Linda, thanks for your reply and that is scary that you were so hard to diagnose. I had no previous symptoms and collapsed outside of our house. Luckily, my husband heard someone at the door (I was trying to get back inside as I knew I was going to be sick-I didn't realize that anything else was wrong with me) when I passed out. A lady was driving by and saw me laying on the ground and got parked and came over. The angels were watching over me! Dr. Schaff is going to be my surgeon too. I was scheduled to get this procedure done last month, but there was a very real concern about blood clots since I'd only been on my antiplatelet 2.5 months and they wanted me on this for 6 months since I will have to go off this for several days before the surgery. I'm delighted to hear you felt the difference on day 1 - this is my hope too. I have read quite a bit about Mayo Clinic and Dr. Schaff felt I was an ideal candidate for this and he feels confident that he can help. It sounds like the recovery will be a bit daunting, but my husband calls me a "warrior", so I hope I can live up to that nickname. I do have a very nice recliner and have looked at possibly getting a device to lift up the chair to help with getting up. I had read where someone else said massages and/or a chiropractor can help. This is on my list of questions to ask the staff! My local hospital's Cardio Rehab staff is very curious as they haven't had the opportunity to work with anyone who has had this surgery and I know the Mayo staff will give me a plan for my rehab after the surgery. They have all commented that I really push myself (within reason) and have said I am way ahead of most of their patients. So fingers crossed I will be able to get back to life a little later on this year. Thanks for your positive comments and suggestions. I really do appreciate it very much! Keep on with all your activities! Stay safe!