurts :( please please please go away before monday. ive got so much work to do and can't miss my deadline of monday mumps or no mumps. :( I look really fat with no neck and oww when i tried to eat an orange. I'm from durham but think i must've caught this in lancaster where i go to uni? I dunno. What's the quickest it's gone away for people? I'm drinking lots of water. Hope everyone gets better soon :)

    chelle - 8th January 2005 11:01 - #

  64. Hi folks on my 12th day of mumps and this morning the swelling has grown again. Thought i was getting better but unfortunately not. Starting to really get me down now, wish it would go away.All ive got to say is thank heaven for Co-codamol pain killers. At least i have got a fortnight off work. Hope you all ave a speedy recovery(unlike me)

    Gareth Davies - 9th January 2005 12:25 - #

  65. Gareth, I really sympathize! I came down with mumps Christmas morning and wasn't over it until yesterday-- two entire weeks. The swelling returned after it had seemed to be much better, and for a while I wondered if I'd ever look like myself again! But I can promise you that there IS an end in sight, even if you have a particularly bad case, and although it may feel as if you've had the mumps forever, you'll be over it before much longer.

    For me the worst part of having mumps has been not being able to see my boyfriend since Christmas Eve. I was so worried about him catching mumps from me that I didn't let him anywhere near me even after the contagious stage was over, and so we've spent hours on the phone. So after all that precaution what happened? His symptoms started Friday and he was diagnosed yesterday.

    I thought that at least now it would be possible for me to stay with him and take care of him, but his doctor warned me that my immune system wasn't ready for it and I'd be asking for a relapse.

    (He's in no condition to appreciate the thought right now, but I've reminded him that, eventually, the two of us are going to have one hell of a reunion!)

    I hope everyone gets well soon! While you're waiting it out remember to drink lots of water, AVOID CITRUS (and anything else with a sharp, tangy quality as it's extremely painful), get as much rest as possible, and remember that mumps, too, shall pass.

    At long last, Post-Hamster Kelly

    Kelly - 10th January 2005 01:33 - #

  66. after the fever subsided how long did it take for the swelling to go down? apart from the jaw pain and evil hamster/huge neck thing I feel fine now.

    chelle - 10th January 2005 19:06 - #

  67. Chelle, I really don't think my experience was typical. My roommate-- who brought mumps home with her from England :( -- had a fever for the first 5 days, and then the swelling gradually diminished until it was completely gone by day 9. She didn't really feel 100% for another few days, but was still up to going home for the holidays and doing everything she'd planned. Her mumps followed pretty much the expected course, and for your sake I hope that yours do the same!

    I also went home for the holidays, but then came down with mumps-- which I'd hoped wouldn't happen, but suspected might. (I'd warned my mother that this was a possibility, but she said that if I were going to have the mumps I should definitely be at home where she could take care of me-- thank heavens for that!).

    Christmas morning I woke up with a fever and a very tender, rapidly increasing swelling below my left jaw. The swelling spread to the other side and continued to get worse for several days-- the worst of the hamster period. It was very bad and extremely painful through day 7, when it finally began to go down. Until that point I'd continued to run a mid-to-low grade fever. The next morning the fever was gone, and the swelling was much better. By the afternoon of day 9 I thought I was almost over the mumps, but that night the fever returned and the right side of my face puffed up again. It was another 2 days before the fever broke, and 3 more before the swelling was completely gone.

    That was a couple of days ago and I still don't have much strength, so will wait another week before returning to school (U.C.L.A). My boyfriend is now in bed with mumps and of course feels like hell-- something for which I feel completely responsible, as I'd not realized that mumps are contagious for a few days BEFORE the symptoms turn up, and that he shouldn't have been exposed to me during any of the time in which it was possible for me to come down with mumps. I really hope this isn't going to spread much further!

    It does seem that most people who've had the mumps in this recent siege haven't had them for much more than a week-- and in some instances even less time than that-- and this will probably be true for you, as well. Those who've remained ill for a longer period, such as myself and poor Gareth, are the exception and not the rule.

    Take heart, the chances are very good that your hamster look will be disappearing before long, and I hope you'll be well very soon!

    Kelly - 11th January 2005 01:54 - #

  68. I'm in Holland and my 4 yr old has the mumps! And he was vaccinated as a baby. So now we're probably all going to get it including the 2 yr old and my husband and I (who have never had it but who were vaccinated). Yaargh!

    Ashleigh - 11th January 2005 08:48 - #

  69. Yeah i got mumps too, without any kissing to show for it. Oh well. A week off work, who are pissed off with me. I also had the jab, jesus what was in that thing, water? Anyway i'm on my gap year now, but i feel the experience has given me an insight into university life so i guess it isn't all bad. Mump Out

    Joseph - 11th January 2005 12:43 - #

  70. i caught the mumps from a fat guy at work and i wasn't even kissing him.. =P to be fair it does hurt when you eat because it's the sailvary glands that swell up.. but i don't think i'm in nearly half the pain you guys are in.. it is effort to eat though.. but.. paid week off work! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! best disease ever! =D

    dirtbag - 15th January 2005 17:46 - #

  71. i too have the mumps , im 37 , cant beleive it really . my 12 yr old son had it over xmas so inevitable i would get it too, i had the vacine as a child and so did he ,so whats going wrong.I have been swollen now for 8 days now its doing my head in, hope it goes down by tomorrow im out on the town. look out swansea, lol . get well soon everyone

    karen - 19th January 2005 11:28 - #

  72. I am 30 and have got mumps. Felt a swelling behind my jawline on Friday 14th Jan and ended up going to emergency GP next day to be diagnosed with mumps. Worrying thing is that I when I was 16 I deliberately asked my GP for an MMR jab as I did not have mumps as a child........got an MMR jab but obviously didn't work. 5 days on a swelling is still there...... Am currently off work and at home.

    Dave - 19th January 2005 23:37 - #

  73. please help someone! when does the swelling go away and does it go down fully? please someone write in! am on my 8th day and depressed. thanx.

    shannon - 20th January 2005 21:27 - #

  74. Hey guys, im at sheffield uni and have been diagnosed with the dreaded. Apparently got it from someone on the ski trip but i don't even know who they are! so def no kissing! Id already had the jab and booster before i came to uni, as there is an epedemic going on here. Obviously did no good though, like all the other people on this site. Thankfully im not swollen yet and have had it for 3 days. It absolutely kills though, and i found out about sour foods when i sucked a lemon sweet.-just don't do it!im also v bored as confined to my room til Tuesday. Never mind it might actually make me do some work for once!

    emily - 22nd January 2005 13:59 - #

  75. Hi, I think we've beaten you all. 2 of our 4 children have got mumps even after they've had the MMR. My husband has gone down with it tonight even though he had it when he was 4 and on top of that I've broken my foot which wont heal and I've been in plaster up to my knee for 15 weeks with no weight allowed on it so there you go we are having great fun!!!!! Hope you all feel better soon.

    jacquie - 23rd January 2005 22:26 - #

  76. just been diagnosed with mumps. the most annoying thing is i feel fine! (im sure this will change tho). went to the Dr's on friday with a swollen face and they told me to come back if it got worse!Monday arrived with no improvement, so i went back and they told me it was mumps.... Perhaps the house party i had on sat night was a bad idea, as ive just been told im not allowed to attend university for a week or see anyone. oops!!

    clare - 24th January 2005 13:00 - #

  77. Hey guys, another Mumps sufferer over here, isnt it ridiculous how the doctors seem to try to convince you that you've got something other than the Mumps?! I was told that i had a 'gladular reaction to an infection' erm...what infection?!?!? so...two days after taking the prescribed medication (penicilin) the swelling hasn't gone down and the pain hasn't subsised. I'm so glad i found this site and am comforted to know that its not that uncommon even when you've already had the MMR vacination and are 21! Gutted i caught 'The kissing disease' when i didn't actually kiss anyone!!! :-D Take care all, get well soon!! B x x

    Bailey - 25th January 2005 16:25 - #

  78. Howdy every one my name is scott, i think i have noticed i to have caught the 'kissing disease' and i also havnt kissed anyone lately!!! i have a swollen jaw, and looks like a large lump. I am on the way to the doctors later on, but i reckon the same will be told to myslef I bet the doctor tells me i havnt got the mumps to...how ill will i get if i do have the mumps?, can any one explain to me how it feels? I am 16 years old and i have been told I could become insterile! please tell me the chances off this happeinng are slim. If any one could report back i would be most greatfull scott x

    scott saunders - 26th January 2005 08:56 - #

  79. what was the damm point in getting the so called MMR. its supposed to stop this right. just found out ive got the mumps and worst of all i was meant to be heading on a trip next week. i hope im better for then. any quick fix remedies anyone so ill get better fast???

    Michelle - 26th January 2005 18:25 - #

  80. well i went to the Dr yesterday cos i noticed small lump at back of jaw which wasn't sore at all.. she then found one the other side which i somehow hadnt noticed and reckons its mumps, im waiting for the result of a blood test. Thing is they havent gotten any bigger at all and while i felt fine yesterday feel kinda flulike symptoms today.... really hope its not mumps cos from the sounds of your comments they will get bigger and painful....agghhh!!

    Sheena - 26th January 2005 20:41 - #

  81. Hi, i started feeling two little lumps under my ears 3 days ago. went to the doctors almost certain i had the dreaded disease...i was right :-( now i look like i am storing chicken nuggets in my cheeks and everyone is laughing! i have had this for tow days and still the swelling is here. i have a bad feeling i am going to be bed ridden for a week or more. things i have found to help are: water, paracetemol, sleeping tablets eg nytol, and more water! i havnt eaten for two days, lost my appetite. what i would give for a nice steak now.

    Nic - 27th January 2005 18:30 - #

  82. Hi,just 2 let people know- could only properly eat on the 14th day of mumps! I mean properly. Still have very dry/sticky mouth tho and on my 16th day. Swellen goes down very slowly and gradually sorry 2 say have 2 be honest but going out tonight for first time in ages! Mumps is different for everyone some people can be 5days or 25.

    atlanta - 29th January 2005 13:31 - #

  83. Just read through this thread. Very interesting read! My sister had mumps at Xmas, i have only just got it now. Its a right bastard of a virus isnt it! Very paintful, hate the fevor felling. I am very tired, sore, headachey, sickly etc etc. Just wondering has any of the Blokes here had there balls effected from the virus? This is ultimatly what i am most worried about!!!!

    will - 1st February 2005 16:12 - #

  84. Well I've just come down with it yesterday despite having had MMR when i was 7 and have to take a week off school. Have also got all my friends worried cos I was at a big dinner party with 80 other people on Saturday..... But I'm glad to see other people have got it despite having had the MMR and I'm not just some freak of nature

    Nader - 1st February 2005 22:14 - #

  85. Ive just come down with the dreaded mumps aswell. I hate not being able to sleep or eat properly - I'm so unbelievably bored aswell. But its quite relieving to read this thread and see other people suffering aswell! Really sucks being away from my girlfriend whose worrying loads that she may get it too! Just hoping I'm getting the wort bit over and done with now!

    Suckerpunch - 2nd February 2005 15:17 - #

  86. well, i have had mumps for a week now. i am unlucky enough to have some of the male problems that come as part of the package. the swelling in my glands were regualted to one side, causing discomfort and a "hamster look", mentioned by nearly all here! Plus the pain in the other area? simply, incredibly bad. very uncomfortable although it eases with pain killers. just make sure if you have these symptoms that you make your doctor AWARE. my docs took a provisional WEEK before they succesfully removed me off antibiotics for an assumed "blocked Salivary gland" . Feeling a little better now a week on. had the injection when i was younger but apparently i have missed out on the Booster. GRRRRRR. feel better soon ever1. ad.

    AJc - 2nd February 2005 23:36 - #

  87. I came down with the mumps 3 days ago and I seem to have passed through the fever stage and I think my swelling has gone down very slightly. Is this way too quick for a recovery to begin!? I bloody hope not! Still painfull to eat anything and I cant lie on one side. I sympathise with everyone whose got this crappy condition! Get welll soon!!!

    Suckerpunch - 3rd February 2005 11:04 - #

  88. I had a bad cold for a week and a half then shook it off, lo behold mumps had sneaked in behind it. Had MMR but was told didnt need booster "more trouble than its worth" apparantly. Then again I feel lucky, after 3 days fever fading and feeling more like myself. Still a hamster tho...anyway petrified about what might swell next!

    Nick - 3rd February 2005 20:40 - #

  89. How bizarre! I had no idea there was a mumps epidemic going on. Just been reported on the news! Wasn't really hungry for a few days over the weekend then on Monday I had a pain in my jaw when I ate. On tuesday I went to work with tenderness on both sides of my jaw. Despite having the MMR I knew I had no immunity. I was also told not to bother with a booster! I warned people I might have mumps but they just said I was paranoid. I'm a physiotherapist in a big hospital so probably infected a fair few people before realising what was going on. Also went to a house party on Sat! On Wed I woke up with small golf balls under my chin but still no real problems. Thought I must just have some infection that my body was so efficiently fighting I had no symptoms. Tried to get a doctors appointment because I work with vulnerable people but to no avail! Yesterday I woke up with a distinctly swollen face. Decided to go to work but get a doctors appointment. Was told to phone occupational health who told me it was probably mumps and to go home. Doctor has now signed me off for 7 days to start with! Even more swollen today but distinctly ok! Had some pain when I woke up but took paracetamol and managed a bacon sandwich for lunch! Just a sticky mouth. Now trying to convince people to come and visit the hamster! I just hope I don't get a sudden increase in bad symptoms! All those hamsters out there, take care of yourself!

    Susie - 4th February 2005 15:00 - #

  90. ive got mumps and its so stressful not being able to see freinds and have 2 be so alone so bored and im gonna miss a big football competion i would be playing in that i got so exicted about just b4 i got mumps. FUCKING ANNOYING exuse my french but FUCK it

    dave - 4th February 2005 15:47 - #

  91. there have quite a few cases of 16-18 year olds in east herts getting it, its been going around a lot. such an annoying illness/diesease , sitting at home , bored all day not ebing albe 2 see anyone or doing anything, worst illness ive had and believe me ive had a lot of different things including injuries such as broken leg 3 years ago

    man from hertfordshire - 4th February 2005 17:10 - #

  92. I'm a Bristol UWE radiography student, on placement in gloucester royal hospital, I've come back to bristol for the weekend and may face is beginning to fucking hurt on the left side jawbone below my ear and I feel real tired. No swelling yet, but is this mumps? I dunno whether I should go back to the hospital to work! It's a pain getting a doctors appointment, and I'll need a sick note...argh! Stress. Does this sound like the onset of mumps of have I been punched in my sleep do you think?!?

    Luke - 5th February 2005 16:22 - #

  93. Thats what ive got, im really tired, jaw hurts n it kinda feels all numb. i think im guna wake up with mumps 2moro

    Charl - 5th February 2005 16:42 - #

  94. Luke and Charl, I dont want to say you will get the mumps but in my case anyway, thats what happened to me. I had a pain just below my ear and a small lump. It took just one night for it to come up full and it did really hurt. The pain does go away though so don't fret too much. I'm on my fifth day now and whilst my face is still swollen and I cant eat properly, I feel fine - just very very bored being stuck in! It does suck getting the mumps, but dont worry yourself too much because if you do get it - its not that bad and you'l only ever have to go through it the once for the entirity of your life! Anwyay fingers crossed it wont be the mumps!

    Suckerpunch - 5th February 2005 21:03 - #

  95. just another person stuck at home till my face starts to get smaller. went home for the weekend, and then back up to leeds on sunday, only to be bloody sent home again on monday with the mumps. fantastic! bored out of my mind, going stir crazy! why didnt i just get that booster shot!

    Laura - 10th February 2005 13:53 - #

  96. I thought I'd had the dreaded mumps... then I started to feel a bit out of sorts. I couldn't figure out what was wrong, then I realised my manager went off with it two weeks ago. So I called mum - and she said, "Oh, you never had that, your sister did but you never caught it!" So off to the doctor with me, and he said, "It's too soon to say, but it's very likely". By late yesterday afternoon I have joined the ranks of the lop-sided hamsters as the right side of my face and neck decided to swell up. This morning, to my delight, the left side has joined it :) I think the bit I'm having trouble getting my head around is that nobody ever told me it would be this painful. Still, could be worse - at least I'm not a bloke!

    Wyvern - 11th February 2005 11:51 - #

  97. My son spent his 17th birthday in bed with mumps. He has been in bed a week already. Could not get out of bed to walk because of the pain in one of his nuts which then progressed into his stomach. Almost passed out trying to walk. Hasn't been eating very much and then yesterday started throwing everything he tried to eat and drink back up. As for suckerpunch saying it's not that bad - what I have seen my son going through it's enough to worry the life out of anyone. My doctor has advised in extreme cases it can also cause pancreatitis and encephalitis. Keep taking the paracetamol is all I can say.

    Anne - 14th February 2005 16:13 - #

  98. Last friday i noticed that the area around my jaw/ear was swelled slightly, thinking a night on the ale would cure this i went for a few pints after work as it was friday only to wake up Saturday morning with a hangover and a jaw like desperate dan! I was in so much pain i was nearly crying, sunday wasn't much better. Went to the doctors yeaterday to find out i have the dreaded mumps. I'm not too bad after pain killers even though my face swells up even more when i eat. I havent had any pain downstairs yet but if any of the lads on here have...At what point did you notice this? I'm absolutely shitting myself with the prospect of being sterile and i'm not too happy on the idea of my plums being the size of bowling balls.

    Sean - 15th February 2005 22:26 - #

  99. Sean, from what I can gather from my doctor and all the resources on the net, if your balls are going to swell it'll be a few days after when your face does. It isnt pleasant - I had the mumps a few weeks ago myself and noticed a dull ache "down there" about 4 days after my face swelled, which scared me shitless. But it never actually came to anything as nothing swelled and it went away. I have to say this is the worst part of the mumps - just being scared they're going to blow up to the size of volley balls!! I'd try not to worry too much as from what I can gather permanent sterility from mumps is actually quite rare contrary to what a lot of the public says. Anyway best of luck Sean! Hope it goes away soon!

    ditto - 16th February 2005 13:35 - #

  100. hey hampsters (sorry). Yes another case of the mumps. I had it at the end of jan. a week later swelling went and felt fine after for about a week. After that week another lump decided to come up on the other side of my face. ear was in a lot of pain but after a few days it has gone down a lot but you can still see i look like i have a double chin. Hopefully this should be gone soon and hope it doesnt repeat. Has anyone else had the same problem? Get well all :( }

    steven - 17th February 2005 16:17 - #

  101. Yet another older mumps sufferer, I'm 44. My youngest daughter had a friend for a sleepover at the beginning of Feb, her mum rang up to let me know on the Monday she had been sent home from school with Mumps, wanted to let me know as I have a teenage son. Well all my children were immunised and they were fine, but on the Thursday at work I went down with Mumps, fever, aching jaw, earache, swelling in my glands. I am now on my 3rd week of being signed off work, the damn Mumps won't go. Last week I seemed to pick up and went back to work for 1 day and spent the entire day feeling like I was going down with the damn Mumps all over again!!! Doctors have told me that because I'm an adult it will take me longer to get over it. Everyone else on here who has it has my sympathies, Mumps sucks!!!!

    Steph - 20th February 2005 20:38 - #

  102. Hi, all. yet another happy hamster!!! Got the teltale lump on Monday 21st Feb and just been swelling more and more til now (Friday). The lump is only on one side and hopefully it will stay that way. Like Sean I'm pretty worried about it spreading downstairs but, fingers crossed, all OK so far. Anyone have any thought on environmental factors that increase/decrease chance of it spreading there?, e.g. did those of you in which it didn't spread keep them warm/cool, full/emptied regularly (sorry ladies!) etc. Prob being over paranoid but surely these things may play some small role other than pure chance? Anyway, hope all you poor buggers get well soon, Alec

    Alec, Southampton - 25th February 2005 12:22 - #

  103. got it too, on my fourth day now. Just wondered if any of you felt the depression, when i first got it especially i felt so so low, but maybe that was just me! i dunno what i'm going to do for the next week, thats if it'll even be gone ithin the next week! Just wondering as well what you guys were eating all i can manage is soup,yoghurt and ice cream, anyone manage anything else? the worst is not seeing the boyfriend and the friends and missing loadsa wok at skool (a level) nd missing nights out and not being able to go to work, this has to be one of the most depressing illnesses. I thought the boughts of tonsilitus i get every four months were bad but mumps even beats that! oh well mums gone to get me some ice cream :) just hope everyone gets better soon because its horrible!

    samantha,leics - 26th February 2005 17:23 - #

  104. not meaning to worry you anne but the symptoms your son are suffering seem to be more than mumps i'd tell the doctor ll his symptoms again if i were you, just incase!

    jemma - 26th February 2005 17:26 - #

  105. Hey. Ive got the mumps at the moment. I was just cheking out this website to see how long I woul dbe swelling?!?! So far its day 4 but evrytime I wake up I seem to be gettin more swollen :S I hope i dont explode! does this happen to everyone? I hope i wont grow any bigger. I miss my boyfriend too :( not too bothered bout the school work!! hehe!

    Steph - 27th February 2005 17:18 - #

  106. I am from the US and am 18 M I know the mumps would be a pain in the butt, however because I plan to do lots of traveling in the next few years I am thinking it might be best to go ahead and get the mumps over and done with. I know I might sound nuts, however if anyone is willing to help me pull this off I would be willing to pay them for their trouble. Thanks in advance and hope someone reading this is willing to help.

