This morning I woke up with a fever, with stiffer muscles than usual, and a strange burning feeling across my back and arm. I realised it seemed to be linked to the strange rash that had appeared on my back a couple of days ago, and which I had thought was an allergic reaction to brushing against an oleander tree when getting out of my car. I went to the doctor and explained my story about the tree, but he took one look at my back and told me I have shingles - possibly from coming into contact with a child who was developing chicken pox. Nearly a hundred euros bought me a selection of pills to be taken over the next week or so. It's rather painful now, and I sometimes feel strangely faint, so I'd appreciate your prayers that it will heal quickly and completely.
