the test preparations started at midnight. i had to stay awake until then and was allowed to sleep until 5am. daily routines die hard, as is the case with my usual first event of a new day... heating the water for coffee. but this morning, caffeine was a no-no. to distract myself, i let loose my angry birds, caught up with any news that happened since midnight, and played a few rounds of lexulous. eight o'clock could not come soon enough.
at 8:30, we arrived at the doctor's office to begin a morning of testing to determine two things: 1. why am i having spells of disorientation and confusion? and 2. why are my legs numb, burning, and weak? several people have shared their stories of having these tests, but this inquiring mind was open to his own experience.
an ultrasound of my carotid arteries was quick and easy. however, the technician pushed a bit too hard sometimes, giving me a bit of a 'buzz' when my arteries were compressed. i can't argue with a natural high.
next came the emg, which happened in two parts. first, the technician jolted me with various strengths of electrical current. i tried to keep my toes uncurled but the electrical current was just too convincing. then the doctor arrived to do the needle part of the test. after the initial pokes, he said several times... 'while you are on the table, can i do one more poke?" heck, why not? this was my best chance at getting the one-stop poke treatment. i was not keen on returning another day for more fun.
finally, did i receive hair extensions or were they just multiple wires glued on to my scalp while the technician gave me her opinion of the follies of smartphones and texting? letting her know i had a dumbphone seemed to end that conversation. it was comforting when she told me to close my eyes and sleep if i wanted. my eyes were to stay closed as bright lights of various intensities and speeds entertained me. that experienced lasted about 45 minutes. i left quietly hiding my cellphone to avoid any further commentary on the smartphone situation.
after leaving the office, we headed to the car. without much ceremony, i 'informed' donna that we were headed to the quick stop shop for caffeine. a headache from a lack of that drug was evidenced by my short, grizzly-bear responses to her. i didn't want to talk, i just wanted an i.v. it took approximately 2.173 street blocks to consume two beverages.
coming home, i headed right to bed. sleep came very quickly.
i find out the results of the tests two weeks from today. for now, i hope to make peace with the two-week wait. what may make that happen is that i think i've made some peace today with the unknown. so for today, i will enjoy the peace. tomorrow is too far off to entertain much worry.
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