All rooms private in Rochester?

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement and wisdom, Debra! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. You are so right about it coming up fast, but there are also days where it can't come fast enough, just want to put it behind me. I too am trying to focus on being prepared for afterwards...bought a comfy robe and slippers for the hospital (I'm more of a yoga pants and Birkenstock sandal kind of girl :)) I bought the bras, too. My hubby, who is my great support person, and I have been cooking some meals to freeze for when we come home so that is not a hassle. Great tips on the daily showering with fresh wash clothes and peppermint soap, never heard of that soap, what made you choose it?
I'm still waiting on pre-approval from my insurance so that is causing a bit of angst as well...but hopefully that will be short lived and I'll know soon.
I sure hope you are doing well and that looking back on your decision to fly across the country to go to Mayo was the right thing for you!
Thanks again for taking the time to respond. (hugs)

As if it isn't stressful enough, you have to sit on pins and needles regarding insurance issues!! Argh!
Here's hoping that gets resolved quickly so you can check off that box!
I chose Dr. Bronner's because it's been around forever, it is organic, and I just LOVE the fresh clean smell. I found it at TJ Maxx, and our Grocery Outlet carries it too. I think our local health food store does as well, but it's pricier there.
Mayo was the best choice I could ever have made and I am forever grateful to them for the second chance I feel I got. My life was going downhill so fast and I could no longer hike, walk, dance...even do laundry without gasping for air and having chest pain. It was crazy because I was so healthy otherwise. I didn't know this thing was living inside of me, waiting to rob me of the joy of living!
I am hopeful you will have the same amazing results, and get your life back after being caught off guard by heart disease!
I'm glad you have a great support system too...that was huge for me. You feel like an island...all alone, but having someone to lean on for comfort is priceless. Especially before. And during. And after!!
Mayo Connect is here for you also, so come back and share with others if you feel like it. I will be thinking of you March 8, and praying for a perfect outcome.
It sounds like you have a great pre-surgery plan and post-surgery plan. Good for you! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach back...I'll be here. I'm a big yoga pants fan myself! Nice choice!

In the epilepsy monitoring unit the are

Hi Community! Just a quick update, its been a little over 4 months since my surgery and I'm feeling pretty good. It was sure nice to have the helpful tips to be prepared. The Mayo teams were all top notch right down to the pre-surgical testing, always prompt and punctual and most importantly kind and reassuring. If anyone is facing cardiac bypass surgery, I would highly recommend Mayo Rochester as the place to go! Thanks again to everyone in this super helpful community!

Oh wow! Thank you @micasmom for returning with your update. I know @karukgirl @auroralm @naturegirl5 @sepdvm @roch @vic83 @nonobaddog will want to celebrate with you.

It nice to get this feedback that the helpful tips from fellow patients made a difference and helped you to know what to expect.

How's recovery going?

That is so awesome @micasmom! I'm so glad you were able to go to the Mayo Clinic. They really are the BEST in the world and now you know it too.
I am especially glad to hear that Mayo Connect was able to help you with some hints and tips. Thank you for coming back and sharing that with us. It was so helpful to me when I faced my open heart surgery, to have others to 'talk' to and get information from. Some of the tips were things I'd never even have thought of...like the lounge bras for after surgery. Life saver for me!

So? How are you doing? You said "pretty good"... I hope that means you are getting back your life and able to do more everyday?

@micasmom Thank you for sharing this. While my medical reasons for going to Mayo Clinic are different from yours I feel the same as you. My two surgeries including both pre and post surgical were excellent. I am the testament of that as I am living a healthy life.

Thanks for asking how I'm doing! Overall, quite well!
I've completed 12 weeks of cardiac rehab, which I highly recommend as it REALLY helped me get my strength and stamina back! I have some pain from scar tissue in my chest but was told this is not uncommon and could continue for as long as a year...ugh! The huge scars are a constant reminder and can actually be quite itchy 🙂 Applying vitamin E oil to see if that helps the scars.
Sharing this update in the hopes that it helps others as not knowing what to expect/what is normal post-surgery can be scary.
Wishing good health and peace to you all!

@micasmom, this discussion is a bit older, but I'm wondering if you would mind adding more about your experience with cardiac rehab here:
- Cardiac Rehab https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cardiac-rehab-1/

It's a good topic to reanimate and your experience about rehab, how it helped and why you would recommend would be good to share with others who may not know about it.
Thanks in advance.

I saw your posts and so glad that all went well. I am an exercise physiologist and researched and worked in cardiac rehabilitation for a time. Being able to recover and celebrate is the best thing! Keep up with your program of self-care!