Resting from Vacay

Have you ever thought you needed a vacation from your vacation?  Well, I have!  As usual, it has been a flurry of activity around the Butler abode, but I had the pleasure of having a change of pace recently.

I went to the beach, my happiest of happy places.  It was a joy to be there with my daughter’s family and the grandboys.  Splashing, playing in the sand, walking along the beach, and partaking of wonderful Gulf seafood, all brought back fond memories of my childhood.  It was indeed a treat.  For my person with Parkinson’s, not so much.

Prior to the trip, I obviously had to ensure that round the clock caregivers, medications, and household tasks were all in order.  George experienced some anxiety because it always seems that he worries when I travel.  Travelling was a common occurrence for me in my career, but I don’t think he ever got used to it, and his fears of flying and potential terrorist activity of course increased after September 11, 2001.  I flew to Pensacola Florida, so I had to check in with him each time my plane landed; first in Atlanta, then in Pensacola.  I rented a car in Pensacola to drive to Orange Beach, so I had to check in again once I arrived at the condo.  (It was a beautiful drive along the coast!)  Those check-in calls were a small price to pay for alleviating George’s anxiety!

I actually think that it was good for George for me to be gone for a few days, as his independent, old self returned briefly.  He handled some business matters, and if I had been home, he would have looked to me to do those things.

My travel down and back was uneventful, which is the way I like it.  Only “adventure” I had on the trip was when my daughter and I rented bicycles for a brief ride.  All was fine until some other people approached us on the asphalt path.  The steering on the bike was wonky, I became nervous over the folks heading toward me, and I didn’t want to collide with them.  Instead, I tumbled onto my right knee on the ground.  It was mostly my pride that was injured, but there was a plethora of red blood streaming from the abrasions!  That was a small price to pay for proving that I could still ride a bike, despite the fall, so I like to think of my cuts as a “red badge of courage!”

On Friday evening after I returned to Knoxville, after George had done well all week with no falls, and good humor, he became tangled up in a tray table that was next to his recliner.  He just couldn’t negotiate the pivot that he needs to do to turn and get in the chair safely.  Sometimes when he’s fallen in the past, he’s been able to roll over and pick himself up by grabbing onto his walker or a sturdy piece of furniture.  However, that night he was fatigued and didn’t have the energy.  Thankfully, I was able to call our son who came to help.

Falling does not have to be inevitable for anyone–doing balance exercises, regular walking with proper posture, yoga, Tai Chi, etc., can help everyone as they age.  I intend to continue yoga classes before I ride a two-wheel bike again, and George and I will focus on helping his balance.  Now I’m rested from my vacation and my knee has healed!

One of the most important things for People with Parkinson’s and their caregivers to remember, is that it is essential to keep moving.  Perpetual motion is our watchword!