    David - 28th February 2005 04:58 - #

  107. I forgot to add for those willing to help my email is ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com

    David - 28th February 2005 05:00 - #

  108. Steph, My face stopped swelling about 4/5 and is now starting to ease off and I think go down a little too (Monday - day 7). Your face certainly shouldn't carry on swelling and expode! David, it would not be advisable to seek to contract mumps. It can have serious side effects in adults, especially males, where in 1 in 4 cases a testicle becomes infected with the virus and swells and becomes very painfull. If it spreads to both testicles it can sometimes cause infertility. I would recommend you get immunised against the virus at the doctor, which is a much safer and less painfull way of going about it!!

    Alec, southampton - 28th February 2005 13:11 - #

  109. Alec, thanks for your concern I know the risk involved, and I know the MMR does not work nearly as well as they claim that it does. I do know that geting mumps natually will oprobably leave me immune for life and am ready to take the risk. If anyone is willing to help email me because I am serious about doing this.

    DAVID - 28th February 2005 15:24 - #

  110. day 6 of the mumps, and it was even bigger this morning, but i'm much happier now because i know the end is insight, it can only last another week maximum if i'm unlucky so i'm around half way there and gone through the worst of it! so i'm going to start planning that girly night out i;m going to have, and the reunion with the boyfriend , wahoo ;)

    samantha,leics - 28th February 2005 16:46 - #

  111. Hey me again! Is it just my mumps...or are all mumps ment to be solid? It feels like i have literal golf balls in my thoat i am so worried bout it. Is it meant to be hard?

    Steph - 28th February 2005 22:57 - #

  112. Well looks like am a new member.i caught the mumps on saturday past there.Well i know the symptoms only start to show within 10days of having them.am jaws r like golf balls an my throats get quiet sore and i tend to get pains in my balls alot but ive been checked by the doctor am=n at the minute everythings ok.

    kevin - 1st March 2005 15:20 - #

  113. Hi guys, WEll thank god i found this site! I got mumps this weekend (or started to swell then) and both sides of my face are affected. Its day 2 now. Its weird, i feel alright in myself, just a little tired. I too am worried about my jewells swelling up. Im paranoid that they will any time. Can you avoid it? Also, i was told after they swell they shrink to smaller than ever before and stay like it. Does anyone know if thats true? Anyway, i hope you all get well. Im told drink shit loads of water and it goes in a week or so. Arron - London

    Arron - 1st March 2005 21:43 - #

  114. well had it a week now and feeling better, my right cheek is still up but i'm not getting any pain from it, but my tonsils are pretty huge and making it hard to swallow, i'm just waiting to see if it spreads to the other side now!

    samantha,leics - 2nd March 2005 08:04 - #

  115. If anyone is willing to help me get the mumps feel free to email me at ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com or feel free to private message me. I know the risk and have stated my reasons for wanting to do this in an earlier message. Feel free to contact me at anytime because I am quite serious about this. I can also be contacted at lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com for those who use MSN messenger or prefer to not write to a yahoo address.

    DAVID - 2nd March 2005 17:24 - #

  116. Hi, I saw your sight thought I'd let you know that my husband has had the mumps three times. Turns out it's something to do with the saliva glands in his mouth. Now when he starts to swell he has to suck on lemon drops. But he isn't infectous any more. It's really weird because I've never had the mumps. Have a good time trying to find someone who can give them to you. It's pretty hard to get them from someone no matter what you do. Mary

    Mary Echelberger - 2nd March 2005 20:20 - #

  117. In Britain there used to be "mumps parties" for young children to get the mumps over with. My 3 oldest children had mumps when they were 3, nearly 2 and nearly 1 respectively (pureed christmas dinner all round) but the 2 youngest are still waiting and I am getting concerned that when they do get it they will get it harder because older. I don't believe swollen testicles occurs in boys pre-puberty. I hope the mother whose 17 year old obviously had it quite badly has some better news to report. For the rest of you, enjoy your convalescence and the enforced break from the frenetic world!

    Mari - 2nd March 2005 22:40 - #

  118. Mary, I was thinking someone could send me like a t-shirt or something they slept in while they were quite infectious, or something like that. I know this is not gonna be fun, but I do want to this over and done with. Anyone who is willing to help contact me as soon as you see this.

    DAVID - 3rd March 2005 01:10 - #

  119. David, You are mad. Since my last posting my right testicle has swollen to the size of a tennis ball and the pain is unbearable. If you are a guy, just get the vaccine. Mumps IS NOT something you want to go through - believe me!! Arron - London

    Arron - 3rd March 2005 12:42 - #

  120. I am going for the mmr vaccine today, tho i'm not too full of hope as some of you have had it and still got the dreaded hamster disease. I don't like needles either, but mumps sounds much MUCH worse. Its a bit of an epicdemic, its spreading around salford uni and other uni's like wildfire, surely there will soon be no one left to catch it?!? Thinking about just staying in my room away from everyone til it passes.... tho my boyfriend apparantly knows someone on his course who's housemate has got it, so chances are she has, he might and i could have. I'm doomed aren't I? Claire Salford

    claire - 3rd March 2005 13:27 - #

  121. Ive had it since saturday, started on my right side then went down, decided to move to my left side on monday and has pretty much gone down now except under my jaw where i feel like a bullfrog. No other swelling thank god! but i have been getting headaches and my eyes are really bloodshot. worth going back to the nurse? (its the 6th day now)

    Steve - 3rd March 2005 13:44 - #

  122. my dads got mumps (caught it off me) hahahahaha

    ben - 3rd March 2005 18:43 - #

  123. I am at Lincoln University and my symptoms started on Sunday with the feeling someone had smacked me in the mouth. Then Monday came and I noticed my right cheek had grown. I didn't let it bother me until I had a severe pain when trying to shovel coco pops in my mouth on the Tuesday morning. I saw the doctor 2day (Thursday) which shows how appauling the facilities are at this University! He didn't pescribe me anything, he just sent me off to have a blood test, for confirmation I had mumps. I hate needles, and the thought of having one stuck in my arm to confirm the inevitable I found hard to accept. Anyway since hearing the 'testicle' news I have immediatelly felt different in the downstairs department, I'm praying it is just psychological! I'm 5 days into what I have read is a 7 day swelling period, I just hope I've been through the worst! Best Wishes to all out their experiencing the same anxiety as I have felt!

    Dave - 3rd March 2005 20:36 - #

  124. Dave, again, from Lincoln University! I swear you only get sore 'balls' if you worry about it, since hearing the news it was a possibility all I've done is tense up round that region and prey, and I keep feeling shooting pains in my balls. I have religiously read every comment on this site wanting more information on these events. What are the warning signs? How many days into the Virus will you get these pains? Please, some poor sucker out there must have the answers. It might be painful memories, but please share! Thanx, Dave

    Dave - 3rd March 2005 21:40 - #

  125. Dave i know what you mean, everytime i think of the dreaded swelling down there, i swear they quake with fear! Apparently if it happens, you know about it. I saw the words "tennis ball" mentioned somewhere on here :S

    Steve - 4th March 2005 00:22 - #

  126. I am still very serious about wanting to get the mumps, and anyone who is willing to help email me ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com or feel free to instant message me. I am usually on messnger but go on as invisable so feel free to email or message me at any time.

    DAVID - 4th March 2005 18:57 - #

  127. right i'm writing as someone who's lived through mumps! i'm on day 9 now, on day 7 i could eat with minimal pain, day 8 the swelling went from my right hand side but today have woken up and the swelling is on the left hand side but its not that big and the pain is bearable. I also havn't got the fever with this side so all in all hoping to be back at college on monday after having been stuck in with no contact for around ten days! You start to feel much better from day 6 onwards and life becomes liveable again! Hope ur all gettin beta

    samantha,leics - 4th March 2005 19:34 - #

  128. Hi, bit of a mumps disaster - I have finals exams in 8 days (have had mumps now for 4 days) - will my fat face have subsided in time, and do you think I can sit exams (will I still be infectious??) Aaagghhhh. Nice being off uni, but this is really panicking me

    Sarah - 5th March 2005 16:07 - #

  129. ur not infectious afta day 7 nd at worst swellin shud go day 10 or 11 so all shud b gd (Y)

    sam - 5th March 2005 16:30 - #

  130. I got the mumps several years ago when I was in my 30's. It hurt so bad in my jaw that I was in tears. My boyfriend thought I was nuts. A trip to the doctor confirmed I had the mumps-he only had to walk in the room and take one look at me to tell me what I had. He gave me pills-pain pills i think- and the pain was gone within 15 minutes, but I was still sick. It's something I wouldnt wish on any enemies.

    paige - 5th March 2005 21:04 - #

  131. I got one or 2 people who might help me get the mumps. I am quite serious about doing this and if anyone wants to help contact me. I can be contacted at ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com or lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com feel free to instant message me at any time or to email me. I am usually invisable on yahoo but am usually online and I am off and on MSN all day.

    DAVID - 7th March 2005 00:13 - #

  132. Hi, i woke up sun morn, after a heavy nite out, lookin like a hamster.saw the doc sun morn, who afer shoutin at me 4 not havin a booster diagnosed mumps. Not such a gud look. Am at uni (wel had 2 come home) an missin a hel of a lot of work, and as if lifes not a bitch already its my birthday 2mrw. I dont feel sik, jus one side of my face is proper swollen, ne1 rekon im goin 2 feel more ill ova the next coupla days b4 i get beter? Or does the swellin get worse b4 it gets beter?cos i want 2 go bak 2 uni an celebrate a belated birthday b4 the weekend.n also how long am i/was i infected for, cos the lads livin next door (at uni) an my brothers here at home, r all shittin one. an iv bin locked in my room cos my mums not takin ne chances, so 2mrw i saw it all alone i my room singin happy birthday 2 my self............

    frankie - 7th March 2005 13:53 - #

  133. I am still trying to get this and I am quite serious anyone who wants to share thier mumps comtact me as soon as you can. I know the risk involved and really want to get and get over with my email is ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com or lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com also feel free to instant message me on yahoo or msn.

    DAVID - 7th March 2005 15:39 - #

  134. I am still trying to get this and I am quite serious anyone who wants to share thier mumps comtact me as soon as you can. I know the risk involved and really want to get and get over with my email is ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com or lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com also feel free to instant message me on yahoo or msn.

    DAVID - 7th March 2005 15:39 - #

  135. I am still trying to get this and I am quite serious anyone who wants to share thier mumps comtact me as soon as you can. I know the risk involved and really want to get and get over with my email is ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com or lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com also feel free to instant message me on yahoo or msn.

    DAVID - 7th March 2005 15:39 - #

  136. sorry about the triple post my damn computer froze up.

    David - 7th March 2005 15:41 - #

  137. This MUMPS.COM website is great, It appears that mumps is the 'in thing' I wish it wasn't, to get this 'rare childhood disease' (yeah, RIGHT!!!!!) at the age of 35 is not good. I'm expecting to get rickets next! I'm on day 6.5 from onset of symptoms - swelling of face gone down a bit, but still feeling crap. I'm going to the doc's tomorrow to get a sick note for a few more days. No sign of volleyballs as yet (Sweet Jesus, please watch over my cobblers). BIG TIP - try and get someone to give you edited highlights of only the GOOD!?!? facts about mumps you can find on the internet. Anyway, get well soon and best of luck to all (especially the blokes) P.S. I'm sure, when i was a student, daytime TV wasn't this soul destroying!

    RICHARD - 7th March 2005 16:07 - #

  138. my brother caught mumps at uni, and came home for half-term. now ive got it too! i feel terrible and have had it for 4 days, yet i only had today off school! my mum says ill be fine, but she doesn't know how ill i feel

    lauren - 7th March 2005 17:23 - #

  139. Hey i only just found this site, im in day 5 now of the swelling, its still getin bigger:( Im at uni in Leeds, i heard about the mumps breakout here but i couldnt get the injection for medical reasons. the bad thing is i live in a house of 8 lazy people and it wasnt till day 2 that they all went for injections. did they leave it too late? is it possible that people can be around you and not catch mumps? i was around my girlfriend for a good 4 days before and i even kissed her on day1:( im so worried about her, i would hate to think i gave it to her, she hasnt had her injection yet:( Learnt alot of stuff from this thread, so good to be part of an elite community like this:)

    Lee - 7th March 2005 19:08 - #

  140. Your contagious for about 6 days BEFORE you get any symptoms to about 7 AFTER your symptoms START. The annoying thing is this virus can incubate for between 14 and 25 days - which means, sadly your poor girlfriend wont find out if she will get it for some time. Although 1 in 3 people dont show any symptoms atall - and the severity varies from person to person. As for how long it will last - differs with every person - just be prepared to take two weeks off. Its really frustrating being in and watching nothing but tripe on TV while you wait for the swelling to go away - I know I had it over a month ago! Rest up, take paracetemol and drink loads and loads of water. Get well soon everyone whose got it.

    Ditto - 7th March 2005 21:44 - #

  141. Your contagious for about 6 days BEFORE you get any symptoms to about 7 AFTER your symptoms START. The annoying thing is this virus can incubate for between 14 and 25 days - which means, sadly your poor girlfriend wont find out if she will get it for some time. Although 1 in 3 people dont show any symptoms atall - and the severity varies from person to person. As for how long it will last - differs with every person - just be prepared to take two weeks off. Its really frustrating being in and watching nothing but tripe on TV while you wait for the swelling to go away - I know I had it over a month ago! Rest up, take paracetemol and drink loads and loads of water. Get well soon everyone whose got it.

    Ditto - 7th March 2005 21:45 - #

  142. Hi its me again! The student from Lincoln Uni. Day 8 and the swelling is beginning to come down, however I have a feeling it may be about to start up on the other cheek! I hate the hamster look, i swear everyone notices, even from 10 feet away! I got university work to do and got a job placement to be finding, but its not helpful when your told to stay away from University! Today was the first day I've eaten without pain killers, so I am certainly on the mend on one side of my face! I kissed a girl about 20 days before the symptoms started, Would it be rude to ask her if she's ever had mumps?

    Dave - 7th March 2005 22:34 - #

  143. Hi i all thing u shud help dave out he reali need to get mumps other wise it will ruin his trip plz email him thnx love yall peace out homies Catch ya on da flip side xx

    Matt - 7th March 2005 23:12 - #

  144. Matt I am glad you understand my situation I am very much allergic to the MMR and have been told it probably would be best to get a natural case of the illness. I am going to be traveling towards the end of april and would rather have the mumps now rather than later. A case of the mumps during my trip would ruin my much needed rest and relaxation. I know all the risk and am ready to do it if someone is willing to help me get the mumps.

    DAVID - 7th March 2005 23:18 - #

  145. DAVID mate! Just go on your trip and don't let it worry you! Its abit of a kick in the teeth, when I am praying for my chipmunk features to fade away so I can start living life again, and theres you praying for it! I would gladly trade places as I'm sure thousands alike would! You don't appreciate good health until you get ill! So start appreciating it and go on your holiday! Dave (not to be confused with DAVID)

    Dave - 7th March 2005 23:30 - #

  146. Dave, I hope you feel better, and am sorry you are sick-----however I really want to do this and know the risk and know it is gonna suck I am not stupid, and I am not going to change my mind about doing this. If anyone wants to help me do this feel free to contact me at anytime either in email or instant message lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com or ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com I know the risk and I know what to expect so all I need now is a person to give me the damn mumps :D I would MUCH rather have it now than before my hard earned and much deserved trip so I don't have to worry about being immune, and I will be very greatful to whoever decides to help me contract the mumps.

    DAVID - 7th March 2005 23:49 - #

  147. Well the mumps have reached Bradford!

    Woke up on Friday with an ear ache, but got told by my doctor it was just cus I'd had tonsillitis(which I had the week before(well I presume it was that!!)). So went to work anyway! Then woke up next day with an even more painfull ear and a huge swollen right cheek, but got told once again it was just another side affect of tonsillitis(cheers doc!). So once again went to work. Then heard about mumps goin round so went to see another doctor to finally get it confirmed. Mumps is wank!

    Oh and by the way I work in a night club in the west end of Bradford so if you went out this weekend just and got served by myself, you probably got a nice side order of mumps too(and I know a few girls definetly got it!hahah!!)!!!

    Dean - 8th March 2005 00:55 - #

  148. Does anyone know how long the testicular pain lasts? Ive had a huge swollen ball for about 2 or 3 days now and its probably the worst illness ive ever encounterd! My doctor said a "few days" but im scared theyre gonna be like it for ages!

    stephen - 8th March 2005 10:45 - #

  149. Hi Stephen, I have so much sympathy for you at this moment! I'm afraid I don't have the knowledge you were hoping for, however I am very interested at what stage of mumps you got these pains in your balls? How long after your cheek swelled? Thanx for your help! Dave

    Dave - 8th March 2005 11:46 - #

  150. it was just over a week after i initially got the cheek swelling. i thought i was better at that point! im just hoping it only affects one of them!

    Stephen - 8th March 2005 12:01 - #

  151. Stephen man thats worried me now, im on day 6 and my swelling is going down a tad and i feel fine, very little pain. saying that tho my balls are well heavy now and i know they are starting to swell. im now expecting to be in your kind of pain on day 8:( also does anyone know if its bad for mumps if you are smoking with it? it feels kinda painful but i kinda need to do it:)

    lee - 8th March 2005 13:04 - #

  152. You reckon if you got the more serious side effects of this you could sue the NHS for not letting you catch it at a younger age when its not serious??

    Dean - 8th March 2005 16:19 - #

  153. Hi, i was meant to be going travelling for 4 months on the 4th march but the day before i was due to leave i woke up with a massive swelling on my right side of my jaw/neck. Went to the hospital and the doctor told me i wouldnt beable to fly for at least 5 days! since then both sides of my face have swollen up and i look massive! I praying my swelling will go down soon so i can get on my way but it is sooooo painful every morning and the only way i can avoid looking like a freak is to wear a scarf really high up which my sister seems to think i may get confused with someone form al queda when i wear it like that! haha! Anyway if anyone has any tips on how to reduce swelling they will be appreciated, Sarah, Bradford

    Sarah - 8th March 2005 16:59 - #

  154. I am quite worried.I woke up on suday with a banging headache- only had 2 pints the night before. i was confused. woke up monday morning still had a headache whenever i moved my eyes or head! anyway this morning i woke up and i can feel a slight lump directly under my ear. its not too sore but i can feel it there and i can feel it when im opening my mouth especially. anyone else had this? i havent had a fever yet but i got the mmr a week ago. is it mumps? get well soon everone ill probably be joining the mumps crew tomorrow!

    Michael J - 8th March 2005 17:08 - #

  155. Any of you guys on the list willing to help me catch the mumps I have not had it yet and am still wanting to do this contact me ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com orlil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com I am quite ready to do this and just wanna get it over and done with. I am online right now if anyone wants to contact me.

    DAVID - 8th March 2005 17:13 - #

  156. that should of been lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com LOL

    DAVID - 8th March 2005 17:14 - #

  157. I mentioned this earlier but I will mention it again I am willing to compensate ($$$$) whoever actually helps me catch the mumps. I am online quite a bit and my email has been posted so feel free to contact me via email or messenger If I am not online I will get back to you quite quickly. Iam sure the cash will come in handy for those who have missed work due to illness.

    DAVID - 9th March 2005 04:14 - #

  158. If u know anything that cn help my mate David get mumps then let him know because it makes sense to have it earlier on in your life than later on. He means he will pay as well. Thanks

    AD - 9th March 2005 23:08 - #

  159. Quite why anyone would want a giant testicle for a week is beyond me. ITS NOT FUN

    Stephen - 10th March 2005 14:07 - #

  160. Stephen, I am quite aware of all of the risk and still want to do this. I hope someone gets back to me and is willing to help because really I want to get it now before my trip, however if need be I will get it over with during my trip. ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com or lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com I am online now if you wanna contact me.

    DAVID - 10th March 2005 17:07 - #

  161. Hey im on day 8 of the mumps, all swelling has gone down now:) however my right testicle has got a tad bigger and has been hurting now for 3 days, just waiting for it to blow up like stephen's. Not looking forward to it, i feel better but know its gunna take me at least another week. hell at least im pretty again. And David will you leave it, no ones gunna help you cos its stupid, its a dangerous virus with some people, no one would want it on their conscience.

    lee - 10th March 2005 19:29 - #

  162. Lee's right David - my friend got viral meningitis from the mumps - although a rare complication in CHILDREN - its less rare the older you are. He had to be hospitalised and was in a very serious condition. Please reconsider trying to catch the mumps - the cons far far far out weigh the pros.

    WOah - 10th March 2005 20:07 - #

  163. Well I have had a few replies of people who possibly will help me do this. We shall see if it works or not. I know all of the risk and I am going to continue trying until I do find a person to help me with this. Email me if you want to help my email is posted in other replies.

