Fred has a pattern. 

He’s well. He’s walking(ish). He’s upbeat.

Then, he launches into a full-tilt dive. He can barely stand. He certainly can’t walk. He’s incontinent. And he becomes surly, despondent and a little confused.

The first time it happened he had a urinary tract infection. The second time he had pneumonia. So today, after four falls in five days, his doctor said, “ER.”

We reluctantly dragged to the emergency room.

After five hours of X-rays, EKGs, blood tests, urinary analyses, and numerous conversations with truly wonderful Swedish doctors, nurses and techs – the diagnosis?

“Generalized weakness." 

You’re welcome taxpayers.