Dear Karukgirl, My experience was as follows: 3 years ago at age 72 and healthy, I learned that I had an aortic root aneurysm, severe hypertrophy of both atria, and a hinky aortic valve. The "plumbers" agreed about the need for an open heart surgery to graft a new aorta, repair/replace the valve, and "while under the hood" consider perform a myectomy. My wife and I agreed but, like you, with grave concerns. I underwent the surgery in June of 2017 at Tampa General Hospital-8 hours on bypass, 5 days in cardio intensive care, started cardio rehab a month later, and went thru a South Florida hurricane (Irma) that September. I'm still above ground, older and a little slower, but still working part-time and enjoying friends, family, and life. I won't advise you about PJ's. shoes, travel logistics etc because that's mostly irrelevant compared to what is truly important:
-First of all, it's gonna suck-but not nearly as badly as you think. I would do it again in a heartbeat (pardon the lame pun) because the benefits far outweigh the risks. Do not let your worrying ruin your outlook. Here's what I learned in the Marines: Accept, Adapt, and Overcome. You can do this-and you will do this!
-Trust your Docs. They have a vested interest in your health and their success. Ask pertinent questions and demand thorough answers. This will lead to more confidence for you and more empathy from them.
- You didn't mention a friend or a significant other. This is very important to help you over the inevitable physical/emotional bumps in the road on your way back to health. It will also give you somebody to lean on-if only to make sure you have your favorite slippers...
Best of luck and God Bless. Go forth with a joyful heart (no pun this time) and please let us know when you're back hiking the hills!
George