    DAVID - 12th March 2005 02:22 - #

  164. FUCK THE MUMPS. I DONT THINK I HAVE EVER BEEN MORE DEPRESSED OR SORE IN MY WHOLE FUCKING LIFE. FUCK IT ALL AND FUCK UNIVERSITY FOR GIVING IT TO ME. sorry for my language but i am so pissed off and i need somwere to vent my anger. chris 18.

    chris kelly - 13th March 2005 16:01 - #

  165. and to anyone thinking about helping david, knowingly passing on a disease, tahts right - mumps is a disease!, onto another person is a criminal offence the harshness of which depends on the symptoms the recipient aquires. what he wants mumps for is beyond me-chances are you wont even get it at any point of ure life.

    chris - 13th March 2005 16:08 - #

  166. day 12 of the mumps, my face has gone down but theres only one problem, for the last 6 days my testicles have been swollen but not very ,much. The problem is they refuse to go down or swell up more, so im kinda in a nasty limbo waiting for lots of pain to start. Having the mumps is a real pain in the bollocks:)

    lee - 14th March 2005 16:11 - #

  167. day 14 0f the mumps, not been many people posting, does that mean you are all better? lucky gits. well since my last msg my right testicle has swollen up to the size of a very big egg,i believe that not only will i have another 5 days to a week of this but my left testicle will soon follow. now in lots of pain, hard to walk, nearly black out in the mornings and fever is back. My testicles have now been swollen for 8 days, but it is only in the last 3 days that any more swelling happened, mumps just doesnt want to leave me alone. will msg in a few days, hope people find good info in these msgs.

    lee - 16th March 2005 18:57 - #

  168. left cheek just swollen up, got it off some tramp of a bird ata results party, bitch,probably miss my 18th bday party, totally gutted, if my bollocks swell up i'll go fuckin mad

    paul - 17th March 2005 17:21 - #

  169. day 16 of the mumps, this must be turning into some record, im 16 days into the mumps and in more pain than ever before, doctor told me today that it would be at least another week before my testicle stops being swollen and even then it may still hurt for a week or so, and not only that but if my other testicle swells, which it looks like doing i could be in this condition for up to 2 weeks. someone shoot me.And PAUL, some advice, when your swelling goes down dont drink any alcohol for at least a week, mumps seems to get set off by it.

    lee - 18th March 2005 10:35 - #

  170. Got mumps on Tuesday mornin (15th March) .. even tho i didnt no it was that until wednesday mornin wen one half of my face was swollen. Cant eat which is really annoyin me, I can drink orange without any pain. Ive been to the doctors and they said its either bacterial infection or mumps. But theres only one side of my face thats swollen. Im really upset about this, since me not bein able to eat will effect me deeply. Someone said water, Ill get some iburofen 2moro and hopefully be cured for next week.

    James - 18th March 2005 17:54 - #

  171. Respected Sir, It is informe you that i have a petient which have a some peroblem in case of Infertility.So he wan't to come in ur country then i did search on net,i m find your webside.He shell apply then i will give hime your clinic's addres.Please just u send answer that what you can do 4 us 4 that petient.Please send me an Email on my Email ( campexcap@yahoo.com )

    Dr.waqar ali malik - 18th March 2005 19:28 - #

  172. Respected Sir, It is informe you that i have a petient which have a some peroblem in case of Infertility.So he wan't to come in ur country then i did search on net,i m find your webside.He shell apply then i will give hime your clinic's addres.Please just u send answer that what you can do 4 us 4 that petient.Please send me an Email on my Email ( campexcap@yahoo.com )

    Dr.waqar ali malik - 18th March 2005 19:31 - #

  173. ive just been in hospital for 2 days, there was talk of keeping me in for a week and draining my testicle, decided to feign feeling better to get out of it. Im now on very strong pain killers, not much pain but the drugs are making me feel sick. DAY 18 of the mumps.

    lee - 20th March 2005 10:18 - #

  174. Sounds really bad Lee, mine stopped hurting after about 5 days and went down fully a few days later, feel a lot better now, hang in there man!

    Stephen - 20th March 2005 11:15 - #

  175. Well WHERE DO I START?!! Started feeling shitty on tuesdasy night and come out in some super sick RASH from head to toe, couldnt sleep till my nurofen had kicked in to stop the FACE ACHE, braved work with the help of nurofen on the wednesday booked in dr's for friday morn. When the nurofen had worn off and i had to have paracetomol instead i knew about it! By thursday looked like shrek so went to open surgery doctor said I had mumps, i cried my eyes out thinking that it would make my bfriend sterile but after reasearch have realised that this is unlikely. Apart from the first few days when I felt shitty without nurofen i feel absolutely fine apart from looking like shallow hal and growing considerably every day. When i walk up the stairs I can feel my face JIGGLE, think the other side is coming up now too! The worst part of the mumps for me has been SITTING IN ON A FRIDAY NIGHT while my friends had a party I cried, a lot!! I know it sounds bad but to be honest I wish I felt shittier cos then sitting in wouldnt be so bad! To make matters worse my dad iS over from australia I havent seen him for a year and wont for another and I am confined to the house for god knows how much longer!! The only question I have is HOW LONG i am contagious for cos the Dr only give me a sick note for a week and some websites say u r contagious till the swelling goes and others say after day 5 of the swelling you are not infectious, will end up topping myself if i have to spend another friday night sitting in on my lonesome!! Must say that reading this website has made me feel lots better or is it just cos the weekend is over? Anyway condolenses to fellow mumpers if i find out who has give it me I will rip their fuckin heads off! PS will soembody give fucking David mumps!!!! David the likeliness of you contracting mumps on your trip is so minute you are being so paranoid just leave it am tempted to give it you just to shut you up no offence mate!! How much money are we betting that David will post another message after me putting this on leaving his email addresses and saying he knows the risks?! MUMPS ARE THE SHITTEST THING ON THE EARTH. LONG LIVE PRINCESS FIONA, NOT!

    Alana - 20th March 2005 14:16 - #

  176. I have made the choice to get them and get them over with, and one way or another I will get them. People may not like my choice but thats OK and if this is really as dreadful as some say then perhaps best to help me and let me find out on my own that I am wrong. My email is in other threads and I am prepared for total hell if I get this, I am not stupid I understand that I am possibly going to be quite sick. As for Alana's post pretty much betting I would post my email address again as you can se there is no email address in this posting LOL

    DAVID - 20th March 2005 18:44 - #

  177. Am on day 6 now, and the second side is working its way up, is the second side QUICKER than the first? Or just the same, PLEASE WILL SOMEBODY LET ME KNOW, I cant take much more of this its driving me INSANE!! Thanks

    Shallow Hal - 21st March 2005 18:48 - #

  178. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE CAN SOMEBODY ANSWER MY ABOVE EMAIL. IM MORE DESPERATE THAN DAVID!!!! THANKS

    Shallow Hal - 21st March 2005 19:15 - #

  179. Hal, perhaps you would be willing to help me out? email me.

    DAVID - 21st March 2005 19:45 - #

  180. ok im guessing you are on day 7 now, from my experience the 2nd side is abit quicker to go up and defo quicker to go down. if you have no improvement today i would say you will have the swelling for 9 or 10 days. you should start getin better any time now so dont worry too much. AND DAVID CAN I JUST SAY THAT YOU SPAMMING THE BOARD WITH YOUR REQUESTS ALL THE TIME IS DRIVING PEOPLE AWAY.

    Lee - 22nd March 2005 10:31 - #

  181. Thanks for replying, after yesterday I had the worst night ever with it. I got my first fever from it last night and then woke up at 3am this morning with a pain that I cant even begin to dsecribe coming from the golf ball that is my neck, I cried and rocked back and forth for about 30 mins until the nurofen kicked in and I fell back 2 sleep, still incredibly painful but bearable with the best creation to man, NUROFEN! How long did it take for urs from start to finish Lee? When do u suppose I will have a normal head again? Bearing in mind the 1st side looks to be going down and I give the second side only 1 more day till it reaches maximum BOMB head look?So say Thursday they both start going down how long will it take? Thanks again for replying! :( AND DAVID GET A FUCKIN LIFE!

    Shallow Hal - 22nd March 2005 10:48 - #

  182. Well im still on day 20 of the mumps. had a few problems and stuff. I think by friday no one will be able to tell you've had the mumps.The gland swelling goes down quite fast once it start, 3 days max i would say. I cant tell if you are a guy or girl but if you are a guy start keeping an eye on your balls. Mine didnt swell up till day 12 but there were warning signs from day 7 onwards. And dont worry too much about the fever, its a bitch but its doing you some good. Nothing i can say about the pain, it hurts like hell and will for a while, even on day 20 i get the occasional twitch of it.

    Lee - 22nd March 2005 16:20 - #

  183. Still in the most excrutiating pain I have evr felt in my life, I woke up again at 3am and had some nurofen, which are no longer working v.well, seems that now if i so much as have a mouthful of water or put anything in my mouth I end up writhing in pain for about 20 mins untill the painkillers take effect. I ended up pinching my leg as hard as I could for about 15 mins last nite to take the focus off the pain in my face!! Phoned the Dr this morning she has prescribed me some stronger painkiller said they will make me quite dopey, but that sounds good to me!! I hope the gland swelling does go down as quick as you say, although my first side still semms v.v. fat but not sore? 20 days, that must be horrible!!! Are you nearing the end yet??

    Shallow Hal - 23rd March 2005 10:03 - #

  184. My stepdaughter was diagnosed with mumps on Monday 21st, although we have not seen her in months her brother comes over every fortnight and is due this weekend to spend Easter weekend with us. I am 6 months pregnant and it is hard enough without having to cope with the mumps as well. My stepsons Dr has told his mother that if he showed no sign by this morning then he is clear, but we dont want to take the risk. My midwife said for the sake of a few days don't take the chance by the time he is due back over he will definately be in the clear. Am I being a bit too paranoid? Trying to explain to a 13 year old that Dr's can get it wrong some times and that we dont wish to take the risk so he cant come over this weekend when all he wants to do is spend time with his dad is very hard.

    maurina Harrison - 23rd March 2005 14:02 - #

  185. All i can say to that Maurina is that mumps can be in your system for up to 25 days before it comes out, you cant really predict it at all. I wouldnt risk it myself although i dont know how harmful mumps is to unborn babies, i know its not too bad with new born babies in the rare cases that they get it. Im on day 22 now, feeling alot better, no more pain killers for me, should be ok in a couple of days. However woke up today and my girlfriend was sporting the hamster look, shes gone to the doctor and i would say shes not best pleased with me for giving her the mumps:( And Shallow Hal i bet you are feeling abit better today?

    Lee - 24th March 2005 11:20 - #

  186. Yeah, I am thank god!!! Was sick this mrning though but i think that had something to do with not eating anything and taking painkillers cos just threw up some yellow liquid stuff, think it was just the tablets. After that I force fed myself some weetabix still felt a bit sick but have now managed to eat a bacon butty, took me about 40 mins but I did it!! So am feeling on the mend!! Still v. fat on my second side but skin feels a little looser and the 1st side is def going down, have not had any painkillers today either!!! Maurina I dont think your being paranoid at all, after the pain I have been through the past few days, I could not even begin to imagine being pregnant on top of that. You are not being selfish just protective as any soon to be mother would be, you are going to need to put your foot down, no matter how mean u feel doing it. I am waiting for my boyfriend to sport the hamster look in the next fortnight and probably my sister too but I will feel so very very bad if I give it them knowing how painful it has been for me!! How is your girlfriend feeling?

    Shallow Hal - 24th March 2005 12:20 - #

  187. I came down with the hamster look on saturday and im now on day six with no sign of it reducing- beginning to panick that im going to stay like this forever!!! good news is the pain is reducing and im feeling alot better, just this bloomin swelling!! And feeling so guilty that I may have given it to my boyfriend!!

    Jeni - 24th March 2005 13:50 - #

  188. Thanks for your comments. The next time my stepson is due over isnâ??t till 9th April that will be 26 days since the last time we saw him. Hopefully that will be enough time for the virus to show if he was to get it. I know there is still a chance of him catching it when he goes back to school but I cant expect him to stay away indefinitely, but for the moment im not going to put myself in the line of fire. I wonder if it is possible for someone to be a mumps carrier but not actually get them?

    Maurina - 24th March 2005 13:54 - #

  189. Maurina, The answer to your question at the end of your statement is yes it is. Someone who has already had mumps or someone who has already had the MMR jab, can get mumps but just carry it and not get it themselves like we have had it. Ive just recovered from it now. (Day 9). The people who cant get it, but can carry it can be around someone who hasnt had any mumps before or jab, and pass it to them.

    James - 24th March 2005 15:07 - #

  190. Still looking for someone to help me get the mumps email me if you can help me get it, or know a person who can.

    DAVID - 24th March 2005 16:09 - #

  191. Maurina, According to other factual mumps websites one third of people who have mumps dont show any symptoms, jammy b*****ds! Dont know how true it is but most websites seem to share this fact. Jenni I felt the same am on day 9 now and my face is only just starting to go down, I've got my fingers crossed it will be totally down for Saturday, (as i've heard it goes down pretty quick once it starts)I've forgot what having a normal shaped head looks like!! DAVID I HOPE U DO GET MUMPS AND WHEN YOU DO I HOPE U GET IT IN BOTH BALLS AFTER HAVING IT IN YOUR FACE FOR 2 WEEKS AND EXPERIENCING THE WORST PAIN THAT U HAVE EVR FELT IN UR LIFE, IT WILL SERVE U RIGHT, COS I ASWELL AS EVERY OTHER PERSON SUFFERING ON THIS WEBSITE AM SICK OF U MITHERING FOR SOMETHING THAT HAS FOR THE PAST HOWEVER LONG BEEN THE GREATEST CAUSE OF PAIN, DISCOMFORT AND UNHAPPINESS. OH AND DONT LOOK FOR ANY SYMPATHY ON HERE ONCE U DO GET IT, COS NO1 WILL WANT TO KNOW!!

    Shallow Hal - 24th March 2005 18:15 - #

  192. I had the MMR jab when i was 4, i'm now 20. My mumps symptoms started on Wednesday (March 23 2005) and it has only gotten worse since then. I've been to the doctors and the hospital but they basically told me to hang on, ride the wave and take plenty of pain killers. My face resembles that of Fred Elliot from Corronation Street and the pain is unbelievable, especially after eating food. Even simple things like brushing my teeth can leave me in absolute agony. The 2 veg seem fine (for now) and i've been let off lightly in regards to fevers and loss of appetite, however i think the swelling and the excruciating pain have more than made up for that. I've done my research on mumps with none of the information really being of any help to my painful situation, although through that i did find this website, all i can say is its comforting to know im not going through this alone at the moment. I wish all those who have wrote in, who have the mumps virus, a speedy recovery.

    Wayne - 27th March 2005 20:27 - #

  193. on my easter holidays with the mumps!!! aaaaaaaaaah!! cant believe it my mate at scool gav me it wen i get her ill kill her, woke up on thursday witha wee bit o swelling took no notice went out but cudnt eat, woke up on friday right side of face swollen only, went 2 docs said it might be throat in fection dont believe him so stoppped takin antibiotics, saturday swelling starting 2 show on left side, sunday swelling MASSIVE on both sides, monday now. Pain was really shitty and unbearable 1st few days but is starting to calm down and hav only had 2 take 2 paracetamol 2day!! ye ha!! hopefully it will go away soon cuz i wana enjoy me easter hols!! my advice is 1. if ur gna eat do it about 10 mins after takin 2 paraceyamol 2. whatever you do dont drink anything citrusy eg orange juice trid 2 drink it on friday near died with the pain!! 3. take either paracetamol or sleeping tablets b4 bed they WILL help you sleep 4. keep a glass of water with you at all times (especially at night) 5. infect nebody who seems 2 think your new found hamster look is funny!!! lol if anybody nos wen i should expect the swelling to go please inform me on Leah482@hotmail.com and p.s david trust me u DONT want the mumps!!

    leah - 28th March 2005 13:21 - #

  194. Hello my name is Nick and I want to meet a person with the mumps.Contact me at my English manor in London or we could meet in neatraul territory it really doesn't matter.

    Nick - 29th March 2005 09:47 - #

  195. Hello it's me again i'm deeply sorry for not adding my email here it is try to contact me.sir_nick@sbcglobal.net

    Nick - 29th March 2005 09:51 - #

  196. spot the pedo. dude pick up kids in chat rooms not on this board.

    WTF - 29th March 2005 13:00 - #

  197. kinda spelt neutral wrong dude

    kirsty - 29th March 2005 19:31 - #

  198. About 6 weeks ago, my friend came in- and he had been with someone who had just got mumps. Today the left side of my neck is swollen but not much pain. I'm hoping its not mumps. I had it as a child and at 46 I could well do without it. And I hope its gone [whatever it is] by May 1st, as I am going away. Best of luck to all of you.

    Pamlj - 29th March 2005 22:25 - #

  199. My Fiance has just got mumps. Luckily, I had mumps when I was young (however, redding above it seems that some people have had it twice!!). My question is can I still carry the disease and pass it to other people? John

    John - 3rd April 2005 10:27 - #

  200. I was diagnosed with mumps on saturday. On the friday i went to see my friends week old son as i did not realise at that stage i had mumps. I am very worried that i haev passed it onto him. I have spoken to his mum and she is also worried. The midwife has told her that it is unlikely (though not impossible) that baby will get it, it is less likely if mum has already had it or been immunised against it. Does anyone know how likley it is that a newborn will pick it up and what the implications are if he does? Laura

    Laura - 3rd April 2005 15:19 - #

  201. I dont know why ive got mumps. its my 27th birthday on thursday. people cant understand why ive got it and say that i shoudl have been immunised as a child or i should have had the disease as a child. Anyway im on day 3 and this mornings pain was quite bad. is there worse to come? thanks Jess

    Jess - 3rd April 2005 15:47 - #

  202. still trying to catch the mumps if anyone is willing to help email me. I am serious in wanting to do this.

    DAVID - 4th April 2005 04:18 - #

  203. I went to see the doctor on friday after getting a swelling on thursday, i have a golf ball sized lump on either side (FATHEAD), but luckily i can eat things that dont stimulate the saliva glands (wonder why soup hurts? thats why) Anyway, I also have a host of other symptoms but all mild, got scared by some testicle ache the other day, but no swelling so hopefully I'm clear. hopefully I haven't given this to my girlfriend, or she will eviscerate me. ps does it seem to anyone else that the MMR jab doesnt work that well?

    Ben - 4th April 2005 14:08 - #

  204. David, get a life, you dont want mumps! i was up all night in agony and it is not a laughing matter. Mumps can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, pancreatis and can cause infertility in men. So either get vaccinated or keep your distance you looser.

    Laura - 4th April 2005 14:18 - #

  205. Ben, you are right the MMR does NOT work very well, in fact it often delays getting the mumps (and measles) rather than preventing it and is filled with many not so nice toxins such as mercury just to name one of them. The best thing anyone can do is take thier lumps and get it over and done with at a young age provided they are in reasonably good health. I find it interesting there are those on this board who trash me for making an informed choice to go ahead and get the mumps over with are really stretching it when they say I could end up shooting blanks the rest of my life, yet my balls could swell but very very rarely leads to problems having children-----before people judge me they need to look at all sides of the issue and realize 3 things A) I can not take the MMR dude a very serious allergy to eggs ( the MMR is grown on eggs) B) I am in damn good health, and have done my research on what the risk of getting the disease naturaly at a reasonably young age versus waiting and risking it an older age. C) even the propaganda the drug manufacturer spews forth says that the risk of a healthy person getting the mumps is almost never serious---true I could end up with swollen balls but I am much more prepared for that very healthy age 18 than age f#cking 40. I am going to continue my search until someone helps me with this, I am a very smart adult and have every right to make an informed choice about my health.

    DAVID - 4th April 2005 20:11 - #

  206. Sorry, if my last post seems rather bitchy and was quickly thrown together but I am sick of people who don't even know me pretending they know what is best for me, or my health.

    DAVID - 4th April 2005 20:14 - #

  207. Mumps has hit my town i call home! Think i have caught it considering all my mates have it too!! The gland below my right ear is swollen inside and a little sore, but no hamster swelling yet, and i dont feel too ill within myself! Could this be the DREADED mumps????

    Leasay - 5th April 2005 07:46 - #

  208. hey every one .. i have had the mumps since friday and its rli hurtin .. iv been missin lots and lots of things with my friends and i cnt wait any longer to get out of this house .. i wil reli go mad if my face dosen go bak 2 normal and does any one now if the swelling can stay permanently cuz if it does i will go mad i reli need to get out again so plz sumone help me thx

    amanda - 5th April 2005 13:35 - #

  209. David, i completely sympathise and want to help you. I have just emailed the mumps virus to you as an attachement. You just need to download it and save to something like a memory stick or a disk. When its saved you need to insert it somewhere into your body (apparently the ear works best with a memory stick but if you only have a disk you need to find somewhere more moist). Then count to 300 whilst swirling it around and with a bit of luck you should have the virus. When you start to feel rough and your face and balls swell, come back on this forum and we'll have a chat. Good luck, Jess. xx

    Jess - 5th April 2005 16:45 - #

  210. Jess, that is NOT funny considering some twit tried to send me a virus on my computer LOL seriously if somone is willing to help me with this get in contact.

    DAVID - 5th April 2005 19:11 - #

  211. Hi I am 31 years old and have just been diagnosed as having MUMPS. Amazingley apart from ear-ache and a slightly swollen jaw I do not feel ill. I thought this illness was supposed to only hit teenagers between a certain age? Oh well, David are you sure you want to get mumps or perhaps an excuse to get a snog????

