The parotid gland infections I had in the past were before Google. This time I checked to see what the current suggestions are. Apparently they usually resolve themselves in a couple of weeks, just be patient unless they get a lot worse. I tried that with my first one. I watched it gradually get worse, but nothing alarming, and I was debating whether or not to see a doctor. Then Friday evening, after the doctors were closed, the area started looking pink and inflamed. Hmm. I clearly should see a doctor but should I wait until Monday or go to the emergency room? So about 2 AM on a hot July Sunday morning I was in the bathroom trying to decide whether to go to the ER or go back to bed and get some sleep. I started shivering and that decided it, I drove the two minutes down to the emergency room.
The waiting room was empty and the receptionist checked me in, then a woman came in behind her, took one look at me, looked startled, and disappeared. So I waited and started reading the book I had brought with me. A few minutes later I was ushered into an exam room. It turns out the startled woman was my doctor, and as she was examing me I mentioned it was always hard to decide whether to come to the ER or to wait. She didn’t answer, so I asked her about this case. She said when the skin gets red and inflamed it’s usually serious, and it’s especially bad if it’s in the neck. I could die.
Oh! The funny thing is it didn’t upset me, I was relieved and happy I had made the right decision. I had played my part well and could relax and let them do their part. So she had me lie down on the exam table and left. A nurse came in with an old blanket she had warmed, which felt luxurious under the circumstances, and I went back to my book until they came in and gave me antibiotics via an IV. The doctor wrote a prescription for me along with a couple of pills to tide me over until I could get it filled. She also made an appointment for a CT scan the next morning.
The next day I had Andy drive me for the CT scan and to get my prescription filled, and all was right with the world. The antibiotic (augmentim) cured the infection at first, but a few days later it came back so I went to the ER for another prescription. It’s the fact that it came back that makes me get treatment right away. I don’t want to create antibiotic resistant bacteria. I don’t like having to take antibiotics, but in this case it’s better to be supercautious and take them early.
As usual, life is full of adventure.
July 27, 2022
My goodness. Hope eventually all this improves and goes away!! But, for now, I will have to do some Google research.
Reading…it’s usually caused by viruses? Of course you probably know that. Also there is mention of covid.
It’s already starting to get better. I was surprised they said it’s often caused by viruses. Fortunately mine seem to be bacterial, which is why the antibiotics work. I might not be here otherwise.
You did the right thing though I’m not sure about driving yourself to the ER in the middle of the night. But if it’s only 2 minutes away I guess I can forgive you. Get and stay well, please.
Thank you. It’s a lot better already.
We hope you are doing better now. Always best to be sure rather than wait and have a problem.
Yes, thanks.
I’m so glad you made the decision to go to the ER that day.
Glad you were able to get effective treatment and are better now.
Thanks. I’m finishing the pills by now but the infection seems ot be gone. 🙂
I spent half and hour yesterday researching this because I had never heard of the glands and had no idea what or where they were, I was shocked to read all that I read. I smiled when you said today, before Google. not only do I research what happens to me and bob and Beau but blog friends also.
glad you went and hope you are better today
Bless Google! I’m like you, I look things up even when it’s not about something we’re dealing with. I’m so grateful we have it.
I, too, had never heard of parotid gland infections, but appreciate you sharing your own experience here. Who knows that might save someone else pain/suffering someday?
I don’t know if doctors really mean it when they say, “It’s nothing, but you were right to come in.” But it’s sure nice to hear!
Yes!
I do take antibiotics for sinus infections but I haven’t had one of those in years. I refuse to buy antibiotic soap, though. Years ago I knew a mother of twins who tried to protect her kids from catching anything because if one got it they both did. The result was the didn’t build up any immunities so when they got sick they got really sick. Unintended consequences.
I know. Using antibiotic soap just creates drug resistance in the bad guys. They advise people not to use it.
wow, keep taking the full course, which I know you well…
Yes. I have four pills left now.