Wow. You all have such great suggestions on avoiding the rest home and remaining an independent. I love the idea of getting a “fall device.”

I am sitting and preparing for my appointment with my internist/cardiologist
doctor here at Mayo. Something else came to my mind. Pardon my frankness.

To remain independent, we must think independent. That is, there is a three way struggle between us, our bodies and the doctors. I am learning also to seek a second or even and third opinion. In other words, don’t settle for less.
I went to four doctors, (three were specialists) and one thoracic surgeon. One told me that it is my “age.” Another told me that I should consider a retirement center or a care center. I choose to seek what is right for me. An opinion always about my age is not what I will seek.
So we must be independent, think independently and enjoy living independently. Onward.