    Lisa - 6th April 2005 19:32 - #

  212. hi, I'm a fellow hamster...for some reason i feel shocking in the mornings, maybe because i'm not high on painkillers....it started with a wee pain on my left side, and now that side is pretty swollen, right side is fine...bit worried about more sensitive areas that have so far escaped...am in day 4 now, hopefully I have seen the worst of it???! anyway, at least i'll feel handsome for a while when my fat face calms down:) i'm at uni too, i think mumps is staging a pretty impressive comeback...and I have had the MMR twice, and mumps when i was little, and never usually get ill....I kind of respect the mumps for nailing me so impressively. pity I have exams next week! hope you all get well soon, feeling your pain gang monty PS is anyone else finding most food tastes pretty shit? and anyone else get the giggles after a shitload of painkillers?! :)

    monty - 6th April 2005 20:33 - #

  213. Lisa, I am very much sure I want to do this, if you know anyone willing to help me gett them contact me. lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com

    DAVID - 7th April 2005 00:44 - #

  214. hi i on sunday night i had a pain in the side of my face jus under my ear, monday woke up lookn like a hamster, how long will it last, the funny thing is tho all use say it hurts you i forget its there tilll i look in the mirror, i can eat and everything, one side is bigger than the other now but i think they are coming down, how long am i contagious for? and wen will the swelln go down?

    danny - 7th April 2005 09:45 - #

  215. DAVID, ure a spanner. Why would someone really want the mumps virus. I had it just b4 xmas after contracting in a Bristol pub. if u really want it that badly, y not come over to Bristol (especially the fishponds area) where myself and about 10ppl i know have caught it. I got it in the pub i work at where one of my mates with the lurgy came in. Confident that i thought i would not get it, 2weeks later i fell ill. So come to Bristol!! Bath is supposed to be pretty good too. My personal advice though, is screw the mumps and get the MMR jab!!! Simple!! Get well soon those ppl who have the lurgy!!!! I found an ibuprofen with a paracetamol and water 4 times a day worked wonders!!! chris

    chris - 7th April 2005 15:01 - #

  216. My son (3) had the MMR at the required time/age, yet he's just come down with MUMPS!? So now I have the worry, if the MMR jab failed to protect him from MUMPS is he protected from measles and rubella?

    Derek - 8th April 2005 00:26 - #

  217. i think i have just got mumps and am not happy! what are the chances of the mumps going down stairs??? i need to know, its like a waiting game! someone please reply.

    milo - 8th April 2005 10:01 - #

  218. Hiya, I am a fellow hamster girl! Came down with mumps 2wks after socialising with people from Bournemouth uni!I am 21yr old actress who is very very bored after having to take the week off working with a touring theatre company. I have been swollen since last friday and still look like a hamster so does anyone actually know how long this lasts for?Crazy thing is i had an mmr boaster at xmas! Would love to hear from anyother hamster

    Alexandra - 8th April 2005 12:39 - #

  219. hey alexandra... i think it varies but after a week you should be on the road to recovery apparently. drink loads of water, and i tried to eat really healthily and took vitamin pills too, touch wood my hamster features are receding...man, i look pretty ugly...depending on my mood i laugh or get depressed when i look in the mirror! hope you all start feelin better soon...it's bloody boring and frustrating more than anything else eh jamesx

    james - 8th April 2005 22:50 - #

  220. how can other people catch it off u can they catch it by just been next to them or hugging them? my swelln has almost gon now, how much longer will i be contagious, i got the hamster look on monday, please reply

    danny - 8th April 2005 22:55 - #

  221. Cannot believe the amount of people who have mumps! Had mumps now for over a week but not had major swelling around faace. Just slight swelling and moderate aching pains round face and armpit one side. But today have started getting dull ache downstairs! No swelling but just feels uncomfortable. I am nervous but I think this is making it worse as it may not be anything. Does anyone know how quickly it will swell up if it will at all? When am I out of the woods? Will I know about it or is it normally moderate swelling only?

    jamie - 9th April 2005 11:36 - #

  222. My face has started to deflate after 7 days of this curse known as the mumps. Looking forward to resuming a normal life within the next day or two but oh no, my right bollock begins to ache! My worst nightmare is coming true! I want to have kids when I grow up, why me? WHY ME!?

    Robbie - 9th April 2005 20:43 - #

  223. hey i'm only in day 3 of this mumps shite, my left bollock too is not hurting but its starting to feel weird, the last thing i want is for it to swell up, i've heard a fruit diet is good for recovery. eat fruit and drink loads!

    milo - 10th April 2005 12:32 - #

  224. Hey fellow mumpers!! iv clearly joined the mump brigade and cloned the very sexy and yet attractive feactures of the "hamster look"! I am not a happy bunny, or hamster should i say! and have had mumps for th past week and although iv been on my death bed for most of the time, lapping up all th sympathy! (they'll never no i milked it!! hehe) iv started showing signs of recovery, but these bloody lumps wont go down! i was just wonderin if anyone knows how long it takes roughly for the swelling to go? Iv already missed one wkend out on th town (tragedy!!) i really cannot miss it again! im on the 7th day of having it and noticed most people started to get back to normal at this stage, so thumbsb up hopefully il b on th mend soon!! il write back in soon and try and give some advice to the "new recruits"!! Natalie

    Natalie - 10th April 2005 17:00 - #

  225. Hello again! Hey james thanks for writing back! My swelling as practically gone down but I am still slightly lopsided! And god do I not want that again. Go back to work tomz and feel a hundred times better for resting so that would be my best advice to anyother hamsters. James let me know how you get on!x

    Alexandra - 10th April 2005 17:08 - #

  226. Hey hamsters. Starting getting symptoms yesterday 10/04/05, just a bad pain in my lower jaw, by the evening I had swollen up a little, showed my mother. Went to sleep in agony, and woke up this morning feeling even worse, the pain is unbearable. I shouted for my dad, when he came in he just said "mumps". I looked in the mirror and it's bloody massive. I'm missing a really good gig on Friday and two birthday celebrations on Saturday. :( Going to the Dr at 11, but I'm sure he's gonna say it's mumps. My question is, I was kissing the guy I'm seeing on Friday...does this mean he's going to get it too. I feel so guilty if it does :( I'm going to New York two weeks today, if it doesn't go down. I'm going to be so fucking upset. Let me know please guys.

    Emilie - 11th April 2005 09:47 - #

  227. Update - I have been very poorly for the last ten days with very swollen glands (my face went huge) and a virus which made me very tired with a slight fever. The doctor initially said i had mumps, but now a week on the results have come back and the doctor said that it suggests that ive had mumps in the past and shoudl therefore be immune to it (i dont recall having mumps as a child). he said he doesnt know exactly what i had but it was probably parotitis. he gave me the impression that he wasnt completely sure and didnt seem to know the answers to my questions, ie was parotitis contagious, how did i get it etc. i said i was very surprised i didnt have mumps as i had all the symptons. has anyone had parotitis before and how do you get it? or could the test be wrong?!

    Laura - 11th April 2005 17:48 - #

  228. Laura, if I were you I'd find another doctor-- as any medical book or web site will tell you, "parotitis" is the formal name for mumps... sounds like he's either appallingly ill-informed (which is a scary prospect) or is playing games with you (which is just as bad.) Anyway, if you have parotitis, you have mumps-- they're one and the same. Hope you feel better soon!

    Lisa - 12th April 2005 03:28 - #

  229. I think i might have mumps! My fiance has been told that hes got it and its in about the 4th day of his hamster stage. I never had the MMR as a child or caught it when i was young. I was sent home from work this afternoon with a raging temparature which later subsided and i have this horrible aching in my jaw. Its like when you've been out on the pop the night before drinking too many sugary drinks!! its soo sore! i haven't got any swelling or anything yet.. can anyone tell me if they had anything similar??

    Sarah - 12th April 2005 21:55 - #

  230. Yeah fever and aching jaw to start...sad to say but you've almost 100% got it. Please let me know when your husbands hamster stage finishes. Need to know when my swelling is gonna go down :( xx

    Emilie - 13th April 2005 00:17 - #

  231. hey all my 3 year old daughter has mumps and I came down on Monday. It started 'down below' and is now affecting my face. Meanwhile, my daughter is recovering. I am using some homoeopathic remedies which seem to be helping. Otherwise, it's frustrating but lovely to be confined while the rest of the world spins on. But I need to get to the office as I have a big deal to do! If the virus only passed through saliva, is it really necessary to quarantine yourself? As sad as it sounds, I could really do with getting to the office if only for a few hours. Best wishes to all. Christopher

    Christopher - 13th April 2005 10:08 - #

  232. Hi ya all...its here in N Ireland.. :-( my son has it....shud i keep everyone away from us for a while...like his gran and aunts etc ??? what bout a 12 week old baby > can they get it ???

    Bee - 13th April 2005 15:33 - #

  233. hey all, am 20 yrs old and have just been diagnosed with MUMPS feel absolutely dreadful and was wondering 2 things - 1, will i b able to go on hol next thursday? (diagnosed monday) 2, what about my 17 yr old brother, should i keep away from him?

    Gilzy - 13th April 2005 20:40 - #

  234. i had no idea how comment mumps was.. i was diagnosed on wednesday(yesterday).. i didnt wanna go to the doctors but work forced me, joking about how i could have mumps.. and here i am, looking like ive spend 7 rounds in the ring with mike tyson , with mumps. the strange thing is, i feel ok, i dont feel weak or hot or anything, just got a huge lump on my neck.. is that normal? or will it get worse in time??

    kirsty - 14th April 2005 11:32 - #

  235. My 16 yr old daughter was diagnosed today, face and neck swollen like a balloon - what was the point of the MMR? It was hard enough getting her out of her pit when she was well, what hope now? Exams next month as well!

    Rebecca - 14th April 2005 14:35 - #

  236. I'm so bored of this shitty boring illness. got it last thursday, day after i broke up with y boyfriend boohoo, so should be out on the pull (like he probably is), but instead i at my parents lokkin like a fookin moomin! swelling is going downish, not much pain, but the other side has been bubbling for the last 6 days and pretty sure its gonna coe up. Will y face be back to normal for sat? got a big night planned and i intend to go whether or not i have elephantitis. im on day 8. anyone care to guess from experience??

    catherine. - 14th April 2005 22:36 - #

  237. Well, I'm 26, and my wife too is in her 8th day of the wretched thing. She's 25, an' aparently should be pretty much immune, but she's not, so all I get all day is "do this, do that, make me food, make me a drink, fetch my magazine". I want a refund. Anyway, I went to the docs on Monday and thed district nurse was completely at a loss as to how my wife contracted it, and she just didn't know what to do with me. After about half an hour of umming and ahhing, she decided I needed to have the full MMR vaccine, even though I had the MR (Measles and Rubella) vaccine when I was a tiddler. I'm SURE I shouldn't have been given the full MMR jab....why on earth is the mumps vaccine not available on its own?! Anyway, my wife wants a hug (which is no suprise as I've managed to avoid her for the last 8 days...bliss). What I wanted to know is...how long does does the vaccine take to be 'in force' so to speak? As much as I'm enjoying sleeping in different rooms, I'm gonna have to move back in at some point! Any ideas?

    Lee - 14th April 2005 23:09 - #

  238. my boyfriend is in day 3 of the mumps. he won't let anyone see him and it's awful cos i feel so helpless. can anyone suggest any remedies that might work? I really want to help him.

    Louise - 15th April 2005 22:07 - #

  239. Hello I joined the hamster gang 7 days ago today.No-one seems to mention that they have violent headaches as well as swollen face I THINK I LOOK QUITE CUTE,shame i feel so ill!swelling went down a little 2 days ago but i still have a marble in my neck.due to see doc again monday.i`m a nanny and my small charge has chicken pox i should be there for him.Doc says i can go back when swelling goes.OH YES nearly forgot was anyone else given antibiotics?David did you manage to catch it?It`s been a while

    joanne - 16th April 2005 19:09 - #

  240. Im a student at Cardiff university, mumps is spreading round there rapidly. Im currently on day one of this infection and think i caught it from kissing my girlfriend before she got the mumps. I feel a bit weak and a bit achy and my testicles are also slightly aching but not swollen. My right hand saliva gland is swollen but left is ok. Everyone keeps saying to me "be careful it can make you sterile" but i dont know of any precautions i can take, guess i just gotta wait and see. I dont know why there is this sudden increase in almost all diseases in the UK - i think it might have something to do with people migrating here from the eastern world.

    Jon - 17th April 2005 00:30 - #

  241. hi jon sorry to hear that you got the dreaded lurgy too.i read earlier that there`s no proof mumps makes you sterile.I don`t have that worry being a woman but thought i`d put your mind at rest a little.I`m on my 8th day and still don`t feel 100%.I`m Billy no-mates as no-one i know has had it,i don`t know where i got it from.Hope you feel better soon!!

    joanne - 17th April 2005 09:28 - #

  242. hey just thought i wud try n answer a few of ya questions 4 ya not that im an expert in this. but i got mumps on the 8th of april and still have them now. the swelling went down 4 a day or 2 on 1 side but then came up even bigger on the other. the docs did give me a course of antibiotics and painkillers to try and help but as yet they are doing bugger all. mi face is still huge n can hardly swollow. gunna try the water theory i think. xx

    sam - 17th April 2005 13:22 - #

  243. I got Mumps on Monday 11/4, although I had been feeling terrible since Friday. It is still a bit swollen, but fortunately not so sore anymore, unless I eat. Felt terrible on days 1-4, but have felt alive since Friday! I had had the injection, plus boosters as a child, but caught it from my 7 year old daughter, who has also had all her injections! Apparently it was going around her school, but I dont actually know of anyone who had it. I hope it goes away soon as they are going to start getting fed up at work! Hope everyone gets better soon. I can really sympathise.

    Tracy - 17th April 2005 20:11 - #

  244. Anyone who recently got the mumps and would like to help me get them feel free to email or message me lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com or ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com I am serious and willing to pay if you help me get this.

    DAVID - 18th April 2005 02:37 - #

  245. David - will you please get a grip and stop asking people to GIVE you the mumps - I swear you have an obsessive problem now! Start focussing your energy on the blessed trip you're going on and get a LIFE. Think yourself lucky that youve not got this soddin disease......it makes you feel like the ugliest specimen on earth........and you suddenly find you have no mates cos noone you know has had it before. So, it's 'day five' in the big brother house for me........... my hamster face started forming last Thursday (14th April) and it's showing minimal signs of letting up yet (just started spreading from one side to the other). I've watched the entire box set of 24 (nearly in one go), read the Da Vinci code in 2 days and now the loneliness is driving me insane. Get well soon to all my fellow mumpers out there. Jees, i really can't wait to get back to normal x x x

    Lindsay - 18th April 2005 22:41 - #

  246. Day 10 and 2nd lot of antibiotics.just got a marble sized ball in my neck now but not feeling too good still.David i can`t believe you haven`t got it yet!You must be mad to want it i wouldn`t wish it on my worst enemy.Hope everyone feels better soon.

    joanne - 19th April 2005 04:25 - #

  247. Hey everyone, I'm 21 and got the old hamster illness last thursday, got worried and went to the doctors the same day they comfirmed it. Now it's tuesday (day 6) and i think the mumps is on the way out, but i could have as much as 8 days left :(. I think i only got a mild case of it to be honest, no real pain (only after eating!) No real headaches to speak of and my nuts don't have any pain THANK YOU GOD. The worst thing is that I was in line for a promotion at work and if i'm off any longer they might give it to someone else, if that happens I'll be gutted. just for fun shake your face back and forth in the mirror and watch your extra mass (the mumps) jiggle and dance for you, fun for a minute! Feel free to reply with your mumps related games. David xxxxx

    David - 19th April 2005 14:20 - #

  248. I started getting a swelling around the cheeks on Saturday and following a visit to the doctors yesterday they confirmed it was mumps. Hasn't been too painful so far but the swelling has been getting worse day on day. Face is swollen on both sides but is particularly bad on the right side. Been signed off work for two weeks and if the pain doesn't get any worse it may not be a bad trade off. Of course showing face in public is not an option...but I have a sizeable DVD collection that will be getting a good hamstering. To all fellow mumps sufferers...wishing you all a speedy recovery! ps. Whatever you do don't listen to the guy who says a fruit diet speeds up recovery. Fruit will in fact stimulate the salivary glands - which is what are swollen when you have mumps - and this will cause a lot of pain.

    katiex - 19th April 2005 17:21 - #

  249. Hello again, i have now been prescribed high dose ibuprofen. My swelling is going down quite rapidly on both sides after only having this virus several days (3-4) and after feeling near death for the past 2 days i feel completely fine now. I dont know whether this is my immune system kicking in or whether its the ibuprofen, but its probably safe to advise u all to get some of this shit off the quack. Im hoping ill be fine by friday, i just hope some of u can recover without any problems also, good luck

    Jon - 20th April 2005 12:21 - #

  250. hey hey im all beta :-) role on the weekend! if any1 wants to no how i speeded up mi recovery send us an e mail- Samcroley980@hotmail.com. hope ya all beta soon too. xx

    sam - 21st April 2005 10:43 - #

  251. hey fellow hamsters, my hampster features began on the 17th, the mumps never would have thought now at 27 i would get the Mumps, but after finding this site it's seems to be spreading. My cheeks/jaw/neck are really swollen, my fever went after about day two so now just waiting for the swelling to drop so i can go outside again. I wish all fellow sufferer a speedy recoverer Water, strong painkillers, and boxes of weetabix. Rory 21st April @ 16:20

    Rory - 21st April 2005 16:21 - #

  252. I am quite serious on this and really not gonna give up till i got them. my email is posted above so write me or message me.

    DAVID - 21st April 2005 22:37 - #

  253. GRRRR. So glad I found this site. Jaw started to feel tender on sunday, tuesday it was outright sore, wednesday woke up in agony and could feel my left gland was swollen. Went to docs, diagnosed with mumps. Yesterday (day 3 I guess) right side started to come up. On day 4 now, pain is *excrutiating* and getting worse every day. Was in tears with it this morning. And I'm SO hungry, havent eaten since tuesday! How long before the swelling will go down? I have an exam on tuesday (day 8) I cannot miss. But right now I just look terrifying! Oh and hey, DAVID, you said on the 7th March "I am going to be traveling towards the end of april". So you might wanna shut up on the mumps thing now cause its too late. If you got it now your precious trip would be ruined anyway. Plus it should be obvious to you by now after 2 months that nobody is going to risk prosecution just because you like the attention of being ill.

    anna - 23rd April 2005 11:24 - #

  254. got mumps on wednsday and went to doctor who told me it was "dental". 2 dentists later and 1 orthodontist later back to a doctor and she says i got mumps. thursday i miss playing with my band at a pretty big gig. and on saturday miss battle of the bands which we were prob gonna win. :-( whats goin on everyones got it

    blackie - 24th April 2005 17:12 - #

  255. Alrite Everybody, if your checkin this site out then unlucky you have got MUMPS! Now i wouldnt ever wish mumps on ANYBODY, check my post on 9th April I am a victim of this fuckin disease! Just like I was I know all da lads will be flappin bout da mumps gettin at ya plumbs. Well it did happen to me and two weeks since the pain began (oh the pain!) I am still recovering. After calling my GP out because my balls had began to kill an swell up I was sent the hospital were they were examined and I was told the only thing for me was plenty of rest and pain killers. Sound it worked a week later I was back to myself, an went out for a bevy the next day the pain in my balls was back with avengence. (advice: dont drink 4 a while after getting mumps in da balls!) Six days later the pain is still there but the mumps is well gone. So I go back the doctors were me balls are examined again! They decide to put me antibiotics and today which is two days into me antibiotic course I am feelin much better, the swelling has gone down only to reveal a pair of balls HALF the size they were three weeks ago! I only hope I will be able to bless this world with the continuation of my genes onto the next generation. I hope, and pray everyday.

    Robbie - 24th April 2005 21:14 - #

  256. Thank god im not the only one with this horrible illness! im 20 and I'm on day '6', left side has started 2 go down but right side came up this morning. I missed a hen night last night i was gutted and id paid 50 quid for it as well. Its so boring being stuck at home!! My boyfriend thinks im exaggerating when i say its painful to eat, maybe he'll believe me now that im not just saying that! Id give anything to have a mcdonalds right now!! I hope this won't last much longer cos im fed up of being stuck indoors and looking like a hamster!!

    Emily - 25th April 2005 00:28 - #

  257. I'm infuriated no one told me one dose of MMR is not enough - why wasn't I offered a booster? How many others drifted along confident they were immune!

    Lynn - 26th April 2005 14:32 - #

  258. Hey evry1, i had mumps a couple of wks ago now, n it took me round about 2wks for th swelling to go down properly, (for al those ppl wonderin how long it mite take for them!) id jus like to warn all of u to b careful around ppl who may have a cold or who is generally not well, as ur immune system becomes very low and ur resistance in pickin up other infections becomes very high! a wk later after i recoverd from mumps, i got tonsilits n a wk later(now) have got rid of it but my neck is still very sore! so just a little warning to b prepared in maybe being ill in the next couple of months or so! (great!) anyone like to ask me anything im here! love x

    Natalie - 26th April 2005 16:51 - #

  259. GLad i found this site woke up yesterday looking like a hampster. went the doctors to be told Mumps. I thought at 30 years old I would be past all that. Now nobody will come near me and i am in isolation for the next week greeeeeaattt!!!! love julie x

    julie Fitz - 28th April 2005 14:07 - #

  260. My 19year old son had mumps 3weeks ago.I never thought I would be checking out websites for information at my age(38).Yes, I have them now and all I can say is everyone who gets them has all my sympathy. Mandy co.down

    mandy - 29th April 2005 14:49 - #

  261. I'm so glad I found this site... I've been looking after my bloke who's been ill for ages now, we'd both love to know when this is gonna end! He's had a fever (hitting 39.4 degees) alternately burning up and shivering for 7 days now, and throwing up most nights for the last few days. He won't eat anything, he's drinking as much water as he can. He's also had incredibly swollen and painful balls for 7 days as well now. Any idea how much longer the fever and swelling will last for?

    jo - 2nd May 2005 09:21 - #

  262. This is my second week off with Hamster features. My Doctor who never signs anyone off, signed me off today. Felt much better yesterday but like crap again today. Running a fever again but thankfully have not felt sick. Hope everyone with mumps out there gets better soon Alan - 3rd Mayx

    Alan - 3rd May 2005 09:31 - #

  263. Hi to my fellow "Mump Friends" nice to know we all suffering together! Went docs on Fri (29/04/05) wit swollen jaw and pain - and other side had a gland up the size of a golf ball! Doc said to "presume mumps" however got to do mouth swab to confirm - apparently something like government statistics need to know just how many people getting it and where it occurring - did anybody else have to do this? Had planned a dinner party and Bar-b-q at weekend had to cancel it all and just rest! I thought I was getting better this morning (3/05/05)- swelling subsided a bit - but OH NO! - false sense of security - I'm sitting here in AGONY again and my cheeks are rock hard! My sister says I look like Monica from Friends when she was a "Young Fat Monica" you know the one where she's wearing that fat suit! My lovely hubby says I look like the woman from Total Recall? Never seen it, but I guess she's pretty rough! But he says he still loves me !!! Anybody else resemble them?

