PTSD or Aging

    Aging in place can be a problem, but moving and aging just aggravates someone with PTSD.  For a few years after we moved, I could not determine if aging or PTSD was the cause of Gordon’s depression and paranoia as they were running neck and neck for control.

Before we moved, we did have some medical problems, but with the help of our doctors, we had them under control.  During a routine GI series, Gordon had several polyps removed and needed to be followed every three years.  He had had open heart surgery, but all was well.  My problems were low back pain and difficulty sleeping.

    After we had settled into our new home, our bodies started to fall apart.  Our blood pressures went from high to low, and Gordon fell several times due to the low pressures.  Both of us suffered from pain in the knees and required treatment.  Gordon developed GI problems which resembled Crone’s Disease.  After a day at the museum, I developed a stress fracture in my right foot and needed a walker to get around.  I still had difficulty sleeping, but now had nightmares at the times I could sleep.  We were one big mess.  With all this medical trouble, we had new doctors who did not really know us, and we felt lost.  Thank goodness I was a retired RN.  I could just imagine how others with no medical training would be able to cope.

    During this time of readjustment, Gordon withdrew into himself believing we had just moved here in preparation for death.  He seemed to lose all of his spirit and did not try to develop new friends. Instead, he turned to his vices, alcohol, and cigarettes.