Physical Decline – The Tribulations

Stages of Decline Series Outline:  Eighth Installment

Cindy’s steady physical decline correlated with ever changing conditions in other ways as well.  Both Cindy as patient and myself as caregiver experienced added Tribulations tacked on to the Trials of her physical decline.

• Cindy’s ability to say names and talk steadily decreased.
• Cindy’s ability to sit upright without support decreased.
• Cindy could not be left alone for long.
• I realized our bucket list could not be completed.
• Our finances became tenuous.
• My blood pressure started increasing.

The lesson learned from these Tribulations, particularly the stress and increasing blood pressure, was that of the “oxygen mask.”  I knew I had to take steps to preserve my own health first and foremost for both of us.  My blood pressure became my “canary in the coal mine” and I acquired a blood pressure monitor that was crucial with keeping me on task.

By checking all the boxes necessary for maintaining my own health, I could persevere with both of us living well in the face of our tragic condition.  That will be the topic of the next installment:  Physical Decline – The Triumphs.

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