    Julia Morse - 3rd May 2005 11:44 - #

  264. Does anyone know if having the MMR vaccine after being exposed will offer any protection against the mumps? Even if it will just alleviate the symptoms a bit? I had an MMR vaccine after I found out a friend I recently met had mumps (I don't know why they weren't given out in school in childhood years - It seems I only had an MR vaccine - fat lot of good that does me, I'd prefer measles to mumps). I've got a bit of a painful jaw/ear, and I keep having nightmares about what will happen if I get the mumps. I predict my face to swell up tomorrow judging by other people's symptoms. I rather get SARS than the mumps. Anyone want to trade?

    David R - 3rd May 2005 15:59 - #

  265. Sill tryin to get the mumps email me or message me lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com or ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com I am serious and hope sumone will help me catch the mumps.

    David - 5th May 2005 00:59 - #

  266. Sympathy to all sufferers! I'm 37, and going through my first (hopefully last) bout of mumps. I've had it quite mildly, judging by other people's misfortunes, but now that the swelling is going down, and pain and fever are gone, I'm struggling with an overwhelming tiredness. Has anyone else had this? I'm wondering how long it's going to last. My face first started to swell on 24th April, (nearly 2 weeks ago) and I was feeling achy and tired for 2 weeks prior to that; lots of info on the web indicates swelling lasts for between 4-8 days (I've already beaten that!), and I'm wondering how much longer it's going to take before my energy levels return. Not just talking a little bit tired here, but severely weak! I'm sleeping for around 12 hours per day (my usual is 7 or 8), and when I am awake I'm too tired to get dressed / fetch a drink / go to the toilet etc. without having to stagger around the house holding onto things for support! A note to David who wants to catch the mumps: I see your logic, but have a think; your fertility might be at risk here, and yours is more precious whilst you're young than it will be when you're older and you've had your kids. So far I've survived without meningitis / encephalitis / all the other horrors, and you sound like you'll still be looking after yourself when you're older. Who knows, you might never get it! Get out there and enjoy your life; take it from me, you don't need to invite problems in!

    Kim S - 5th May 2005 16:40 - #

  267. KIM S trust me I know what I am doing and I am in very good shape so I doubt I will get a serious case, however I do want to get them over with soon.

    DAVID - 5th May 2005 22:00 - #

  268. Just got mumps. I never thought people got mumps anymore it totally sucks and is really painful! Loadsa people round my town are getting it. Think we might be on to an epidemic ourselves!

    samantha - 6th May 2005 15:01 - #

  269. Iv got the mumps! but seriously im coming to the end of 6th form theres like 2 weeks left, i need to be there. and i look huge. i cant go back cos i look huge, but i cant get myself to do work here. My Art personal study is in for next wednesday and today is friday, and im on day 3 of my mumps calander. im well Buggered!!!!!!!! wot to do???

    Jack - 6th May 2005 20:23 - #

  270. ive got mumps to and its really doing my head in my mates keep telling me that a look as tho i have swallowed a surf board. Can anyone here eat cus i cant it kills me when i try. Im really fed up with them now i just cant cope with staying in the house and looking like a monster any longer. I thought that my swelling was going down but its just moved from my face into my neck. Im also in 6th form and its my last week n i really wanna be there i hope these mumps hurry up and go.

    Gina - 7th May 2005 17:42 - #

  271. Hey im back again i just want to tell all my fellow mumpy friends that if your really hungary but cant eat try rusks, yes that right babies rusks. Try them with lots of warm milk they are easy to swllow, you dont have to chew and they manage to fill you up for a while.

    Gina - 7th May 2005 17:49 - #

  272. What a time to get the mumps, considering i'm in sixth form as well and have probably infected half my year group last week. I've got so much work to do for my A levels but can't seem to do anything as brain seems to be fried, although I do count myself lucky because only one side of my neck has swollen so I can still eat and i hav'nt encountered any of the "other problems" as of yet after having it properly for about 4 days now.

    james - 8th May 2005 21:39 - #

  273. I had mumps 4 weeks ago, I have been searching on the net for info as ive had a rough time. Im male and 39 years old! The swelling started quite quick with the facial flare up literally overnight. That wasnt too bad to be fair, ive felt worse. A friend of mine whos mother is a nurse told him to tell me I may get some discomfort in my balls. I thought no more of it. Stupid me! Exactly one week later my right testicle started aching, this got worse over 2 days to a point where I literally couldnt stand up as the pain was so bad. My nut swelled up and the pain was terrible and moved up into my groin area as well. I went to the docs again and although they were confident it was down to the mumps gave me ani biotics just in case of infection. Its been four weeks now and I have to go back to the Docs as my right nut is still aching and its really stressing me out. Has anyone had this long term experience? To the lad who wants to catch mumps, get a life mate cos beleive me I wouldnt wish this on my worst enemy.

    Andy - 9th May 2005 18:39 - #

  274. Hey guys, god how nice is it to find this site?! I've never even known anyone who's had mumps before let alone heard or seen what it's like- I honestly cannot BELIEVE what I look like, I keep having to go look in the mirror to check! As hilarious as I occasionally find my reflection when I have had a particularly large dose of painkillers, it's also a little worrying to read that people are still swollen after two weeks- this is very disturbing news! To Julia above, not only have I been compared to the fat-faced Monica, but my mum has kindly been telling all her friends and any of mine that care to call that I look like the Nutty Professor/Jabba the Hut/ a bullfrog. Kind words. Incase anyone is verging on the edge of starvation, I have found that a good thing ot eat which doesn't require chewing is tuna mixed up with Cambpell's condensed soup (any flavour, I like chicken) served hot with cous cous. No chewing required but contains plenty of protein and carbs and fills you up much better than boring soup. Is also very easy to make so you don't have to spend much time out of bed making it! Oatso simple porridle is also doing the trick for me too! Right back to sleeping in the sitting position so as not to suffocate under the weight of my own neck.......

    Jen - 10th May 2005 16:59 - #

  275. kim.i`ve just gone back to work after 2+half weeks of mumps i think the older you are the worse it affects you.i`m 35 and i`m still getting more tired than i usually do after a day at work.maybe it`s just old age eh? HOPE EVERYONE FEELS BETTER SOON!!

    joanne hobson - 10th May 2005 19:57 - #

  276. Iam a 50 year old Infant teacher and have developed mumps despite having it really badly when I was about 19.At first the doctor thought it could be a stone composed of minerals in the saliva gland .This would usually flush out into the mouth as a paste with the help of antibiotics.I'm not sure how I caught mumps but as a teacher young children have a habit of sneezing and coughing over you sometimes.Perhaps they can carry it without symptoms because they have had their jabs.Another possibility is that I took my son back to Uni a few weeks ago.He had a booster and seems Ok.My other son still at home is scared he''ll get it and my husband doesn't want to get too close either!I remember being thoroughly miserable the first time so will try to brave it this time.I am facinated to read everyones comments.It would have been good to have had the internet 31 years ago.Get well soon everyone and well done those who are now over it.May it never darken your door again!

    Pam - 11th May 2005 17:41 - #

  277. I'm into my fourth week of having the mumps now and its DOING MY HEAD IN. First week had the facial swelling but I didn't feel that ill. Second week the swelling went but I felt like absolute shit and was throwing up. Third week I was pretty much back to normal and felt fine. Now out of the blue my balls have swole up and they are killing me! How long does this fucking illness last man? I'm constantly knackered and I've lost a load of weight. Doctor was a real help (yeah right!) Told me I should've had 2 vaccinations by now. No one told me that. Get well soon to all afflicted by this shitty illness

    Dan - 11th May 2005 18:02 - #

  278. Kim S and Joanne, I know exactly what you mean. Iâ??m nearly 17 and I got mumps at the beginning of March and am still struggling with tiredness now. I went to the doctor about it and she said basically if you donâ??t get it when you are 4 or 5 it can sometimes take a course similar to glandular fever, which is what has happened to me and it may be the same for you. Sorry to have to tell you that. Info on the web is usually symptoms for a child I was told and the older you are the worse it can be, but everyone is different. About 2 months on I have definitely improved but am still doing part time school at the moment and I have exams coming up! Help! I have been told it could be July before I am fully better. I hope everyone feels much better soon!

    Jade - 11th May 2005 18:09 - #

  279. Well i must thank you all,i am sitting here having had the mumps for the last 5 days and it was slowely starting to drive me crazy untill my dughter was diagnosed with mumps today, now i know for sure, im going to be driven crazy but what id like to thank you all for is the discriptions that some of you are using, they are so funny so thanx for putting a smile on my face well there would be if i could smile ouch!!! oh im 40 and my daughter is 21 so i guess age does not count aaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh all i need is for the rest of my tribe to come down with it, and say they would be better of staying with me id never get a chance to rest up. i would like to wish each and everyone of you out there the speediest of recovery and for the ones who just want the mumps just to get time of work, you may want to concider seeing a ahrink lol byeeeeeee.

    ang - 12th May 2005 15:42 - #

  280. I think I'm past day 28 of exposure so I should be safe. I think I got a really mild case of the mumps, I had some chest pains and I had twinges of pain in my glands but they didn't swell up. 2 days after I met my exposed friend, I learnt he had the Mumps. I went immediately to get an MMR vaccine although they warned me it wouldn't protect if I had already caught it. So for 3 weeks, I have been drinking over 10 litres of hot water a day, urinating 20 times a day, trying to flush out any virus. It is my belief that all this water stopped me developing the mumps, before my exam period. So my advice for mumps people is: Get the MMR vaccine anyway, it might help your immune system a bit, and the least it will do is nothing. Drink lots of water. Anyone who is reading this who doesn't have the mumps (I'm probably preaching to the converted) GET YOUR MMR VACCINE, it will save you 3 - 4 weeks of worrying like I did, worrying I would miss my exams and get Orcitis etc. It will also save you those symptoms if you do get the virus. GET YOUR MMR VACCINE ASAP!

    David R - 13th May 2005 12:54 - #

  281. My face started swelling up on Monday 09/05/05. It's now Sat 14/05/05, over the last few days my face has swollen up all over the place, it now seems to be just mainly on my kneck and my chin. I'm 22 and male and have been stuck in. It's doing my head in. I would normally be out over the weekend but this weekend has gone to hell now. The weird thing is I haven't really been feeling ill and I've also had no discomfort down below. I'm really worried incase something does happen down below, I don't know how I would cope!. And I really want to get back to work and get back on with my life!. Good luck to everyone. Dan.

    Dan Stephens - 14th May 2005 12:12 - #

  282. On Day 3 of Mumps, not going to bad. I've been immunised once so the effects are dampened somewhat. When can I go back into the social world and meet my friends? How long does the contagious period last. Ive heard 5 days after symptoms, anybpdy have any ideas? Kris

    Kris - 14th May 2005 14:47 - #

  283. Thanks to you all for sharing your suffering! It's made me feel less sorry for myself! I've reached the grand age of 53,and nursed my daughter and son through mumps 19 years ago and did'nt catch it then.. First doc said he could swear I had mumps, but had never seen anyone in their fifties with it before! I am always trying to convince myself that I look much younger than I am (as you do), so when I was reminded in such a blunt way that I'm the wrong side of 50 I came home quite stunned. Should I be pleased that I may be too old for it? Does this mean I'm starting my second childhood? Saw another doc 1 week later who assured me it was mumps and said you were never too old to catch it. Anyway over 2 weeks on, having had a bad 6/7 days with pain spreading down neck, across chest, around ribs,and having had the well known hamster look, I was feeling better and had even ventured out a few times.....but today guess what? I feel just like I did at the beginning. The pain is back, weakness, sweaty, and......I'm going to lie down again now! This site with your experiences have made me feel less of an oddity. Thanks, and I wish you all a speedy and complete recovery, Lynda, Northern Ireland. (son's at Q.U.B so perhaps it's come to me from there!)

    Lynda - 15th May 2005 22:09 - #

  284. I am still trying to get the mumps and had a few people who were willing to help me get it but I always find people who are willing to help who either just got over it, or thought they were probably gonna get it but never caught it. I am very serious about wanting to do this and am willing to pay quite well once I am ill. Please email or message me lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com or ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com

    DAVID - 15th May 2005 22:36 - #

  285. Why don't you get leprosy mate, it's a real man's disease. £5 and it's yours.

    Daniel - 15th May 2005 23:00 - #

  286. Well here i am another Mumps epidemic statistic. In my 3rd day now, woke up with sore throat and ear ache on saturday morning and my face has got steadily bigger since! Am hoping the hamster look is all the rage this season! Just had diagnosis confirmed by doctor and am officially house bound for the next 5 day.... daytime tv sure isn't as good as it was when i was a student!

    kirsty - 16th May 2005 14:02 - #

  287. Day Four in the Big Mumpser house, and the housemate (ie me) is feeling slightly better. Developed the swelling on monday (its now thursday), got gradually worse each day until this morning when one side of my face has eased slightly. Drinking loads of water, the odd tablet thrown in as well, eating a bit of soup every now and then, cant chew anything nice though - tried to eat a choclate eclair last night - agony! (but worthwhile) Got uni exams monday, hope i can make it in for them - in no state to revise anyway, so looks like regardless if i make it, ill fail! And im suppossed to be seeing some emo bands on saturday! Annoying! Anyway, hope you all get better, ive enjoyed hearing of other peoples pain.

    Ed - 19th May 2005 13:03 - #

  288. Three weeks ago my 20 year old son suffered mumps badly. One testicle doubled in size, could not walk, slept all day, fevered and lasted approx 2 weeks. At work on monday I felt as if someone had wacked me in the jaw. Tuesday woke up hamster faced. Stayed in all week, feel knackered, sleeping lots but no real bad symptoms. Just started new job so hope to go back monday. Im 52.

    B Mclaughlin - 20th May 2005 15:08 - #

  289. i'm 45 and am still recovering after 8 weeks.the first month was the worst-hospital diagnosed mumps after 5 days.Very sore jaw and swollen glands under jawand tight chest.still can't walk further than a few hundred yards,but am getting better.Doctor says at my age it can take ten weeks for tenderness and sore neck-jaw to go.Hope he's right!

    Michael - 21st May 2005 18:02 - #

  290. Hey im 16 and just about to start my AS exams and i get the friggin mumps. I missed one exam but then the swelling went down so i went in to do my exam, which i did on friday. I have now woken uptoday to find the other side of my face swollen up. Don't no what im gonna do, got another 3 exams next week

    Matt - 22nd May 2005 10:36 - #

  291. hi im a hamters too,just waiting for blood test to come back ,so i can go back to work.Im bored and nobody wants to visit a hamster incase they get it.I feel brain died.

    mel - 22nd May 2005 14:43 - #

  292. Hi, Ive had the mumps now for 2/3 days. I saw my boyfriend when I knew he had the virus but since i had the mmr when i was a kid, i stupidly thought id b ok! If ANYONE could give me an idea of when the swelling will go, id b so grateful coz im supposed to b goin to Newquay for the weekend. Its now tuesday, I have swelling only on one side, in my neck too and very painful. I dont really have other symptoms tho apart from hot/cold flushes. This really sucks!

    Laura - 24th May 2005 20:29 - #

  293. Hi, i have had the mumps for 5 days now and to swelling has not gone down completely yet. I have had no other symptoms other than the swelling...i look terrible!! My boyfiend wont come and see me until i am not contagious and im really bored being stuck in!! help!!

    laura - 26th May 2005 20:05 - #

  294. Its now friday and ive decided im going to newquay regardless! I dont feel 100% but i do feel much better and my face looks 'fat' on one side but the swelling has gone down quite a lot. Just pray that the other side dusnt come up when im there! ps. ive been drinking LOTS AND LOTS of water and i do think this may help. xx

    Laura - 27th May 2005 15:09 - #

  295. I have just been diagnosed with having mumps too, not nice woke upyesterday with sore jaw didn't know what was wrong passed it off, tried to aeat a barmcake managed it with great pain. Jaw aching got worse as day went on started feeling tired, drowsy etc, couldnt have a sleep took ages to nodd off, woke up feeling alot worse severe pain in jaw and neck, face sweelled like a hamster with food in it's cheeks, started getting ferverish ness, saw emergeny doc got diagnosed with mumps, feeling worse for wear.My sympathy to anyone with them.

    Tan - 28th May 2005 08:49 - #

  296. I've now joined the Mumps Brigade too - now on day 3 of swelling (day 4, since symptoms started). Hadn't felt brilliant all week, though had still gone out. Wasn't until Thursday when I felt quite bad. In the evening I felt feverish, woke up on Friday, right side of my face had swollen up. Fever continued for next couple of days, but not so bad now though. The swelling is the main thing thats painful at the moment - hoping to recover very soon! Hope you other members of the Mumps Brigade are recovering now!

    Adam - 5th June 2005 14:00 - #

  297. hey'all,i noticed the swelling last nite,went 2 da doc today,was told i had mumps and its fuckin killin me.i had like 2 dates this week,but now i cant leave home.cant let anyone see me like this.i have to work on friday tho,will anyone tell me if i can expect d swellin to have gone down by then?i could stay at home,but i need the xtra money.

    complic8ed - 6th June 2005 19:50 - #

  298. I was in close contact with a friend of mine two days before she came down with the mumps, apparently when she was in her most contagious period. She was quarentined yesterday. Again, she's a university student, so god knows how many people on campus will have it. There was an outbreak last year, and I know of at least two other people who are starting to feel dodgy, however, they know about the mumps so that may just be paranoia. Although I have had the mmr and my b-friend had the mumps when he was four, we are both in the age range, and I'm worried I may be carrying. Does anyone know if there is anyway to tell? Also, can you carry it and not come down with the mumps? I work in an air-conditioned office, so if I am carrying, I'll be circulating it to everyone in the office in the recycled air! Any information on this gratefully received

    Becs - 7th June 2005 11:58 - #

  299. I had mumps last november after having two injections as a child against mumps, and today I have just been diagnosed with it again! WHAT JOY?!!

    Kathryn - 7th June 2005 19:30 - #

  300. Thought id add a comment.... i too have been diagnosed with the flippin mumps but now im getting REALLY fed up with it.... swelling started on the 8th june and now... 7days later its still not going down! Went to the doctors and he thinks i have a blockage... which if the swelling doesnt go down by the end of the week... may require surgery... gulp. I think i prefered just having mumps.Also am i the only one that doesnt have any other symptoms such as fever etc... all ive got to show for the disease is the hamster look.

    Laura - 14th June 2005 10:56 - #

  301. i had mumps in march. it was well bad. went in both balls and they swelled up like fuck. Still hurt now at times ;d think the outbreak has passed now though.pissed off i wernt advised to get a jab coz my sister had it a month earlier and saw the doc! wanker. U DO NOT WANT THIS DAVID U STUPID PRICK.

    Ian - 17th June 2005 16:43 - #

  302. i have had mumps for 3 days and just had my first thing to eat proberly, this sucks i well want a great big meal. Not really had any other symptoms apart from looking like a hamster, just hope my boyfriend dosnt get it! Hope it goes soon my birthday in 3 weeks so i really want to be ok for that. Hope everyone gets well soon it is shit. Natty 17 june 2005

    Natty - 17th June 2005 23:02 - #

  303. Having found this site in a panic because my throat was swelling so much I thought I might have to give myself a tracheoctomy, I can now say I do feel slightly better. I'd like to ask if anyone else's throat suddenly started swelling and burning for no reason, even when their glands were already swollen? I'm on day 3 now and actually felt quite good today, apart from extreme jaw-ache after eating. Before that I could hardly get out of bed but my neck didn't hurt too much. However, after showering around 10.30pm the whole underneath of my jaw just blew up and it's still tingling now. I'm quite worried and am trying to stay awake incase I suffocate in my sleep

    Tammy - 20th June 2005 00:51 - #

  304. Hi I had the mumps and it took about 10 days for it all to clear, pain went after about 7 and I was flying on The 7th day went abroad for two weeks with mild hamster look, soon cleared up. Boyfriend caught it on second week of holz though not as bad, just on was side of cheek though bad enough when abroad painfull, took plenty of ibruphen and plenty of water gone in 3 days, anyone with mumps now we advise for you to do the same drink plenty of WATER and TAKE IBRUPHEN regularly. Sympathy to all.

    Tan - 20th June 2005 20:01 - #

  305. Hi every1, i think i have mumps but im not 100% sure. My glands have swollen up around my neck, but i feel fine within myself!!! my friend at work said that she had the same thing when she was 21! do you think i should go to the docs, i might do just in case, i dont want every1 at work to get it!! Hope you all get well soon. x

    Sammy - 23rd June 2005 08:29 - #

  306. Hi People im in day 7 of mumps and its been fucking hell the hamster look dry mouth hot sweats no appetite its no fun my best advice is water water water paracetomal and do ure best to eat. You dont want this chrisy hood u big alcy prick

    Craig - 26th June 2005 11:41 - #

  307. Well you can see i posted back on the 1st Feburary when i had it. Just for all the people comming to this board a good bit of advice is: take 2 paracetemol every 4 hours, along with a pint of water. Take 2 iburprofen every 4 hours. I know it seems extream but its a relativly short period of time and this is what i did and i can honeslty say that having read through all your posts i suffered less than you! I was so numbed up i could eat and my balls didnt swel up! Water + Drugs = good ;)

    WIll - 27th June 2005 16:16 - #

  308. Just been to the docs. Got mumps, signed off work for nine days which is ok i suppose, although i suspect i am going to go out of my mind with boredom. I always laboured uner the misapprehention that you develop immunity to it if you get it once.... but apparantly not. Only one side of my face is loaded with winter supplies at the moment, i hope it stays that way. The thing most worrying me, and probably nearly all male sufferers, is the prospect of my balls turning into a pair of grapefruits and having to walk around like John Wayne. I await this with total dread, although i note that noone on this thread has admitted to this. Could be that doing anything other than lying on your back with mutant balls is excrutiatingly painfull and only mild sufferers of mumps are able to sit at a computer to contribute to this fascinating thread. To all sufferers I feel your pain. I am going to lie down.

