Went to the doctor with Ray today. Ray had had two falls one on Thursday which just shook him up, one on Saturday which resulted in a sore back. He rarely complains of pain so if he says it is sore it probably is, though no sign of bruising, grazing etc. I gave him pain-killers yesterday and thought a visit to the doctor was warranted today.

The doctor said the falls may be due to an increasing ischaemic area beyond the damage caused by the strokes. Ray is to have a CT scan ( he had his last in April) and xrays on his back tomorrow. What I want to do is stop this damage from increasing. I want Ray be more careful with his walking, to do more exercise, stand more and sit less, stop sleeping 14 hours a day (his choice). What I don't want is for Ray to slowly deteriorate until my only choice is a nursing home.

I so admire the feisty survivors who will themselves better. My poor old fellow just wants to sink into the ground and unfortunately that is exactly what will happen to him if he doesn't start to climb out of his inertia.

I have asked about anti-depressants but the doctor says that is not the answer. I wish I knew what the answer was, or even where to look for it.