Don't be sorry about the length of your post - you gave us a great description.

When an Auntie in my family "fell and broke her hip" at 85, the surgeon who replaced it said "No, her hip broke and she fell." She was a firecracker like you, he replaced it, it took about a year to heal, and she hummed right along well into her 90's, when her heart just gave out.

Last week, I was with another awesome Auntie, who will be 96 in a few days and lives in her own apartment with a little help from her son. Her only concession to age it that she now uses a walker, just to make sure she doesn't fall, because as she said to us "If you fall at my age, it's a one-way ticket to the nursing home."

So here is my question to you, since you have already experienced your leg giving out. Are you willing to use a walker or cane to be sure you won't fall if your leg gives way? Every day, all the time? If not, can you talk to your doc about some PT to strengthen your muscles and make sure your balance stays as good as it is?

There's a few things to ponder today!
Sue