"This illness is to fatigue,
what a match is to a nuclear bomb.
It's an absurd mischaracterization!"
~Laura Hillenbrand

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November 2, 2007

Getting Ready To Go


I've been weaning off all my meds in preparation for my trip to Vanderbilt. Well... actually - not ALL my meds... I get to keep taking the ones that help my stomach!

But everything else is now weaned. which means I can't stand up without immediately feeling like I just ran a 100 meter dash... my heart races, my chest hurts and my neck throbs. And once I sit down, then I get a headache that lasts for several minutes. Doesn't sound too fun, does it?

Well, I'm excited about my trip. But it's hard to have these symptoms and pack. I'll be gone two weeks. Not only do I need lounging clothes - I need things to make me feel comfortable and things to do in my down times.

Today, I got my iPod all loaded with my favorite music. I also have several Audioplay books checked out from the library that I'm taking with me. These are great because they are a player all in themselves and very compact for packing. I also started packing my clothing. A little at a time... that's the only way to do it!

I would love to get mail while I'm there. I will have my computer (if the hard drive doesn't crash) and will be able to get online most of the time - but notes and cards are very fun to get through snail mail too!

So if you'd like to write me, here's the address:

Melanie Pruitt
c/o Bonnie K. Black, RN, CNP
Research Coordinator
Autonomic Dysfunction Center
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
AA3228 Medical Center North
1161 21st Avenue South
Nashville TN 37232-2195














I mentioned that I've been able to work on some ACEO's. The "Autumn Romp" horse ACEO sold! The picture at the top is "Falling Leaves" and is the Oil Pastel I wrote about a couple of days ago. The second picture is "Sunset Behind Leaves" and is painted on a brand new surface I am experiementing with called Yupo. Creates quite an unusual look with watercolors doesn't it?

Thanks for checking in on me!

1 comment:

  1. Hello Melanie!
    I can't believe it's time to leave. However, it does seem like sooo long since you started weaning off of the meds. What a very long process.
    I really am just hoping so much that Vandy and these studies and the doctors will have some answers to offer you so that you can have a better quality of life. Oh, that is what we long for, isn't it?
    Anyways, glad you got that iPod all loaded up! Mine is almost full--that is so ridiculous! I forget what I have! LOL.
    Oh, and those audiobooks sound great--it sounds like your library is on top of the new technology!!! Ours isn't there yet, so if I want a book on a trip I have to check it out on CD and put it on my iPod.
    Oh well! I don't exactly travel a lot! Haha.
    Okay, well, I will be thinking of you. I am so grateful Bill can go with you and be with you on the flight. Then while you are there, I hope you will be up to posting and letting us know your experiences.
    I requested something be made for you in time for this trip, but it did not happen. It is something that will only happen in God's timing. So, I guess that it wasn't what you needed at this time? I don't know, but I'm bummed!
    Gotta scoot and get dressed and eat some lunch!
    Love, Emily

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