Hello @twentythree, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
What a story you have there! As is if one open heart surgery isn't enough, you get two! Have you had a chance to look around here on Connect? There are a couple of members who have had to have a second open heart surgery for HOCM. I am not certain of the location of the obstruction, however.
@dbrima has shared her journey here, if you get a chance you can read her story and reach out with any questions you may have.
You ask some really good questions! I had my open heart surgery at the Mayo in Rochester and like anyone would be was freaked out about it! I asked for tips on all sorts of things and got some great responses. Like a lounge bra for post op comfort and slip on shoes. I was so glad I knew that! I also had my surgery in July, so sun dresses were easy.
Now as far as if I had to have a second surgery? Geesh! What a thought to ponder!
Since I have not had a second I can only guess it would be like the first?
Tough.
But we are tougher! And dare I say even braver the second time.
In my case my mitral valve looked like it was going to be replaced and done at the same surgery. However, when they got in, the valve was not as bad as it appeared pre-op, because the HOCM was so severe. But they did plan to do both at the same time.
Hopefully any members out there who have gone through open heart surgery twice will pop in here and respond.
Until then, will you be going to a Center of Excellence for this?
That is very important. For two of our members having their first done at good hospitals was not good enough and both ended up at the Mayo.