Wasting
* As thighs weaken, more assistance is required when rising or walking
* More apathetic about movement within the house, sometimes choosing to
spend a lot of time in a favorite chair, for example, even when self-
movement or easy transfers are still possible
* Less interested in outings, which have become more difficult
* Eventually, it is likely that the patient will be unable to get out of bed
* When bedridden, it becomes increasingly difficult to turn over without help
* Generally, the legs lose strength before the arms do
* Inactivity while on Decadron does allow the drug to cause faster muscle
atrophy, with the thighs acting as the prime target
* As things progress, the legs may wither considerably as muscle is lost
* Frustrated over the loss of independence
* Angry about being "babied" when caregivers offer physical support
* Curious and hopeful about whether physical therapy could regain motor
function
* Passionate and desperate about exercising in a final effort to halt the deficits
* Apathetic toward being moved from place to place if no longer able to enjoy
daily activities once there
* Short-tempered toward the caregiver if the assistance is clumsy, awkward,
or uncomfortable
* Legitimately fearful of accidents and injury when transferred by the caregiver
* Envious that the primary caregiver has more mobility and freedom, sometimes
leading to possessiveness, or fussing when the caregiver has been out
of the room for longer than a few minutes
* Shameful over "burdening" the caregiver (especially if the primary caregiver
is an aged spouse, is significantly smaller than the patient, or has back
problems)
* Sorry that he or she is unable to offer the normal help around the house,
especially if spending most of the time in a public room where it is more
obvious that household chores may be neglected
* Mentions previous strength and stamina in an effort to remind him- or her-
self of what they used to be capable of
* Depressed because outings or even changes of venue within the house have
become more limited, meaning that the world has suddenly grown very
small
* Aware that the physical deficits make him or her feel like an invalid
* Afraid that as motor deficits increase, his or her quality of life will be minimal
* Concerned over whether he or she has the strength to support the patient
safely
* Worried that the patient will attempt to walk without supervision and suffer
a fall
* Achy (especially if he or she already has back problems)
* Afraid of hurting the patient when making bedding adjustments
* Curious about equipment that might be helpful
* Frustrated by spending so much time in one room of the house
* Tired, if needed throughout the night to help the patient move from the bed
to the toilet or to address other needs resulting from the lack of physical
mobility
