4th fill went great...thinking about moving!!

I had my 4th fill yesterday at Vanderbilt by Dr. Melvin and don't have another scheduled till Dec. 20.  More than anything I am going to miss the most wonderful dr. I have ever met in my life....and I've met a lot.  He is cheerful and caring to a fault, and I'm seriously considering going home to Idaho, selling my home, and moving to Tennessee to be near him for any future fills or problems.  I can't envision going to anyone else.  Since I've been here I've gotten word that my cardiologist who I adored has left Idaho..and that's a major bummer.  I really have nothing there except a home, and my kids really want me to move here. OK, guys at 64 what do you think?  I know I'll need help moving but I have some good friends in Idaho that would help me and my kids say they will move me.  Would this be smart to sell my home.  I would love to buy a manufactured home and put it on a piece of land here.  Even though it's just my dog and I I want a large place...that's just me.  I plan on lots of family gatherings if I'm here and just don't like small homes.  I've always loved the idea of a manufactured home (not talking double wide, but an actual home)... I need some good advice.  Please help me out with this.  Should I stay for the rest of my life in Idaho where I have no one, or make that big move at 64?  Am I being silly? Also, the fill went great..in and out in about 5 min., but oh what a long drive for a fill.  He thinks this one could just be the right fill for me, and I hope he is right. I asked about the hair loss and he says it happens in the "mushy stage" where a lot of people tend to eat applesauce, low calorie puddings, oatmeal, mashed potatoes and things that don't give them the protein they had in their protein drinks.  It shows up about 3-4 mo.later as it is with me.  He put me back on a protein shake or two a day and 1/2 cup of peanuts twice a day as a snack.  Carnation Instant Breakfast provides twice the protein of eggs....so I'm taking his advice and not going by the theory we get all our protein from our food.  He says in time my hair will recover going back on protein drinks....and although others here may or may not agree...I'm following his professional advice.  He has seen this time and time again.  He also says in the pureed stage to pry try and get in bean soup or any type of beans pureed.....so for you people doing Taco Bell refried beans...keep it up.  It's loaded with protein and so is Wendy's chili.  I think I failed to get enough protein during the mushy stage especially. Please take into account I am probably going to  need total knee replacement with a long recovery period and physical therapy which will be difficult for me living alone.  Sorry for the extra long post...lots on my mind today. OK that's the whole scoop on my advice on moving and my advice on hair loss. God Bless, Dee

Congratulations on doing so well...as far as moving goes...What do you have there besides a Home?   In sounds like your family is in Tennessee and you are happy there.  I say at whatever age...GO FOR IT!  If you don't like it you move back...nothing ventured nothing gained.  You could always rent your home in Idaho out until you decide the move was right and then sell it. I live in Dallas now but right after highschool moved to Kansas and transferred with my job to Seattle 5 years later.  I hated Seattle and ended up quitting.  I moved to Vegas and lived there for 5 more years until I moved back here last year. The most liberating experience of my life was driving myself across country by myself.  When I moved to Vegas I had no job and only 1 friend but I made it work.  It was exciting and I truly miss Vegas and probably at some point will head back West. You won't know unless you try!

Can't help you with all the parts of the move question but here's my thoughts.  I've moved several times (for university, when I met my husband, to a bigger house/different part of the state when we started a family).  Each move I made fewer and fewer new friends because I was older/more set in my ways/ busier, etc.  It took awhile to learn my way around the new place - all the good stores/restaurants/shortcuts. If there's nothing in Idaho but memories I'd say move to Tennessee.  Being near your kids would be great and you can make new friends, etc.  If you're happy in Idaho (lots of friends and familiar places) stay there and just go and visit your kids often.  If you're happy where you are and are moving ONLY to be near your kids they may be busy/unavailable and then you wouldn't be happy (IMHO). From your post, I think you want to move but wonder if you're leaping too quickly.  I say go for it and if it really doesn't work out, you can always move back to Idaho.  You might not get the same house but it's good to try new things at any age!

Dee,      I say move to Tennessee!!!!  I am originally from Oklahoma and came here to visit and loved it so much I moved here!  People are so nice and genuine here.  You will love it!      I am sure it will bring much comfort to your children to have you close by so if you need something and help they can assist you more easily.  My mom is near your age and she is only an hour away...which doesn't seem far...but it is when she is sick and needs help....even though she has friends that will and can help....it's not the same.      Lot's of beautiful land here for the picking and with your awesome doctor.....not much more to keep you attached to Idaho. Hope this helps...just my opinion...best of luck! Leanne

Thanks for the advice, and it is nice to get advice from someone in Tennessee.  It is beautiful country and I have come to love it.  I've been here for 8 mo. now so this isn't a quick decision.  I love my kids and my son-in-law's family.  I have nothing in Idaho except a couple good friends (and they are much younger).  The friend is the daughter of my best friend that I lost to brain cancer 3 years ago, and we have remained close.  She is married and will be just fine without me.  The thought of leaving my wonderful dr. leaves me in tears....I am so attached to the wonderful care I've received, and hate the thought of leaving my kids, although I want my own place and to remain independent. A lot to think about, but I know one thing....I love Tennessee!!

Remember, nowadays, 60 is the "new 40", so technically, you're only 44!!!  Between your family, the great dr. you've found, and the nice temperate weather in Tennessee, you sound like you're 90% there in terms of making your decision.  Moving is a hassle, but moving into a new home is exciting. Go for it. Lynn

I say go for it!!!  I was raised in Idaho and it is definitely a beautiful, peaceful place to live, but I have also visited TN many times and I love it there too.  You still have beautiful scenary and wonderful people.  And the biggest plus is being around family.  Do you have grandchildren?  If so, then by all means go!!! Rochelle

I have 8 beautiful grandchildren scattered all over the US, and one very sweet little boy here that is going to be 8 on Dec 12.  This is a big part of my decision.  His folks work very long hr. and I would have him to be able to come home to Grandma after school instead of going to a babysitter.  Thanks for the advice.  Grandma's babysit for free you know :) and they love it.

MOVE!!!, you are only 64, not 94!!! Family is the most important thing in the world, why would you stay somewhere just because of a house? Those kids and grandkids(?) will be great to have around. Laurel

Dee: It sounds like your future is in Tennessee. Good health care, new start, grandson, family. Compare that with a house in Idaho, seems like Tennessee wins hands down. Will you have help with the move? How is the housing market in Idaho? (buyer or sellers market). Whatever you decide just imagine yourself next year at this time. Where do you see yourself or where would you like to be?