July 29, 2008 at 5:19 PM

Yesterday I had the first of three IV infusions of SoluMedrol to treat the fatigue, tremors and pain that I've been experiencing, and I have to say, today is the first time in months that I have felt anything like normal. The tremors in my right hand and arm seem to have quieted as well, although I haven't yet had time to practice. This afternoon (in about 20 minutes) I will leave for the hospital to receive the second infusion. When I get back I will sit down and practice for a while, and see how things go. I wish I could have had the first one this past weekend. I played at the nursing home on Sunday, and it wasn't pretty. Fortunately, the good people there are just so glad for the entertainment, they even asked for an encore. My usual accompanist is learning to play cello, a brand new experience for him, and we played four Mazas duets with the second violin part transcribed for cello. He did a decent job, even though he's been playing for less than a year.
The down side of the medication (a hydro-cortico steroid) is that it causes me to be ravenously hungry, and to retain water (I learned from the manufacturer's website that it is used, among other things, to stimulate appetite in chemo-therapy patients, and boy, does it ever)! I can't afford to gain any more weight, but I'll just have to do what I can to maintain where I am right now. I feel so much better that it's worth getting a little fatter! :\ Oh well. I just hope it will make a difference in my playing. Tomorrow I will go early for the last infusion, and then my lesson in the afternoon. Keep me in your prayers, y'all!

From Terez Mertes
Posted on July 29, 2008 at 7:42 PM

So glad you're feeling so much better. I agree - what's a few pounds compared to feeling better? It's absolutely nothing. Good luck to you!

From Laurie Trlak
Posted on July 30, 2008 at 1:36 AM

Thanks, Terez. I read the review of your book. It sounds wonderful. I have often wanted to write; I used to write quite a lot when I was young; I even wrote a book when I was in high school, though I never submitted it to be published. But I was told by my English teacher that it was pretty good for a first effort. I've often thought of writing a story about a violinist with MS, since I know something about that.
Let me know when your book is published; I would like to read it.
Laurie

From Karen Allendoerfer
Posted on July 30, 2008 at 5:37 PM

I hope you continue to feel better with this treatment and keep on playing! Best wishes!

From Laurie Trlak
Posted on July 31, 2008 at 8:37 PM

Thanks Karen. See today's update. I am feeling better. Hopefully in couple of weeks things will settle down for me (until the next time :\).
Laurie

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