Tales Of Twitch: Part 13 Etc.

A refresher for anyone just joining us: In January I noticed a recurring facial tremor (hence the name for this series of posts). After a catscan I was diagnosed with a Chiari malformation, which means the stem of my brain is putting pressure on my spinal cord. After a series of MRIs, another catscan, an ultrasound or two, a couple weeks in the hospital for unrelated issues, and a whole lot of worrying, I was referred to UC Denver Health.

Well, I had my appointment in Denver.

The Anschutz Outpatient Building is part of an enormous medical campus. My Uber driver, bless him, needed some time to figure out how to get me there. Once I got through the front door, I followed the directions they gave me via email. I went to Elevator C, then took a right and found myself in the Neurology area. And let me tell you, that place was wall-to-wall busy…the medical assistants announced a new name every 2 or 3 minutes and for every time someone went back, 2 new ones took their place in the waiting room.

When I finally heard my name, I went back and spoke to two doctors. Sort of like the opening act and the headline artist. The first one talked to me and indicated he didn’t think surgery was necessary. The second doctor, when he arrived, indicated the same.

Wait, what?

Since late January I’ve been under the impression that the end of the road was surgery. Doctors who I respect and trust told me that this was a serious neurological problem–they tested me up one way and down the other, then referred me to Denver. And Denver says what? No surgery?

Having had 24 hours to let this soak in, I’m obviously very happy that I don’t have a date with the operating room. But at first I felt…conflicted. For one thing, I’ve had my friends and family (and I count my work family in this) worried about this for months…and now it’s like, “Well, never mind!” I know that’s not a huge deal but it does bother me.

The other, more ominous thought running through my mind: What if they’re wrong? And all I can do is be aware of my body. There are certain symptoms the brain docs told me to recognize as a sign to see them again.

I do feel pretty good about my brain…Dr. Youssef said it looks very healthy, and I passed the Brain Test®. (This is the gauntlet of simple processes that feels kinda like the test they give drunk drivers. “Close your eyes and touch your nose.”)

Incidentally, about Dr. Youssef: When he learned that I was a disc jockey playing, among other things, 80’s music…well, he took a shine to that.

DR: So do you know who sings the song “Alive And Kicking”?
WENTY: Ohhhh…man, I should know that…
DR: Simple Minds.
WENTY: Maybe. I thought it was a one-hit wonder…
DR: No, it’s Simple Minds.
WENTY (feverishly googling on cellphone): Son-of-a-gun. Simple Minds.
DR: Do not doubt me!
WENTY: I do not doubt you! In neurology or 80’s music!

I feel pretty darn fortunate to have received this recommendation from the team in Denver. But I feel even more fortunate for the effect these last six months have had on me. I’ve starting taking medication that keeps me healthy. I’m drinking water more often than soda. And I’m drinking an Ensure every day to fortify my…uh…less than perfect diet. 47 is pretty old to get your act together, but I’m glad it happened.

For the time being, “Tales Of Twitch” is retired. (I should note, knock wood, the facial tremors I first went to see the doctor about in January are virtually absent and have been for some time.) I have been very fortunate to have a lot of people thinking good thoughts and praying for me. If you are among them, I am indebted and humbled.