diff --git a/src/sinqAxis.cpp b/src/sinqAxis.cpp
index 7a0e361..7cd70b6 100644
--- a/src/sinqAxis.cpp
+++ b/src/sinqAxis.cpp
@@ -205,6 +205,21 @@ sinqAxis::sinqAxis(class sinqController *pC, int axisNo)
         exit(-1);
     }
 
+    /*
+    Initialize the parameter library entry for the motor message text, because
+    it is read during the first poll before it has been written to.
+    */
+    status = setStringParam(pC_->motorMessageText(), "");
+    if (status != asynSuccess) {
+        asynPrint(pC_->pasynUser(), ASYN_TRACE_ERROR,
+                  "Controller \"%s\", axis %d => %s, line %d:\nFATAL ERROR "
+                  "(setting a parameter value failed "
+                  "with %s)\n. Terminating IOC",
+                  pC->portName, axisNo_, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__, __LINE__,
+                  pC_->stringifyAsynStatus(status));
+        exit(-1);
+    }
+
     // Motor is assumed to be enabled
     status = setIntegerParam(pC_->motorEnableRBV(), 1);
     if (status != asynSuccess) {