NEED TO KNOW
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Richard Plowman felt strange muscle spasms after a coworker jokingly slapped his arm during his wedding reception.
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As weeks went by, symptoms worsened, leading to a diagnosis of a brain tumor that required surgery.
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Richard emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health and seeking medical advice for any unusual or ongoing symptoms.
What began as a lighthearted moment at a wedding led to a serious health concern.
Richard Plowman, 44, married Victoria Plowman in Croydon, London, on July 12, 2025. At the reception, a coworker playfully slapped him on the arm, but it resulted in an unexpected “tingling” sensation.
“I was chatting with friends when it happened,” he shared. “The playful slap triggered a muscle spasm in my arm.”
“At first, it felt odd, and I thought, ‘That hurt,’ but it eventually stopped,” he recounted. Since the sensation faded quickly, Richard dismissed it as something minor.
“It was a hot day, so we thought maybe I was just dehydrated. It didn’t linger,” he added.
Richard and Victoria, 49, enjoyed what they called their “perfect” wedding day, describing it as “the best day of our lives.”
Weeks later, however, Richard experienced another muscle spasm while at work, prompting him to seek medical help. His blood test came back normal, which was somewhat reassuring, but the spasms continued.
He explained, “The spasms were unpredictable. Some lasted a couple of minutes, while others were brief. It was pretty strange.”
Eventually, more severe symptoms, including persistent headaches and vomiting, led him to a physiotherapist. He described those symptoms as “absolutely debilitating” and “really horrible.” A visit to a private neurologist revealed life-changing news.
Following a CT scan, Richard learned he had a brain tumor, and he is now preparing for surgery.
“I chose to get evaluated privately because I couldn’t endure the headaches any longer. I was struggling to eat or drink. Whenever I managed to eat, I often threw it up,” he admitted.
“It’s quite the shock, really, as you never expect something like this,” he noted. “They’re going to remove as much of the tumor as possible and test it to determine if it’s malignant.”
Because of weakness in his right arm, Richard currently uses a walking stick and a wheelchair, and he has had to leave his job.
“This isn’t quite how we expected our married life to start,” he remarked, referencing his wife Victoria. “We’re pretty pragmatic; we took a moment to process this, and now we just have to move forward.”
Richard urges anyone experiencing concerning symptoms to consult a doctor. “If you have any doubts or anything seems off, get it checked out and don’t accept ‘no’ for an answer. Always value your health,” he advised.