    Si - 1st July 2005 10:20 - #

  309. Hi all, my heart goes out to you all, im33 m was diagnosed on 10th june with dreaded mumps after 8 days in bed with worst temps and sweats ever started to feel bit better then testicle swelled and felt like death again for another week, felt never ending, testicle swelling gone now but balls still feel bit tender and i still feel shitty, lack of energy, lacking strength, and ache real easy, i can honestly say its the most horrific and scary thing ive ever had, glad im not 83 although i feel it right now, water water water thats the ticket Gavin

    Gavin - 4th July 2005 00:17 - #

  310. hey all, so happy i found this site, now 5.53 am been woken up by the worst case of aching jaw so far. this is day 3 of the swelling for me. seems to be moving round to the underneath of my chin now making it very very hard to swallow, so drinking the water gives a geat deal of pain. its horrible, my ear, my teeth, my neck and my chin hurt constantly. luckily my doctor has told me that even though i look like a one sided hampster storing food it may not be mumps as its not already spread rite across my jaw, dam i wish he could read this site, and he wont give me a sick note off work until the rite side of my jaw is as swollen as the left, happy days aye. get well everyone .

    sarah - 8th July 2005 06:01 - #

  311. hello fellow sufferers i found this page on day 2 of the ordeal after typing into google:

    Mumps, my fucking face hurts

    just wanted to let people know thats how i feel inside.

    Dave - 8th July 2005 21:22 - #

  312. hey just a quick update, face swelling has gone down a great deal now only day 7 so that better, finding eating a lot better now, ermmmm, docors doing blood tests as apparently it can cause a lot of harm to ones pancreus(no idea how to spell it) so most pain im getting now s sharp stabbing pains in the top half of my stomach. is this some sort of super mumps....... anyway hope you all get better soon and ready break was my life saver, water didnt do much for me but make me pee.. a lot. sarah

    sarah - 13th July 2005 01:19 - #

  313. i cant stand this any longer, had it since saturday when everyone told me to pull myself together and stop being a wimp over 'swollen glands'! how wrong were they! now there all enjoying calling me hamster face!!!

    tanya - 13th July 2005 23:14 - #

  314. am i the only person left in the world with mumps??????? wouldnt that be great!!!!! this has been the worst pain ive eva experienced, my swelling started on monday (3 days ago) im supposed to be taking some kids to lego land on friday, do u think i will look normal by then???????? HELP!!!!!!!!!

    tanya - 13th July 2005 23:35 - #

  315. i've got mumps, but it's taken a nasty turn. everytime i eat or drink anything i throw it right back up. the swelling has gone but now i feel at death's door. i noticed one other person on this thread who mentioned throwing up. is it normal? I DETEST THIS EVIL VIRUS! get well soon everyone.

    james - 14th July 2005 19:29 - #

  316. to david, the lad who wants to get mumps: stop leaving your stupid messages. we're all in too much pain and discomfort to help you with your stupid plan. to everyone else: get well soon and don't encourage this dimwit.

    john - 14th July 2005 20:07 - #

  317. iv been a mumpster since saturday and its now friday, my cheeks r still really swollen!! does anyone have any ideas how long im gona look like a hamster???? i wana go out but i cant be seen like this!!!!

    unhappy - 15th July 2005 12:03 - #

  318. Sarah, i have also got suspected mumps, but just in one side of my face - the right. Perhaps it was meant for just the one sarah, but we're sharing it?? It's bloody horrible. I can't swallow properly and when I went to see the doctor I felt right as rain, until about an hour later when the lurgy hit me.... and now I'm reading things mentioning "8 days"... I was hoping to have it done by the weekend! Noo... Sarah

    sarah 2 - 16th July 2005 00:19 - #

  319. hello. there is no cure for this fiendish virus. i think i am passed the worst but i don't think i'll count on it. the swelling went down three days ago but i have been feverish since then and only now am i beginning to feel something approaching normality. DVDs and water have helped a little. only good thing is that i haven't had any desire to smoke - hopefully this will continue after my system's flushed the bugger out. get well soon everybody. also, listen out for a band called Sweetbriar. they're dead good, much more life affirming than mumps.

    james. - 16th July 2005 01:36 - #

  320. Day 6 in the mumps house-Am so happy..thought i was the only one with this dreadfull virus!Now i feel better that there are other..thank you..Am all alone watching people have fun outside ans the sun shiing and im too embarassed to leave the house again(vile woman staring at me in the co op has given me large complex)..my face is huge..On the upside, i havent smoked or eaten much..when does the swelling go????xxxx

    Marie - 16th July 2005 16:00 - #

  321. 5th day into the mumps cycle,my face is still fat as ever, and guess what?! now its moving over to the other side of my face!! :( this is takin the piss i go on holiday in 2 days!!

    christel - 17th July 2005 10:20 - #

  322. Have just got back to work after being off 4 weeks with mumps. Most unpleasant! My heartfelt sympathy to men, a moon face was enough without having pains in the nether regions as well. Get well soon to those who have mumps wherever they may be!

    Janet - 18th July 2005 14:57 - #

  323. Hi found this site in June when my daughter had mumps she didnt have the MMR. Her brother lovingly gave it to her he did have MMR They are Daughter 13 and 15 respectively. She had a lot of pain and couldn't eat for three days good old paracetamol drinks and complan but didnt swell too much. her brother swelled up one side then other just before important coursework deadlines and maths gcse module but didnt have as much pain. Now its MY turn Day two swelled up both sides and underneath look like hamster with worlds largest winter store day four now STILL mega swollen dont ache like I have flu any more but run hot and cold can't wait till it all goes please soon!!!!! shouldn't happen to a forty year old!!!!! Iam feeling all your pain as my daughter says get well fellow mumpsters!!!

    ANDREA - 21st July 2005 15:20 - #

  324. STILL TRYING TO CATCH THE MUMPS AND WILLING TO PAY QUITE WELL IF YOU HELP! My email is lil_salad_fingers@hotmail.com or ihateskewlboy@yahoo.com and u can also message me on instant messenger on yahoo or msn. Oh, and for those who think the MMR is the holy grail check out http://www.whale.to/vaccines/mendelsohn.html#MUMPS or www.whale.to Both are a really good read and the 1st one debunks the idea mumps can cause sterility in males---swelling sometimes yes, sterility highly unlikely. I can back up my position of wanting to get the illness naturally and why it is best I can also show quite a few sites that point out because the MMR is a live vaccine it can give U mumps or measles. http://www.mercola.com/article/vaccines/causing_il lness.htm I am in good health and know exactly what I am doing so anyone who wants to help contact me at any time.

    DAVID - 28th July 2005 23:32 - #

  325. I have just recently come down with mumps and its horrible. It doesnt hurt as such but it aches. Ive had headaches, ear aches and neck pains. Im supposed to be going on my marine cadet summer camp today at 11 but my docter suggested that i dont go. The thing is i really want to go i still feel grotty and my eyes are puffed. So i dont know what to do. My dad said that i shouldnt go because of all the running i have to do might make it worse and then i will feel so rotten.

    wayne - 30th July 2005 08:40 - #

  326. Got mumps last Tuesday, I thought it was earache,Doctor soon set me straight a couple of days ago. I have never known pain like it! All thos children that get itmust have such a hign pain thresholds - I feel like such a wimp. No position is comfortable. I've also lost some hearing and haveno appetite. I've also been very sick with it too. David - you're mad, you obviously have never had mumps as it is far too painful to 'want' to catch it whatever your reasons may be. Wayne - don't go on the camp, you need to fully recover and even I felt a bit better yesterday and then 'POW! 2am this morning jaw pain and head ache knocked me sideways. No amount of painkillers could help and ended up wandering the house like a woman poccessed with a hot waterbottle strapped to my face. Get well soon everyone.

    Ren - 30th July 2005 15:05 - #

  327. hi all. Im on day 9 of mumps, feeling lousy. I sympathise with all you fellow sufferers, this is NOT a fun illness. Can anyone tell me, I have a seriously blocked nose with all the other symptoms on top! so has anyone else had this? I am also worried as the sunday before I developed this, I visted my cousin who has a long term brain tumour, and further illness just wouldnt be fair. Like every other sufferer I am SO glad to find this site! thanks to the creator, and to all fellow sufferers who have shared tips etc. thankyou.

    meg - 5th August 2005 17:13 - #

  328. Hey everyone, in my sixth day of contracting mumps and have to say that days 3/4/5 were undeniably the most painful. The swelling is just starting to go down however, i am still having trouble eating. My advice to everyone just contracting mumps is drink plenty of fluids, you will find your mouth is drier than ghandi's flip flop through this difficult time. Avoid citrusy juices/fruits and stick to soups/porridge/weetabix for food. I have had real trouble eating and have found that i have consumed the same of food in one week that i most probably would have eaten in half a day. Looking on the brightside i was thinking of selling mumps in a bottle to all those trying to lose a stone on seven days....its certainly the best detox/diet anyone could go through...i can't eat but at least i will have good bikini body for my holiday on sat! :D Good luck everyone and get through it Rach xx

    Rachie - 12th August 2005 09:59 - #

  329. Hey the mumps is the most dreadful pain i have ever had and i pity those who catch it. I felt a sharp pain just behind my ear which caused me a great deal of pain. I have terrible headaches that wake me up during the night and my throat is beginning to swell. I have just started back school and now i will be off for at least a week which wont help with my course work. Its the 20 August 2005.

    Lorraine - 20th August 2005 20:47 - #

  330. Hello, tis bad. I really feel ill. My face is swolen and I cant eat. And I wanna see my boyf who is scared. Seems that everybody is havin it. They should had given us a warning, tis bad :( owwwwwwwwww

    Laura - 30th August 2005 18:45 - #

  331. I've been reading the comments on this thread after searching for info on mumps and I have to say that it's very comforting and amusing as I also strongly resemble a stuffed rodent. I scrolled down to the bottom of the page to find that people are still contracting the virus! what's going on? I woke up on Saturday after a night down a club with my jaw hurting then the next day my face had mysteriously inflated and became slightly painful, so I saw the doctor the next day who told me that he sees at least 2 cases of mumps in people around my age a week (i'm 20). I'm now up to day 4 of swelling but day 2/3 were the worst, I had to have the heater on, felt weak, I was sweating in my bed and incredibly sensitive to cold but no sore throat, swollen balls or respiratory problems, which is lucky I suppose! All i'm hoping for is for the bloody swelling to go down soon! my friends already left for holiday around Europe today, I was supposed to go with them!! I have to stay at home until i'm better! I can really empathise with the other mumpsters out there but just sit it out, drink lots of water and take painkillers- that's all you can do, good luck!

    TimTimTim - 31st August 2005 16:59 - #

  332. Hi Am I the oldest yet? Went down with mumps yesterday and I'm 43. I've been signed off work for two weeks (!) as I work in a university with all you vulnerable age group. I've also always understood that I had mumps when I was 4 so clearly even the disease doesn't give lifelong immunity. It's more weird than painful at the moment - does it get worse?

    Jane - 1st September 2005 12:43 - #

  333. Hi I have had mumps for 14 days both cheeks swelled week later balls swelled was given steroids shortly after jaw swelling went down soon as steroids finished jaw swelling back up again Is this common can anyone help feeling depressed

    tony - 6th September 2005 11:33 - #

  334. oh dear I feel so sorry for us mumps people!!! I am 21 and yes I look like elephant man too!!! MUMPS ARE EVIL!! Has anybody else been in so much pain that they have cried, oh my god i would rather cut of my leg with a rusty blade than this. I am on my 4th day, having caught it off my little nephew, been drinking loads of water, but been told to stay away from fruit and fruit juices. I too am at uni,an been sighned off work for 2 weeks, really hope I am better by the weekend. my pain seems to be at its worst in the morning, no sore throat, but feeling hot and depressed loads.......HELP ME!!!

    JENNY THOMAS - 14th September 2005 12:11 - #

  335. oh my god its like a waiting game! nearly the whole school is off this week cuz there has been an outbreak of mumps!! im just waiting and waiting untill i get it!! noooo!!

    lizzie - 19th September 2005 16:18 - #

  336. Oh Dear I've got the mumps thingy too, had it yes2day now I look like a moosy hamster! I havr to have a week off work..maybe more by the sounds of it, arghhhh! Yeh how long does it tae to clear does anyone know coz im getting bored couped up doing nothing! XXXX

    Sam! - 3rd October 2005 11:31 - #

  337. Hi all, my girl friend started mumps on 12th september 2005, she cleared up on 10 days, now I have caught it, and on top of that it has returned to my girl friend. This is a bommer TV is getting very boring! we both look like hamsters its quite funny!

    Mo & Holly - 3rd October 2005 13:16 - #

  338. EVIL MUMPS! Ive joined the mumps club!! DAy 12 in the hamster house. My friend shared nice with me. SHe seemed to escape the being sick part of it. I spent five days constantly throwing up! Still got big fat cheek....supposed to be back in work next wednesday...it aint looking good so far. Sympathy to all the other lumpy mumpys out there

    shell - 7th October 2005 13:29 - #

  339. i have just gotten over mumps and i have had the mmr jab twice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I went to casualty and they said it was an abcese of the tooth leaked into my neck or summat! glad were puttin our life into the hands of these people!!!! So that night thinking i hadnt anythin to worry bout i went to see my bf coz the swelling had nearly dissapeared! By the next morning got up and the swelling was so much more worse. Went to my GP who took one look and told me i had mumps. Anyways my bf has come down with it and had it for about a week. The problem is he's got bad pain in his testicles, and was wondering if anyone else had any and what kind of a risk of infertility there actually is!

    Katie - 9th October 2005 13:17 - #

  340. MUMPS ARE EVIL! I stayed round my friends house tuesday night an that was 5 days ago an wen i was there my face hurt like hell. i woke up in the morning lookin like a hamster! i feel terrible at the moment and i woke uup this morning feeling like i had been kicked in the balls.. my right testicle hurts alot.. is this normal? and can any1 tell me wen the swelling will go down? Get well everybody with the evil virus

    Simon - 9th October 2005 13:51 - #

  341. I'm going for a blood test tomorrow to have what I suspect is mumps confirmed. I'm on day 6 so far and I have a lump left under my chin and I'm thristy all the time which is getting to be a pain.I hope I'm over the worst of it now. I had my sunday roast earlier and I managed to eat it all with no pain at all! I'm abit sick of spending time on my own now so I hope the swelling goes soon. x

    Lucy - 9th October 2005 21:24 - #

  342. My son 21 year old son is in Sunderland. Rang me at w/end to say he had a lump under his jaw. Rang again day later to say hos face swollen only on one side and I told him to get to GP as it was prob. mumps. He diagnosed Pharyngitis and gave anti biotics. Son in agony and not improving - told him to get back to GP and TELL him his Mum said it's mumps!( joking but told him to tell him I'm a nurse and I know it's most likely mumps and I also am aware there's a major outbreak in his age group). They won't see him till tomorrow. Anyway. he's coming home tomorrow and I'll take him to our GP. He did have MMR but got bad measles at 6 - I seem to remember they had a trial project for the vaccine in our area? - so it didn't stop him getting that either. That's why I thought mumps straight away, cos he had measles. Good luck to everyone!

    ali - 13th October 2005 22:51 - #

  343. threee weeks of mumps!! ive had one week of being better...in which i fell of a bike ...now i feel like the mumps is returning...is this possible!!!!

    shell - 26th October 2005 21:30 - #

  344. hi i got mumps on 14the..and it took exactly 10 days for my cheek to come to normal. During the course i had painful and swollen cheeks along with feeveer and frequent urination. The problem is after i got over the cheek swelling and pain i thought all was over... but today i work up with a swollen right testicle with severe pain , including hip pain. Is this normal to get testicle pain after the cheek symptoms are over??? and how long will this testicle pain last? + any treatments? Thanks

    mohamed - 27th October 2005 13:09 - #

  345. i have the mumps! so painful! my boss sent me home from workon sat coz one side of my face looked as though i had putn on about 2 stone. went to the doctors, mumps! had to go paris on sunday, majour pain, wednesday the other side of my face swells up and i get pain in my spine. i have taken about 40 nurofen but still feel shit. my mum and sister are loving it, nicknames are endless. im 16 and its now thursday and the whole bottom side of my face looks like jonny vegas. when will my swelling go down, i cant go out! hope all u mumpsters fell better, its horrible isnt it xxx

    faye - 27th October 2005 15:56 - #

  346. Had a swollen head for about three days now and it's painful when I eat and sleep but apart from that doesn't seem too bad. However I am nearly 39 weeks pregnant and dreading the thought of going into labour and having to push out a baby whilst my face still hurts, not to mention any effects it might have on the baby. As long as bump behaves itself and comes on time then hopefully everthing will be ok. Cross fingers and legs for the time being!! Get better everyone out there who's suffering.

    Nichola - 28th October 2005 23:09 - #

  347. Oh dear Nichola, fingers crossed for you, it's bad enough being in labour never mind having mumps at the same time. I'm 38 - Two days ago started off with a sore throat which developed into earache and swelling on the left side, day three I now look like the proverbial cross between elephant man and hamster lady, the headaches and earaches are demons, can only manage water, (just about), no sleep for 3 days now up and down all night for water, everytime I swallow the headaches and earaches start. Had mumps when I was five didnt know you could get it more than once, oh well good to know i'm not suffering alone :P, to all mumpsters, keep your CHINS up eh? :o)

    Me - 3rd November 2005 17:55 - #

  348. What a relief to find this site. My friend's son caught mumps just before bonfire night and was in a great deal of pain for 4 days. As I opted out of the MMR for my children, and haven't yet taken them for the single jabs, I've been racked with guilt. Sure enough, I now have a little hamster, and I'm sure his brother is on the way to swelling up as well. Part of me is relieved that they are getting it pre puberty though. I'm dreading getting it, but its very likely I will, I caught chicken pox when they caught it, and was very very ill for 2 weeks, whereas they were hardly ill at all, just itchy. I am giving my son loads of fluids and Ibruprofen every 8 hours. He's so happy to have unlimited time on the playstation. I know I should notify the doctor, but we have been having a running battle over the MMR jabs for a couple of years now, and I can't face another one.

    Fi - 11th November 2005 18:37 - #

  349. Still trying to get the MUMPS!!!!!!! If you can help me catch them email me or as me to msn messenger lil-salad-fingers@hotmail.com I am serious, and am quite willing to pay if you help me. Oh, and for those who wanna bother me about the MMR I have quite a few links I can gladly send you showing it is not all it is cracked up to be and can cause serious health issues. I am in perfect health, and before had my cousin posting on here in my place because of the sheer amount of hate mail both him and I knew I was going to get---Plus I am a female and the last thing we needed was a pervert trying to go after me online, so I got him to post in my place. The sad thing is we were correct on both counts----I could post some of the email and IMS we got however, I don't feel it would make much of a difference. Such a shame people judge others for the choices they make. Even more sad is the fact I got some email offering to help me in exchange for nude pics :( My cousin even got a few offers LOL The bottom line is I want to get the MUMPS and will do what it takes to find someone to help me catch them, I am willing to pay, and I am not going to give up so hopefully a lurker will come forward and help me. Add me to msn messeger or email me if you want to talk lil-salad-fingers@hotmail.com

    GIVE ME MUMPS! - 17th November 2005 18:19 - #

  350. day one of the mumps! im not a wimp at all but god does it hurt! on top of it all have all my university work still to do!dont you think the government should make it compulsory for students in halls to have the vaccine? i would have if i knew it was an option, but until this outbreak i presumed that you were covered 'for life' from the one injection. Yes stupid of me but we should have been provided with more information! anyway lots of sympathy for everyone with it!especially the boredom and lack of social contact aspect,its only day one and im serching for 'mumps message boards' god knows what ill resort to in the next few days!plus no sambuca for two weeks?what is a student supposed to live on? take care everyone! xxx

    Catherine - 18th November 2005 18:14 - #

  351. Cathrine the reason it is not mandatory is because more often than not the mmr does not work nearly as well as merck the drug maker claims do a google and a blog search on people who have had side effects or caught mumps or measles from this live vaccine. The best bet is to eat healthy, take care of youself, and get the basic childhood things as a child instead of taking a vaccine that delays getting a mild illness until a time when it can be serious. Anyone wanting to help me get mumps over and done with contact me via messenger or msn lil-salad-fingers@hotmail.com

    lil-salad-fingers - 18th November 2005 21:32 - #

  352. thats a great point that you make, mumps as a child is clearly less serious and with the vaccine wearing off it does seem like its not worth all the hassel

    Catherine - 19th November 2005 13:28 - #

  353. Catherine, I think people should warn those thinking of taking the mmr it can cause health issues that are worse than mumps and measles, and honeslty if a person is of a resonably young age they should be told just to get the mumps over and done with because this way they will be immune for life. I am shocked by the hate mail, and the hate filled crap people have said to me just because I want to get it naturally. Even worse are the people who have offered to help but only if I get naked on cam----Of course I told hem where to go. If you want to talk to me about this or possibly help me email me or add me to msn messenger lil-salad-fingers@hotmail.com

    lil-salad-fingers - 20th November 2005 13:37 - #

  354. Please somebody help me!!! I have had swollen glands from behind my ears coming along my jaw.... including neck (hence double chin, hamster appearance etc etc) for about 5 days now! I went to docs and they said that I had a throat infection... but I am convinced it's mumps! I have had a fever... the pain in my neck is so severe that I was kept up all night at the beginning... I am now drugged up on cocodamol!! But my mouth started to go dry yesterday... REALLY dry... before it was slightly dry.... I have no taste.... I cannot taste my food and my saliva is not normal it is like a white foam.... DO I HAVE MUMPS??

