Dear Karukgirl - I am a 73 year old female that had a septal myectomy 5 months ago on October 1, 2019. I was an avid tennis player, hiked, aerobics, etc. On the tennis court several years ago I could not catch my breath. It started to get worse and I went to cardioligists, pulmonary doctors, etc. with no diagnosis but acid reflux. I finally moved to San Diego and was diagnosed with HCM with obstruction. My cardioligist suggested I go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for confirmation. I did so and had 3 days of intensive testing. I saw Dr. Newman the cardiologist at the Mayo. It was confirmed and I had a gradient of over 100. I did a lot of research where and with whom to have my surgery with. I ended up going to the Mayo Clinic and like you I was panicked. I read a lot from people on Mayo Connect and saw a lot of videos on HOCM from the surgeons at the Mayo Clinic. I knew I would be safe with these doctors they are the best in the country and they do over 200 of these surgeries a year. I also had a angiogram in the cath lab the day before the surgery and I did not stay over in the hospital. I also was afraid of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, etc. as I'm sure we all are. The main concern they had did not seem to be any of those things. Their main concern seemed to be infection and they did EVERYTHING to avoid that including getting a clearance from my dentist. They are so thourough and competent. I did not remember going into the operating room which is a good thing for me. I don't remember much after surgery. I can't remember if it was the next day or the day after they had me walk with a walker several times a day. The care at the hospital was amazing. My husband and 3 children were there. We flew in from San Diego, Calif. We stayed at a suite and my family were at my bedside all day long as long as they wanted. To answer some of your questions, I was not depressed, exactly the opposite. The surgery and the anticipation before was over with and I could feel the results right away. I could breathe properly. I did not bring my own pillow. I could not wear a bra because of the incision. I did wear a large sports bra when needed and comfortable clothes. I stayed in the hospital for 5 days and then went back to the suite for 3 days for I wanted to be nearby the doctors. I then went back to the hospital to see the doctor to be checked and the next day I flew home. Flying was just fine.
My feet did not swell after surgery I wore comfortable tennis shoes to go home. The airports have wheelchairs to get you to the gate. You should bring comfortable clothing you can put tee shirts over your head. If you are planning to stay a few days after surgery bring whatever comforts you want like PJ's etc.
After reading a lot, Ronald Petrovich post about his surgery helped me so much. He actually works at the Mayo Clinic and had the surgery there at St. Marys hospital. His suggestions of getting a power recliner was a godsend. It was very hard to sleep in bed the first weeks especially getting out of bed. I purchased an one before I left for my surgery. Best thing I ever did. I lived in that chair for the first few weeks. You can borrow one or rent one also. He also said to have a lot of clean washcloths to dry off your incision. Like I said the doctors seemed to only be concerned about infection so I was very careful and used a washcloth only once before I washed it.
I did walk every day with the walker and could only go a couple of houses the first week. You'd be surprised if you follow all the directions from the hospital how quickly you will recover. It is very important to you go to a cardio rehab after a few weeks. I am now on the treadmill and elliptical for 1 hour 4-5 times a week.
Post op was not that easy. I think the hardest thing was excrutiating back pain which a lot of people get. I had to take pain medication for that, it was not nice. They will give you a massage at the hospital so make sure you request it. I did go to physical therapy for the back pain and did the excersises which did help. Also do not lift anything heavy for several months. I went to a party last night with dancing and I danced all night. I am so glad I had this surgery I have my life back. (I still have a ways to go but I do feel great). I wish you luck and good wishes for a quick recovery. You are in the best hands in the country with those doctors.
Linda