Tremors

GVHD or Graft versus Host Disease is when the new donor blood and immune system attacks part of the host body.  It can go after the skin, liver, nervous system and the GI track among other areas.  It's very common for recipients of an allogeneic transplant.

I had a new experience at symphony rehearsal last night.  I've been experiencing symptoms of GVHD for over a month now but a new symptom showed up during the rehearsal.  I had hand and arm tremors.  This typically wouldn't be very disturbing or even noticeable to people around me if I kept my hands in my pockets but I was holding a tuba and sitting on a platform with the trombone section.  Before long my tuba was shaking, the platform was shaking and the trombones were playing with an unintended vibrato!  It felt like an earthquake for two hours.  One of the trombonists was getting sea sick.

As with most symptoms, there is a drug that helps.  I'm on that drug now and the tremors have stopped.  The concert is tonight.  Thank goodness for pharmaceuticals.