Goodness me such a quick reply...thank you. So young then...Ok I understand a bit more now. I think the surgeon wants to minimally cut down the middle to repair the mitral valve as well which may or may not need doing. I suggested doing the thickening first (round 1.6/1.7 mm to which he said if the mitral valve needs doing too we will have to go in twice. I am on verapamil 80mgs at night and 40mgs am plus 3 mgs prednisolone for aches. What are you on if any? I am getting out of breath after eating and better on after lunchtime. How about you? Sorry for all the questions a big decision coming.