Channeling Woody Allen
I have an appointment with my neurologist today. I'm a bit put off that I can honestly use "my" in front of the word "neurologist, but c'est la vie.
You may recall that back in December, I initiated a series of Google searches (hahahaha) and doctor's appointments to explore some odd twitching and muscle jerking. Well, that twitching and jerking hasn't stopped, so, after extensive blood work (three times) and a consultation with the neurologist, today, I have an appointment for a nerve conduction study.
Nerve conduction study.
Yes, that's what I said.
Apparently, most people find this procedure "uncomfortable." The receptionist at my neurologist's office told me that it feels the same as it does when you hit your funny bone (on and off, but pretty much sustained, for 20-60 minutes). My twitchy friends (online) shared that it feels like it does when you scuff across a static-y carpet, then touch somethings. I did that the other day, inadvertently scuffed across the carpet and touched the remote control. The shock lasted approximately half a second and it hurt. Like hell. Sustained for 20-60 minutes? Can someone get me a morphine drip?
This experience has prompted Lou and me to discuss the various kinds of tests/procedures that we would and would not want done. A medical test hierarchy, so to speak.
"MRI or nerve conduction?" I asked Lou. "Definitely MRI," he said.
"Spinal tap or nerve conduction?" he asked me. "Nerve conduction," I said.
"Back waxing or spinal tap?" I said. He paused. "Back waxing."
"Spinal nerve surgery or brain surgery," he asked. I had a hard time with this one. A slip of the wrist in either situation, I supposed, could be costly. "Spinal nerve," I answered, "What about you?" "Definitely brain," he fired back. Reason? So that he could say that he had brain surgery (such a man!).
At the end of the discussion, I said, "The one procedure that I wouldn't mind is the thing where they hook up the little suction cups all over your body and it senses muscles or nerve activity."
Lou just stared at me, "The EMG?"
"Yeah, that's it," I said, "That seems harmless enough. "
"Cathie, those aren't just 'little suction cups.' They're like little hooks that stab into the muscle. Barbed wire hooks."
"You're kidding," I said. "I don't believe you."
"Google it," he challenged. So I did. Guess what? He's right (except for the barbed wire part).
Who knew?
Maybe the nerve conduction study isn't so bad, after all. Oh, and by the way, I'm getting my eye brow(s) waxed tonight. I'll let you know which one is worse!
EDIT: As I showered, two questions occurred to me:
#1. Should I shave my legs?
#2. What book should I take?
Answers: #1. YES!!!!; #2. Devil In The White City by Erik Larson, Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros, The Sound of Paper by Julia Cameron
You may recall that back in December, I initiated a series of Google searches (hahahaha) and doctor's appointments to explore some odd twitching and muscle jerking. Well, that twitching and jerking hasn't stopped, so, after extensive blood work (three times) and a consultation with the neurologist, today, I have an appointment for a nerve conduction study.
Nerve conduction study.
Yes, that's what I said.
Apparently, most people find this procedure "uncomfortable." The receptionist at my neurologist's office told me that it feels the same as it does when you hit your funny bone (on and off, but pretty much sustained, for 20-60 minutes). My twitchy friends (online) shared that it feels like it does when you scuff across a static-y carpet, then touch somethings. I did that the other day, inadvertently scuffed across the carpet and touched the remote control. The shock lasted approximately half a second and it hurt. Like hell. Sustained for 20-60 minutes? Can someone get me a morphine drip?
This experience has prompted Lou and me to discuss the various kinds of tests/procedures that we would and would not want done. A medical test hierarchy, so to speak.
"MRI or nerve conduction?" I asked Lou. "Definitely MRI," he said.
"Spinal tap or nerve conduction?" he asked me. "Nerve conduction," I said.
"Back waxing or spinal tap?" I said. He paused. "Back waxing."
"Spinal nerve surgery or brain surgery," he asked. I had a hard time with this one. A slip of the wrist in either situation, I supposed, could be costly. "Spinal nerve," I answered, "What about you?" "Definitely brain," he fired back. Reason? So that he could say that he had brain surgery (such a man!).
At the end of the discussion, I said, "The one procedure that I wouldn't mind is the thing where they hook up the little suction cups all over your body and it senses muscles or nerve activity."
Lou just stared at me, "The EMG?"
"Yeah, that's it," I said, "That seems harmless enough. "
"Cathie, those aren't just 'little suction cups.' They're like little hooks that stab into the muscle. Barbed wire hooks."
"You're kidding," I said. "I don't believe you."
"Google it," he challenged. So I did. Guess what? He's right (except for the barbed wire part).
Who knew?
Maybe the nerve conduction study isn't so bad, after all. Oh, and by the way, I'm getting my eye brow(s) waxed tonight. I'll let you know which one is worse!
EDIT: As I showered, two questions occurred to me:
#1. Should I shave my legs?
#2. What book should I take?
Answers: #1. YES!!!!; #2. Devil In The White City by Erik Larson, Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros, The Sound of Paper by Julia Cameron
posted by Cate at 8:59 AM
17 Comments:
Hey~
Good luck and I hope you get good results with the test....I'll be thinking about you.
