Are you having your upcoming surgery in Rochester? If so, you will be in the best hands, as you would be in any other COE (Center of Excellence) for this surgery. At Mayo, I was told that there is a 99+% success rate. The experience is different for each of us because of our particular HOCM physiologies and our physical shape ahead of time. I remember nothing about the heart-lung machine, you will be under heavy anesthesia, I woke up about 4 hours after surgery was over. I think the sternum was glued in my case, do not remember stitches or any discomfort, just that full upper body movement was compromised for a time. Could not drive for a month, an accident would impact that area. Others will chime in and we will answer any nonmedical questions you will have. It's OK to be terrified, I was; I was reassured every step of the way, happened July, 2022 and I never regretted it.