    Karen - 20th November 2005 14:54 - #

  355. I have contracted mumps and am extremely concerned about my Dawn French/ Harold Bishop/ Johnny Vegas double chin that has come about. I am hoping that it will go down soon, no hope of that happening anytime soon I'd imagine, as I look like 1000 wasps have had a go at my throat!!!!!! I won't be entering Miss England for a while I suspect!!!!!!

    Auaraura Milan - 20th November 2005 22:45 - #

  356. my daughter aged 15 was diagnosed with mumps today , i have to say i was gobsmacked as she had the MMR vaccine as a child etc , we have visited the doctors 3 times in as many weeks as my daughter has been poorly for some time (on and off) with mild flu like symptoms and a skin rash all over her torso which the doctor says now "might" be related she now has the hampster cheek and an extremly painful head and has been given antibiotics but told this won`t cure the mumps , i found information given on mumps very confusing but this weblog was very helpful thankyou

    Tracy - 21st November 2005 12:33 - #

  357. I officially hate mumps! Caught it somehow despite having all the vaccinations what's with that? Luckily I have been able to eat withough too much trouble - feels like now (Day 6) the worst has passed and it's starting to wane. Still feels like theres a big lump in my throat whenever I swallow and I wake up every few hours in the night with a throat like sandpaper but apart from that its all good!Hope you all get better soon!

    Ed - 23rd November 2005 13:32 - #

  358. Hurrah! Day 7 and the mumps are going down - finally I appreciate what it is to not look like Johnny Vegas.

    Ed - 25th November 2005 12:27 - #

  359. I've had mumps as a child hmm, around 6ish or so, and I got them again at 40!! Don't be disillusioned that you can't get them again, you indeed can!!

    Jadesun - 4th December 2005 21:02 - #

  360. i have mumps and it really hurts so get well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    elly - 6th December 2005 16:41 - #

  361. I post this after an outbreak of mumps in my halls at uni in London. Well i had lump two weeks or so prior to me catching what I thought at the time was tonselitus, however went to the uni doctors(7/12/05), given penicillin for the tonsils/flu-like symptoms and the booster MMR jab, but the lump had come up again the day before. Decided to go back to the doctors on monday (after a weekend of pain and an inability to eat), the doctor diagnoised me with tonselitus (still!!) and said it could well be mumps, so he took a blood sample to be tested. However the fortnight wait for results renders it kind of pointless in my eyes. So as yet i havent been officially diagnosed yet but it seems fairly obvious to me after reading this site. I am on day 7 since the lump came back last wednesday and over the flu symptoms but in pain when i try to eat and am tired all the time. I am mostly worried about the swell of the testis that some have experienced with this. Do I go and give a sperm sample so i can use it with me' Mrs to have kids when im older just incase? What to do? Im going to go and see my home GP tomorrow for the obvious diagnosis and answers to my questions. Will keep updated. Good luck everyone...good site btw.

    Sean - 6th December 2005 22:09 - #

  362. URGH im 17 and just finished my biggest exam and i was spossed to be going out every night and having parties all week every week when suddenly i wake up just THREE days after my last paper with a lump under my left ear. NOW IM A HIDEOUS MONSTER!! AAAAAARHGH im missing out SOOO MUCH i hate this so much... whats worse is that its only on my left side~! if it was on both sides at least it would be symmetrical! urgh theres a beach party this friday and im spossed to go to singapore next week.. AAAAAAARGH im just really sad. is this punishment for always looking good!?!

    Pengiran Syazwan - 8th December 2005 06:42 - #

  363. I have the mumps. I got it 2 days ago and my face is huge and very painful. I have a very hard time getting out of bed and walking around. I think my fever just broke now soi may be doing a little better. I have vomited quite a bit. The doctor says i'm the first case of mumps in my town in 5 years. I feel bad because my wife will probably get it. I'm just hopeing it doesn't get into my testes. That will really suck.

    Tim - 8th December 2005 23:28 - #

  364. It's horrible. I've had it since Nov 26th and I've haven't been in as much pain ever! I've had terrible headaches, sore eyes, ears swollen, the entirety of my neck swollen and at the moment I'm suffering from a fever, and a swollen testicle. Last week it was the other one. What didn't help was when I was suffering the most I had to give in a damn coursework report. Sucks!

    Darryl - 9th December 2005 21:53 - #

  365. Im on day 11 now. No sign of my testes swelling up yet thank god. Although there is swelling either side of my face making me look like a hampster, the swelling on my neck has gone done. It is gradually getting easier to eat as the double doses of ibuprofen-paracetmol kick in every couple of hours. Soup was even giving me a headache and ive never slept so much in my life. Hope all get better soon!

    Sean - 10th December 2005 01:11 - #

  366. my boyfriend has just got over mumps after having it for a 2 weeks, he is from a large family so i said he can stay at mine untill he is over it, as i have already had it a few years ago i THOUGHT there would be no problem, well, i was wrong! im starting to get the first symptoms of mumps today, i touched the side of my neck and ever since after that i have a horrible pain both sides just below my ears, i cant belive it! my doc' told me you can only get it once in your life,...well he deserves a big slap round the head!!!! so, i guess im one of the unlucky ones lol, let you know if i definatly have it in a few days, so everyone will DEFINATLY know if you can get mumps more than once! by the way im from essex and mumps is going all round my area.

    Debbie - 10th December 2005 18:37 - #

  367. Well hi! its Deb again, the one that looked after her boyfriend, i said i would get back to you so here i am and guess what>!?!,..............i have mumps AGAIN! so yes you can definatly get mumps more than once! ok im gonna go and lay my hamster head down lol bye! - oh by the way there is something that helps the swelling, i know this sounds horrible but belive me it works, get some ginger (spice) mix with water to form a paste, apply to swollen parts, it stops the pain and makes the swelling go down a bit, not much, but enough for less pain. when the paste goes hard wash off with warm water and a flannel then re-apply, ok i hoped i helped. bye Debs xxx

    Debbie - 11th December 2005 12:48 - #

  368. Listen I am dead serious about wanting to get the mumps, and now am at the point I will do anything you ask :( seems ppl wanted to turn this around into a way to abuse me online. I ask people to help me and instead I have gotten some of the most cruel abuse. I am willing to pay people who help me on getting the mumps, as well as I am willing to give a cam show that I don't really wanna do after people help me on getting it. lil-salad-fingers@hotmail.com

    lil-salad-fingers - 13th December 2005 00:53 - #

  369. Dont be so stupid, no person in there right mind would WANT TO get mumps, i think ur doing it for attention or something! i dont think u realise how much fucking pain it involves, just go on your holiday for god sake, i have had it TWICE! when u come over here u will probably get it even if u had it b4 anyway, sort yourself out!

    Debbie - 14th December 2005 16:07 - #

  370. Hi everyone, I'm a 19 year old student and I think I have come down with the mumps. I started getting pain around my ear and throat last night and woke up this morning with slight swelling on BOTH sides of my face. I went to the doctor who checked me out and said that in her opinion I had nothing for now. The last thing I wanted to hear was that I have "nothing" since I obviously don't! Can someone help me tell if I have the mumps? The entire area from under my jawline to the area under my ears is tender and swollen and my mouth is very dry. I have a temperature of 37.5 C. I can feel 2 "balls" under my face which are very tender. I have some pain when I open my mouth. Does this mean I have mumps and my face is just going to keep swelling?? (note that I woke up with BOTH sides of my face swollen.. not one after the other) Also, I am supposed to take a plane on friday (the day after tomorrow) I really really have to get on this flight. Can I take the plane even if I have mumps? I would be eternally greatful if someone could answer my questions or at least share their experience with me. I'm so glad I found this site! Hope all of you feel better. Sophie

    Sophie - 15th December 2005 01:34 - #

  371. Hi Sophie, sorry to let you know but you definatly, 100% have mumps im afraid, the swelling may get a little bigger, and it will become VERY painful, it will be hard to eat i have had to live on complan at the moment as i cannot eat actual food so i need to drink protein shakes.-----i also doubt that you will be able to go on your trip as it is highly contagious, someone with mumps can pass it on easily by coughing sneezing etc its passed on by saliva basically,---the best thing to do is to stay off your feet rest and sleep,..sleep is the best thing for it. mumps is in your system for a few weeks before the symptoms come out (swelling) and after the swelling goes you still have the virus in you for two weeks so you cant really come in contact with anyone for that amount of time as it will probably be passed on. -- about the plane the best thing to do is ring the airline and ask them about it because i aint too sure about if they will let you fly, but im guessing,-not in a million years- sorry to hear that you have the dreaded virus aswell, hope you get better soon. Debs XxX ....oh by the way the swelling lasts about 2 weeks AT MOST but remember that it is still in your system for about 2 weeks after. hope you feel better XxX

    Debbie - 15th December 2005 03:36 - #

  372. I GOT DA DAMN MUMPS!!!!! :( MY MAN WANNA C ME ON SATURDAY! WAT SHAL I DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO? ITS NOT FAIR!!!

    GEEZA - 15th December 2005 18:15 - #

  373. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME!!! What can you take to get rid of the pain? I started with mumps on friday and it just felt like a golf ball stuck under my jaw. It is now a week on and my face is bigger than ever. I have swelling right from the top of my ear (in front and behind) to the base of my neck. The pain seems to get worse when i lie down so i have to sleep sitting up. Is there anything else i can take for the pain except what the doctors recommend of paracetomol and nurofen. I cant wait to get rid of this virus and deeply feel sorry for anyone else that is suffering from this as well.

    charlene - 16th December 2005 10:58 - #

  374. I don't care what anyone thinks or says one way or another I will find someone to help me get them. I am just really sickened that I have had so many assholes try and turn this around and as an excuse to try and get me on cam. I am willing to do almost anything for people willing to help---Message or email me on MSN lil-salad-fingers@hotmail.com

    lil-salad-fingers - 17th December 2005 03:34 - #

  375. Got the mumps as well..and its really painful to chew anything! i feel like a pensioner who needs to have all ther food liquidised before they suck it up through a straw. Thing i hate most tho is my swollen face. I kid u not, i look like that dad character from family guy (anyone no who i'm talking bout)....well i'm not too stressed at the mo. At least it gives me a chance to revise for my exam in jan! Will be undescribably annoyed if my face swelling hasnt gone down by New Years Eve tho. Am planning to go out 2 central london and celebrate the beginning of 2006 in style. Whats more i've already got the tickets, and its gonna be a complete waste of money if i can't go :( Still tho...am optimistic i will get better and am drinkin LOADS of water to try and flush it out of my system??? Get well soon to all of u going through the same thing!

    Dake - 23rd December 2005 19:38 - #

  376. Hey 2 everyone goin through the same pain and damn discomfort as me!.. iv jus gota tell ya that 1 thing that kind of eases the pain of the swelling is if u get a scarf and like wrap it round ur head, lk frm the bottom of ur chin 2 the top of ur head! it helps u eat better aswell! even though it makes u look stupid, it helps! give it a go! :D i cant believe iv got mumps 4 xmas day! :(

    Catrin - 23rd December 2005 20:54 - #

  377. I find Ibuprofen are very useful, I'm only on day two of my hamsterness (and now my left side is coming up too grrrrrr) and I've already taken 10.. Which is slightly over the limit so I think I'll cut down oops. But it bloody hurts! Is there an average length of time before the swelling stops? :/

    Dan - 28th December 2005 23:07 - #

  378. Hi, i have just come down with mumps i'm on day 3 of the hamster swelling. I find holding a hot water bottle to my checks helps ease the pain. i'm 22 i graduated uni in the summer, i managed to go through 3 years of uni without getting mumps and now i'm home i get it!

    Amy - 29th December 2005 19:50 - #

  379. I got the mumps on the 29th Dec 05. I caught it off my uni friend 2 weeks after being in contact.I also found out 2 of my other mates from uni got it too so it must have spreaded from my friend that had it before us.I look terrible lol!! there's nothing to do but laugh.I want to cry.Im starting uni on 9th Jan 06 and i need this hamster look to go.It feels like my face is going to explode.I sent the guy i caught this from a text today swearing at him cos i was in so much pain.I have bare revision to do but i can't get myself to do it.I emphasise all of u who have the mumps.Just wrote to let u knw im one of the unhappy crew.U r NOT alone thats for sure and neither am i.There's nothing 2 do but wait. :((((((((((((((

    Selda - 1st January 2006 22:30 - #

  380. Selda you did write me a nasty IM and an email earlier, personally I don't care what anyone thinks I can and will find somone to help me on getting it and I am willing to pay quite well anyone who helps me once I have the mumps, and do a cam show once I have been helped. Feel free to message or email me lil-salad-fingers@hotmail.com

    lil-salad-fingers - 2nd January 2006 01:32 - #

  381. Lol!! Well Salad Fingers I think everyone who visited this site and has had mumps would love to send you a nasty message, but now I know why you want the mumps but it's still very childish sorry to say.I wrote that e-mail to you before I spoke to you on msn.My face doesn't seem to get better.Drinking water don't help me!!!!! This sucks!!! I look like a HAMSTER in a HUMAN body!!! WHYYYYYY???????i USED TO LIKE HAMSTERS NOW I HATE THEM cos they remind me of them now.How bigger is this face gonna get.I have them on both sides, HUGE!!! And I go back to uni on the 9th.

    Selda - 2nd January 2006 12:50 - #

  382. Actually... Salad Fingers- I think your name is David... anyway how much would you pay me if I pass the mumps onto you? I have a great idea!!! I can send you a sample of my saliva in a tube and post it to your house.As you want the mumps so badly you should be able to put up with swalling my saliva lol!!! So how much would you pay me for it. P.S Amy or any other person who has recently got the mumps, if you visit the site plz let me know how ur face is getting on.Thanx xx

    Selda - 2nd January 2006 13:02 - #

  383. Msg for salad fingers a.k.a David - there's a spelling mistake above.I meant to write swallowing (not swalling) my saliva.:D

    Selda - 2nd January 2006 13:08 - #

  384. Hey Selda, i'm on day 7 now, the pain in my cheeks has totally gone but they are still huge, i think yesterday they were at their biggest and today they are very slightly smaller! I got it on both sides too.

    Amy - 2nd January 2006 16:18 - #

  385. OHH NOO!!! Looks like my hamster features are still going to be around for a long time :(( I was laughing at myself today at the mirror it lookes as if i stored lots of food in my mouth.I can't believe there isn't a medicine for this its ridiculous.Im sorry that your face hasn't gone back to normal Amy thanx for informing me though.The biggest problem for me is going back to uni with this hamster face and i have to attend my lessons so i dont have an option but then it will spread to other people too.Ohh no!! Only people who have the mumps can understand that's why I wrote so much.Bless

    Selda - 2nd January 2006 18:15 - #

  386. Mumps ppl hellllllllllloooooooooooo have u all recovered? no-one seems to be writing anymore :(( I feel alone!! lol

    Selda - 2nd January 2006 22:19 - #

  387. Well, my cheeks swelled up and hurt like hell for about 3 days..but they've gone down now and dont hurt. Although I have noticed a slight ache today..hope they aren't coming up again. The strange thing is I havent fell unwell at all, I lost my appetite yeah but other than that and the pain in my hamster cheeks I've been fine. Maybe I had a very mild case?

    Dan - 3rd January 2006 03:29 - #

  388. Hi Dan u must be in day 8 or something according to my calculation from the msg u wrote on the 28th.That's really good if the swelling has gone down after 8 days.I developed my hamsterness on 30/12/05.Im on day 4 and it has got worse.I dont think i will recover for about another week and a half :((( Im not going to uni like this no way.I'm just gona revise at home.I normally stay on campus.Oh well.Drinking water didnt help but ibuprofen does help with the pain almost instantly.Also when i drink mint herbal tea my swelling goes a bit soft which helps otherwise my face feels hard and hurts when i touch my face.

    Selda - 3rd January 2006 18:03 - #

  389. My mumps are going down.YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!! !!!!! :)))))))))

    SELDA - 5th January 2006 18:52 - #

  390. the hamsterness is GONE!!!!!!!!!!! hurrahhhhhhh... im jst abt bk 2 normal :)))))))))

    SELDA - 6th January 2006 23:12 - #

  391. P.S. I thought drinking water don't help.IT HELPSSSS!!! Idrank so much water everyday and it could be that that helped me get over the mump quicker!!!!! DRINK WATERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

    SELDA - 6th January 2006 23:18 - #

  392. Secondary school pupils are being vaccinated for mumps although it would appear that they have previously been innoculated with the MMR vaccine pre-school and at primary school. Hopefully this additional vaccination will provide them with immunity from this painful virus.

    Iwan - 8th January 2006 03:42 - #

  393. Erh. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired, this is my last ever uni guilt free holiday!! Bloody Typical. Well Im a sick pup. I got the lump on saturday morning waking up with a terrible hangover and thinking that Id been in a fight (not that I do that kinda thing)! Its now Weds. So only Day 4. Apparently I hav another 4 more before I am well!!? minimum. Obviously I am runnin the oh so sexy John Merrick look! Has anyone found that if they do manage to get any food inside them, it doesnt stay for long? I've been a little sick and had numerous unfortunate trips to the toilet.But that aside I feel fine within myself, headaches subsided and temperature too. I just managed to chew a piece of chocolate so thats progress! I hop everyone gets better soon, I can honestly say, know the feeling! adios compadres

    Jessica Rabbit - 11th January 2006 15:58 - #

  394. might add... i got it on a uni ski trip! And im from Bristol. And to avoid overdosing on nurofen take paracetamol in between!

    Jessica Rabbit - 11th January 2006 16:01 - #

  395. hi i came down with mumps on satuday and my face was like a balloon. pain is killing me and it has been 5 days since the swelling began and it hasnt gone down!!!! help im goin back to school on monday any advise to get the swelling down?????

    hannah - 11th January 2006 17:12 - #

  396. Drink lots and lots of water!! I managed to eat today and the swellings a lot less intense. Good luck, looks like we'v been riding it together! Nothing wrong with being a few days late for school after xmas, ul gt loads of attention when u get back!! Good luck x

    Jessica Rabbit - 12th January 2006 02:00 - #

  397. I THINK THIS MUMPS CRAPPY ILLNESS SUCKS... I just got dumped by my BF 4 days ago because he had the mumps!!! Hows that for an excuse. I thought Id look it up. Have been researching on the illness to see what it is all about. I know its no excuse - but maybe he thinks he cant have kids, seeing as though it may be possible that adult men whos (you know what swells) may become sterile and not able to have kids! I got hurt, but I SWEAR... I hope he gets better and doesnt become sterile. That would kill him as he always loved kids. My heart goes out to all of you... GET WELL SOON!!!!!

    Juliet - 15th January 2006 01:33 - #

  398. Awww i hope all y'all who have the mumps to get well a.s.a.p my swelling nearly completely recovered on day 7 and by day 8 no swelling was left my face was back 2 normal.Get well soon xxxxxxxx

    Selda - 15th January 2006 21:53 - #

  399. This has currently got to be one of the worst weeks of my life. Last Friday I sprained my ankle cannot get around without crutches my foot resembles a balloon then I'm sure in some kind of sympathy act my face decided to follow suit. I noticed some swelling on my face on Monday by Tuesday morning I was unrecognisable didn't know what it was I was convinced I might have some kind of dental problem but when the doctor told me it was mumps I wasn't ready for the pain I was about to experience. I'm 28 and have two children and can honestly say that childbirth was nothing compared to this. Its now Saturday and my face is still not showing any signs of returning to normal, I've been hot, cold, had severe headaches, I've been sick but also hungry and unable to eat. When I try to eat I'm sure there is someone with a pump trying to inflate my face a little more!! Today I told my husband to call me 'Herman Mumpster' as I only need two bolts in the side of my neck and I'm sure I could then be mistaken for one of The Munsters! Please tell me there is a light at the end of the tunnel!?!

    Maggie - 21st January 2006 14:05 - #

  400. I thought i was bad but you all seem to have it worse, one of my m8s had mumps and ive had mmr but ive got all the symptoms but not alot of swelling so doc wasnt sure if it was mumps or another virus but i feel like ive been punched in the face numerous times anyone any suggestions for stopping my bordem!

    E - 21st January 2006 21:03 - #

  401. can you catch mumps if iv already had it get back in touch asap if can thanks

    marc - 25th January 2006 14:27 - #

  402. Anyone know how long mumps last? Ive had it since last Friday and im on antibiotics and pain killers but the swelling hasnt gone down at all!!

    amy - 1st February 2006 20:33 - #

  403. I am STILL trying to get the mumps and I am very serious, If you wanna help me message me lil-salad-fingers@hotmail.com

    lil-salad-fingers - 1st February 2006 21:04 - #

  404. I have come down with mumps. Must have caught it from uni. I am on day 4 now and the swelling is still just as bad. I am back at uni on Tuesday and if the swelling doesnt go down then I wont be able to go. I havent been able to eat a thing either and am worried I will lose loads of weight.