Oh Cate...I am so sorry you have to go through this. You and your hubby sound a lot like Matt and I. Btw, as some one who has had brain surgery I would have to go with your choice-spinal surgery.
Regardless, it all sucks. Big ((hugs)) and I'll be thinking about you today.
andrea
Arrghh, Andrea. I can't even imagine. I was hesitant to post this because I was afraid I might offend someone who has gone through one of those procedures. I often try to cope with scary things using humor, but sometimes (all the time!), it falls flat. Hugs to YOU for dealing with that, and thanks (so appreciated, I can't even tell you) for your positive thoughts! P.S. It's fun knowing that you, Matt, Lou, and I sound alike!
PF,
Thanks for your positive thoughts! XOXO
My family does that "which would you rather" conversation all the time, not only about medical stuff but about 'most anything that's scary. (Yes, we're a little odd. But hey, we all have our own ways of dealing with life's Scary Stuff.)
I'm cringing that the thought of the nerve conduction study, but sending big hope your way that it won't be as bad as it sounds.
I think my sister had one of these done on only one hand to see if she had carpel tunnel. She didn't think it was bad. I hope it goes well, Cate, and isn't horrible to endure.
Good luck, Cate.
Cate,
Good luck on your tests today. Hope to see another post later saying everything came out squeaky clean!
Glad to hear that you have someone as supportive as Lou to help you out in these stressful situations. Anything medical can be very tiresome to deal with.
Again, good luck to you! Keep us posted.
Cate,
I'm currently going through the same thing. I have muscle twitches. I had the MRI about three weeks ago and it's normal. I have to go back, and God knows what else they're going to suggest. So far we know it's not ALS or MS. But I suspect I may have BFS. I did some research online, and my symptoms match.
Tanya
hey mate, I'm sorry that the nerve conduction study is gonna be so tedious and uncomfortable, but hopefully it wont be too painful!
Being poked and prodded definitely isn't fun at all. I hope you find the solution to whatever is happening with you and I'll pray that it's not so serious.
xoxoxo
Jess
p.S having your eyebrows waxed doesnt hurt at all! It's the stray-hair plucking that they do after that hurts more!!!
Thank you, everyone, for the comments!
Deb,
We do that kind of stuff all of the time, the "either ... or game." It makes me feel so good that your family does it, also. Not one bit weird! To each his own when it comes to coping with scary stuff--whatever gets you through! HUGS!
Joely Sue,
It wasn't bad at all! I wish I would've read your comment before I left because I was so scared! I count dentist appts, pap smears, eyebrow waxing, and electrolyis (I'm obviously a hairy girl) to be far worse. They did the needle thing, too, and it was a piece of cake. Thanks to you for your comment! I so appreciate it!
Katrina,
Thank you very much. On the way to the appt., I busied myself by making my list for the tag! Loved your list, by the way!
Tanya,
Can I just say I feel such a kinship with you! Man, why can't it just be the writing that we have in common! BFS for me, with an MRI in a couple of weeks. Hopefully, that will confirm it. I too worried about MS and ALS. God love all of the people who suffer from those horrible diseases. Thank you so much for your comment. Hugs to you and I will praying for you, too!
Jess,
Aw, thank you! I will take all of the prayers I can get. HOWEVER, whaddya mean the waxing doesn't hurt?? I'm not kidding-I practically scream (still, I persist; the outcome is worth it!). You are absolutely wonderful--I'm so grateful you visited my blog, my Aussie friend!
Human Z,
Yep, Lou's a real trouper, he is! I'm not kidding. For putting up with my drama. For loving me no matter what. I'm blessed! Thanks for your positive vibes. Love ya for that!
I don't, wouldn't, know what to read... reading would be the last thing on my mind! But treat yourself to a pedicure. With every birth I had a pedicure before going into labor. It is a minor thing, but even if your in an unforseen accident, you should have on clean underwear and your feet should be groomed.
Listen I can't give you any honest advice and the only comfort I can give you, is listen to the doctors and get second, even third opinions.
Don't google things or go on web.md. I do that and I am instantly dead, really, I am sure it is a tool, but self diagnosis is deadly. smile, hug your family, then cuddle and huggle, and hug, and giggle. you. will. be. okay.
read you tomorrow!!! better believe I will read you tomorrow. and the next and the next....you get it. Back waxing??? for you, or lou.
chin's up
Oh, I hope everything went well!
Cate, I love that conversation! I hope that makes its way into a book or story some day. So funny. It made me laugh so that Jim in the next room asked what I was reading. Hope it goes well, that you find out what's going on, and that it's nothing serious.
Hi Cate -
I am sending you all kinds of happy thoughts - (and I loved the conversation too!) Best wishes for a speedy get-better!!
Rebecca,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You made me laugh ("Don't google things or go on web.md. I do that and I am instantly dead, really")! I've now decided to get a pedicure whenever I'm stressed! HUGS!
Stephanie,
THANK YOU!
Laini,
Thank you--you made me smile!
Megg,
Thanks so much--appreciate it!
I think it's wonderful you and Lou have found a way to cope by using humor, and I greatly admire how you support one another!
Melanie, I don't know what I would do without him :)
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