    Jenna - 2nd February 2006 15:31 - #

  405. Day 5 0f mumps today. Feeling a little better and the pain isnt so bad but am still swollen. I am hoping I dont get any worse though as your comments have shown, sometimes it can swell back up again. Feel really worried that I have infected my family and friends and just wish that I could eat something without it hurting.

    Jenna - 3rd February 2006 12:34 - #

  406. Day 7! Finally doesnt hurt no more! Swelling is still up but its slowly going down. Think i might venture out today - with my hair covering my neck and face!!!! Get well soon every1!! Finally i think ill be ok for a weekend out!!!!

    amy - 3rd February 2006 13:03 - #

  407. On day 6 now. The pain is slowly going but I still look like a hamster. I am hoping that because the pain is subsiding that the swelling will to... I have severe hunger and a slight headache today though as well as a pain in my jaw when I eat. From all your comments it seems that a lot of your swelling has gone down after 7 days so I am hoping that I will be the same. I would do anything to make my jaw stop aching so that I could have a chicken curry, Am so so hungry. The only thing that is keeping me alive is chocolate milkshakes. Thats my recommendation for all you fellow hamsters. They taste nice and they give you a bit of nutrition..

    Jenna - 4th February 2006 12:17 - #

  408. Day 7 now. Still look very swollen but at least the pain has gone. However I still cant eat properly and am getting sick of soups and milkshakes. However I do feel a little better each day which is good. I am hoping all the swelling will go down completely by the weekend. I want to go out, I am sick of staying in.

    Jenna - 5th February 2006 15:20 - #

  409. I must be the only person in the world left with mumps now! I am now on day 8. The swelling seems to have gone down a little bit now but it is still quite painful to eat. However I am expecting a full recovery by the end of the week with a bit of luck.

    Jenna - 6th February 2006 14:57 - #

  410. Hey guys found this site when I tried searching google to find out how long I'm gonna look like a one sided hamster for. Anyone who states that you cannot get mumps twice is misinformed.I'm suffering for the second time. I'm 22 now first had it when I was a little kid of about 4. Upon visiting the doc I was told that my onesided mump was thanks to me having a small amount of immunity from the last time I had it but not enough. So unfair! I get an M.M.R and Mumps and Booster M.M.R and MUMPS AGAIN!!

    Pricma - 7th February 2006 18:43 - #

  411. Day 10 of mumps. Still look swollen and lop-sided but at least I am able to eat. Am a little worried though as I have a job interview on Monday and I dont want them to notice that I look like a hamster.. I know mumps affects everyone differently but the swelling does not always go down really quickly. This is my 10th day of mumps and I have only noticed a small reduction of swelling. Some days I notice no difference at all. I have heard it takes 14 days to completely go so I hope that its the same for me. I hate mumps so much and pity anyone who gets it because not only do you have to contend with the pain and swelling but you also feel this incredible guilt that you may have passed it onto your friends and family. I will feel so guilty if that happens...Some have had mumps already and the mmr jab but as some of your comments show, You can get mumps a second time.Guess I will just have to wait and find out.

    Jenna - 8th February 2006 12:39 - #

  412. I came down with the mumps last Tuesday so am on day 6. Swelling is going down now which is good but still got fizzing pain in saliva glands, ohhhhhh! Really hop ei haven't infected anybody at work, feel so guilty. Anyone know when i'll be safe to go back in to the office?

    Jodie - 13th February 2006 12:23 - #

  413. I have fully recovered now. I would say that even after 2 weeks you may still be a little swollen in the face and neck. But each day you will feel better. Its so frustrating counting down the days but you will get there!

    Jenna - 17th February 2006 20:54 - #

  414. STILL trying to get the mumps! If anyone is willing to help me IM me, I am quite serious and am willing to do whatever so long as you help me get the mumps. IM or Email me LIL-SALAD-FINGERS@HOTMAIL.COM

    LIL-SALAD-FINGER - 17th February 2006 23:39 - #

  415. Hi, I'm in Indonesia. Got mumps when I was a kid. And got *them* again now as an adult. (It's plural, right? I got them on both sides of my face!) Already a week now, and I hate to wait another week before everything back to normal. I just wondering if those hamster-loving girls will like my hamster-looks! ;)

    HJ - 20th February 2006 07:31 - #

  416. My mumps started last thursday its now tuesday how long does it last and can i be in contact with any one ?

    JAYNE - 20th February 2006 13:14 - #

  417. I would give it a few more days Jayne. Wait until the swelling has gone down otherwise you may pass it on!

    Jenna - 21st February 2006 15:44 - #

  418. Good news! I'm cured! :) It's all takes about 10 days to recover from this funny illness! It is funny isn't it? Your face looks funny! My wife laughing at how my face looks! It's not fair to lock yourself because you have mumps! Only 30-40% mumps shows hamster-looks. Most people with mumps just looks normal but contagious!!! CMIIW. Jenna, eats good foods, drink plenty of waters, use some immune-booster pills. ;) ha aha haha.. du bidu bidu...

    HJ - 23rd February 2006 11:30 - #

  419. Hey, have just about recovered from mumps. First signs of swelling was about 10 days ago now and ot was only very small and not painfull so I ignored it and went out and got smashed. the following morning one side of my face was enormous. Dr gave me painkillers and antibiotics but said she didnt think it was mumps. It kept gettin worse so I went to the hospital as the Dr said the next day, they then told me it might be mumps but to come back if it got worse. Inevitably it did get worse so I went back with a very high temperature (over 40 degrees) and vomiting. This promptes them to allow me to stay in over night. I was out of Hospital in 4 days feeling alot better but still with alot of swelling. I dont know what I would have done if they hadn't have kept me in because I share a room at Uni and there is no partition or anything, then again I've probably already infected him. Not sure how I caught it as I haven't heard of any other cases at my Uni (Hull), although I've probably set the ball rolling now. Good luck to all you people out there who are still suffering, there is light at the end of the tunnel! Its taken about 9 days all told now and I think I'm pretty much rid of it now.

    Pete - 24th February 2006 10:13 - #

  420. Hi folks my 12 year old lad is just getting over the mumps, he hasnt had much pain (thankfully) but oh my god how big can a face get?! he hasnt been looking in mirrors and daily he has asked me and his dad..... is it gonna get any bigger? lots of fluids painkillers and TLC is the answer to a speedy recoverey ! Get well soon guys ! xxx

    julie - 26th February 2006 10:39 - #

  421. Julie, My friend had the mumps but got over it in a week. I think this is because she took penicillin for the swelling. Is your son taking this?

    Jenna - 27th February 2006 08:42 - #

  422. Advice please! My 22-month-old son has been (occasionally) touching the side of his face below his ear and crying, but most of the time is fine. Yesterday he swelled up a little on that side of his face, but that has gone down now. Am I being paranoid?

    jac - 27th February 2006 17:03 - #

  423. It might be worth taking him to the doctors just to be on the safe side Jac.Does he also have a temperature and small lumps behind the ear? If so then it could be mumps, however it could just be tooth pain or something. Hope he feels better soon!

    Jenna - 1st March 2006 10:40 - #

  424. Hi, i have had mumps for 4 days now. My right side of my face has blown up and i have been in pain ever since. I have had such painfull ear ache is that common? feels like my ear is about to explode! The worst thing about mumps is being caged indoors,i miss being free!! get well soon every one!!

    alex - 4th March 2006 00:38 - #

  425. It started off as a flu, but after reading stuff about doctors lying about a "gland virus," I think I've got the mumps now. I first had the mumps when I travelled to India at 13, and now at 27, and staying in Japan, I'm having it again. The doctor said it was an ordinary flu caused by a virus and should fix itself up in no time. He had this silly smile on his face, prolly laughing at a big white foreigner brought down by the mumps, Japonica strain. To make things worse, he just gave me 4 days worth of painkiller. I'm now on day 5, swelling on the right side. Mumps, begone!

    Cian - 6th March 2006 10:19 - #

  426. STILL TRYING TO GET THE MUMPS! I am serious about this and wish one of you people would help me, My msn is lil-salad-fingers@hotmail.com IM me or email me. I am willing to pay quite well once I have caught them.

    LIL-SALAD-FINGERS - 9th March 2006 15:44 - #

  427. I'm a mumpy junkie!!!! Day three and i look like stay puff marshmellow man from the ghostbusters (wonder if i can find one of those little hats). Went to the doc's this morning and they gave me drugs; well antibiotics so my manhood doesnt get any bigger. Its a handful as it is. Haven't been sleeping and temp fluxtuates during the night. When i do manage to get at least 30 mins kip i wake in a massive swet and reach painfully for the nearest glass of fluid. Pain killers work! Well parecetomol for about half hour; best bet is ibuprofen. Full strengh stuff! works a charm for me. After taking the first tablet i was asleep for a good few hours, pain free. It was amazing. Bordom has started to kick in, although seeing how many sour haribo sweets you can put in your mouth without passing out is very entertainig for friends and family. I will remember these days for the good times, not the painful. Hope the swelling starts to go down soon. People are staring to stare. I swear i overheard someone in the street comment on the size of my cheeks and place a bet on what i was storring in thier vast capasity, but my hearing is a bit dull, im slightly dullusional and may have imagined the whole thing. For those sufferes out there, chin up (spreads the swelling out so it doesnt appear to bad) and keep posting. Mark

    Mark - 14th March 2006 21:02 - #

  428. Hi Mumpsters, This website has helped a lot, it´s good to know that I´m not the only hamster like around. I´m on my 10th day, when will this thing go away? cheers from Brasil, Bruno

    Bruno - 16th March 2006 18:50 - #

  429. i got mumps dont like it want it to go look fat, on my fourth day now killing me dont eat burgers trust me hurts

    tony - monday 13th - 17th March 2006 12:17 - #

  430. Grrrr!! Started off wiv a really bad cough 4 a week n swelling on 1 side then woke up looking like a hamster!! day 4 of having the hamster look!...hurts like hell!! i'm well annoyed 4 of my friends bday this week n wann ago out -typical!! but not looking hopeful really huh plus dnt wanna pass it on!! :( grrr this will teach me to miss the booster!!...ne ways ne1 wiv mumps@ the mo know how u feel -heres 2 a speedy recovery huh!! xxxxxx

    Gemz - 27th March 2006 11:04 - #

  431. initially i thot id had an allergic reaction 2 my new earings bt when i woke up this morn and couldnt c my chin realised this was not the case. im also a student who has a lot of course work due in soon (which does involve me going to the uni library) bt cant do it. i also start a new job on mon...then again maybe not! I look terrible now! Get well soon every1! x

    Vic - 28th March 2006 03:15 - #

  432. Ok, hello and please welcome the new member of mumps r us!!! me!!! ive cought mumps off my girlfiriend, shes 22 and im 19!!! I cought it on monday night, started with a pain just under the left side of my jaw and now, its friday morning, 5 days later and my face and neck look like the nutty professors, damb. I cant feel no pain as im on 2 to be taken 3 times a day co-proxamal, recomended!! There basically paracatamols, so far the family jules are a ok but reading some of these articles is worrying me!! Ive missed so much work college/job work. My little brother just got chicken pots 2 so my single parent mum is having one hell of a time as shes also developed a bad back!!!!! We're having so much fun!! I'll keep you updated with my progress I hope everyone heals and gets better as soon as!!!

    ash - 31st March 2006 12:02 - #

  433. I've had the mumps since Sunday and it's now Friday. So far its only on the left side of my face i hope it doesnt move over to the right side.

    Sand - 31st March 2006 17:33 - #

  434. I am another person who wants the mumps. I can not take the mmr and if I dont show immunity to the mumps I am fucked out out a very importaint trip this summer. contact me at mangled-unicorn@hotmail.com

    mangled unicorn - 31st March 2006 23:37 - #

  435. ok, mumps started on mondy, its now saturday and the front side of my pelvis is getting swallen! Im just hoping the family jules dont get infected. i feel a bit less pain but still look like the nutty professore massive neck and cheeks, im actually feeling the depression now, the feeling of being cooped up in my room and with this thing on my face is reallly making me emotional, im a very hyper run up and down person so this feels like im locked up, no real sign of healing, day 6 ending so far....will keep you updated............i had my first real meal today woohoo

    ash - 1st April 2006 20:39 - #

  436. I've got mumps since 3 days ago and my left cheek is really swollen with my right starting to swell too. Unfortunately, I had no MMR vaccine and that's propably the reason why I caught it. I just hope it subsides faster :(

    Martin Salazar - 3rd April 2006 06:08 - #

  437. I have mumps too...woke up in the middle of the night on Thursday with an aching neck, thought I'd slept funny and strained it or something. By Saturday morning I had the hamster look, but only on one side. It's now Monday and I'm feeling a bit better, still hurts to eat but not as much. I've not really had the dry mouth thing. Sunday (day 3 ish) was the worst...flu-esque aches everywhere. I'm at the Uni of Liverpool, there's been a few cases of months here according to the nurse at the NHS Direct clinic. Can't think who I caught it off though cos I don't know anyone who has had it recently. The worst thing is, I'm in my final year and my dissertation/project thing is due in a month today :S Get well soon everyone who is in the same boat ^_^

    Kat - 3rd April 2006 20:41 - #

  438. hi, im 31 and iv got mumps can u belive it!!! had them for over a week and my face is still fat!!feel better than i did,but still not my old self,had no visitors as they are all to worried they will catch it,iv not had the jab so can only wait and drink loads of water and hope my face goes back down !!!!

    karie bundy - 4th April 2006 15:24 - #

  439. I don't know why some people think this mumps business is funny. Well the first time my girl friend called my Grumpy Mumpy was funny, but now it's just anoying! Ive been on holiday in Ireland and didn't feal up to to much Guiness drinking which is a shame. So much for quarantine(I just flew back today) I have had it for 6 days just in my right cheek it hurts like hell when i eat (but managed to get a few bacon sarnies down) At night my sheets get soaked with sweat, reqular ibprofen really helps the pain and swelling but you look like a freak when your chin isn't in the middle of your face! I think the swelling is starting to go down after 6 long days. Just hope i don't get it in the other cheek and that that funny fealing I have in my balls is all my imagination.(jib 20 from Somerset)

    jib - 13th April 2006 22:27 - #

  440. well this is just the most ridiculous disease ever! am on day 6 now and swelling is showing no signs of going. am thoroughly pissed off now. all my housemates have been going out n having fun and i am going out of my brain with boredom. ventured out the house y'day to sainsburies but felt far too self concious and had to run back to bed. am feeling v sorry for myself now. at least i wasn't on hols - bad luck jib. haven't lost my appetite so am not even losing weight - booo! get well fellow grumpy mumpys! (grumpy mumpy girl, 22, brighton)

    maeve - 15th April 2006 15:15 - #

  441. I was just notified today that a recent ex-employee of our company could have infected us all with mumps as he has them. what do I do???

    Melissa - 18th April 2006 16:49 - #

  442. Hello There U Poor Poor People. I was searching Chicken Pox (my youngest son has it) when I came across this site. Thought I would tell you all that mumps can cause deafness so make sure u get your ears checked after. Although I cant remember having the mumps as a child, I have been left deaf since the age of 2 1/2. This was caused by the mumps. Im hoping that chicken pox wont effect my sons ears. I hope the MMR is enough to keep this awful disease away from my children, as it wasnt for me. Good Luck and Thoughts are with U all. xx

    Amy - 20th April 2006 09:32 - #

  443. hi, i got mumps last friday, the pain in my neck started, then woke up sunday looking like a greedy hamster!!! no pain as i'm living on nurofen but have a big night out this sat and need the swelling to go down or i cant bear to leave the house!!! is ther any way it will go down quicker?

    sophie - 25th April 2006 23:30 - #

  444. i must say this site is very amusing. im sooooo... glad to have found other Fatties like me. fatty and mumpy are everyones favourite words for me..... i went out last friday, great nite, and saturday morning woke up with a huge lump under my ear. i tried to go back to sleep! wen that didnt work i took myself to the hospital. oh yes.... mumps. todays wednesday and im on my 5th day. i must say that most of the swelling has gone down, and its more discomfort than pain now. i can now eat slowly which is a plus!!! however friday nite i was with my boyfriend (sure u can see where im going) and im scared he'll have it. he claims he is as fit as a fiddle. but u wait till his balls swell up. i cant afford for him to be sterile coz im kinda planning of marrying him at some point. bit of a predicament c....... iv been told that it could swell back up again...so im off to fing some relible information to spread wid u. theres alot of uncertainty on here as to wen it ends.... ill be back!!!

    jade-kimberly - 26th April 2006 20:32 - #

  445. Am 26 and am on my 5th day of mumps now! swelling has started to go down from my face but it's still mega painful to eat and talk. Did get alot of swelling around my ovaries too so it isn't just my face that looks fat. it's comforting to know that it's not just me. have been feeling like a freak. some people are avoiding me like the plague and others think I'm making too big a deal of it (these people have obviously either never had it or were too young when they did to remember) Hope all you sufferers feel better soon.

    sarah - 29th April 2006 00:16 - #

  446. On day 8 as a member of the 'hamster family', the swellings starting to go but the fluctuating temperature is still present. I had mumps (confirmed by a doctor)as a ten year old and missed a great school trip. Had a mump at 21 (confirmed by a doctor)and now at 53 got two mumps just as bad as the first time (confirmed again by the doc). Sympathies to all, drink plenty of water and keep taking the tablets.

    Diane - 30th April 2006 11:40 - #

  447. I had mumps on both sides at around age 9 or 10 now at 47 I have a "mild" case on my right side..Thought it was a one time thing....I guess even the "experts" dont really know for sure......

    Marsha - 1st May 2006 23:04 - #

  448. I'm 30 and have found out today that I have mumps. My mum said that I had a mild case of it as a kid. I wne to the hospital for a diagnosis as the GP thought that it was glandular fever and I thought that she was wrong-guess I was right. It turnes out that because I work in a school the Public Health have to be informed and will be contacting my work tomorrow, they're going to love me!

    Sophie - 10th May 2006 20:04 - #

  449. well as a mature (37)student nurse currently at leeds uni, i have mumps!! bloody painful only got it on my right side, how long till the swelling goes i look like a hampster, been drinking loads of water but eating vey little cant open my mouth ah well soon be over hopefully! on day 2 now. mine started with a bad neck and shoulders whilst on holiday byefor now x

    joanna - 28th May 2006 03:05 - #

  450. Hi, I am a 40 year old graduate (nursing entry) student at a university in Chicago. I tested positive for the mumps about May12. I was supposed to be released from my work and school furlough 9 days post symptoms but, due to a corporate health policy was on furlough until today. While my symptoms had all subsided and I thought I was well, they returned a day and a half ago!!! Not so fast?! Ugh. I am not released yet from my furlough and will go back for another bloodtest yet, I recognize this feeling. My "parotid" glands in front of my ears felt exactly the same a couple of weeks ago. Darn, can you get it back to back like this? Not only did I have the acute case and supposedly built up my own natural immunity but, before my IgM status came back positive the corporate health nurse gave me step one of MMR!

    Jennifer B - 30th May 2006 17:25 - #

  451. Ouch, i've got it too, over the bank holiday weekend. The doc gave me a sick note yesterday and told me i'm a health hazard! lol. I'm a bit gutted as i'm due to go on holiday tomorrow and the swelling is getting bigger! Looks like I am going to have to cancel! Wish anyone currently suffering all the best for a speedy recovery! Dave

    Dave J - 31st May 2006 10:13 - #

  452. im so upset i have had the mumps for about 3 days now my first signs where pain in my throat with a small lump i went to my doc n he said its a bacterial infection n gave me celftin n ibuprfren however after two days on the meds my condition got worst my right side of my face swoll and i could barely open my mouth i began to panic!!! it hurt when i swallow and i wake out of my sleep in pain gathering ice packs n heat packs to try to soothe my pain. so my doc did a blood test n said he feels its the mumps n to call on mon n i cant go back to school for a week n a half! IM TAKING SUMMER COURSES THAT R ONLY 3 WEEKS SO HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THIS! I hope i will be well soon mumps sux!!!!!cant see my boyfriend. cant see my friends hard to talk on phone especially because i could barely open my mouth im hungry i lost 5 pounds already can hardly drink n am becoming depressed i pray everyone feels better soon that mmr shot doesnt do a thing ! :( well im about to go back to sleep feel better love fire nyc u.s.a

    fire - 29th July 2006 15:51 - #

  453. I know that this is almost all about mumps but i'm relieved to see that other adults have had chickenpox more than once. I have chicken pox for a week now. I know that its nowhere near as bad as mumps but I was starting to think that there was something seriously wrong with me as all the literature tells you, you only get it once!!! I've had it twice as a child and now at 37. Apparently I seem to have got it with my 15 year old daughter on a flight home from our holiday. This is the second time my daughter has had it, she was two the first time.

    Tracy Carr - 22nd August 2006 19:45 - #

  454. ive got da mumps an im 12 i think im gonna die!!! :-( i was supposed to be goin to dalake district wiv mi best friend 2day but can't its sooooooooooo unfair + what is the point of mumps what good does it do you??? i had my MMR + a booster so im a bit narked know what ur goin through if you have or have had the mumps its not nice!!!! :-)

    jimmeneybilliebob - 15th September 2006 12:52 - #

  455. I woke up last saturday morning with an ache and by saturday evening my face was completely swollen! and guess what monday was? yes my 21st birthday had to cancel my big bash tomorrow and rearranged it for next saturday i can only pray that i am better for then good to know other people share my misery !! anybody got any cures for the swelling of the face?? would love to hear any ideas im looking a lot better but i still feel that there is a bit of swelling there!! x

    clair - 15th September 2006 15:32 - #

  456. I am still trying to catch the mumps anyone wanna help me?

    GIVE ME MUMPS! - 17th October 2006 03:38 - #

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