That is a lot. What are you most concerned about right now?

My heart goes out to you, this kind of news is very scary. Everyone responds differently to these kinds of situations. My thing is to learn everything I need to know about the surgery--I too fear aortic valve to need repair but know nothing about aortic aneurysm. I read and also watch surgeons on Youtube to help me understand what is going on in my heart (2 cardioembolic strokes, afib, ablation and now, post afib and SVT and the valves not doing well and most recent told stage 1/2 of CHF;
Keep us updated...do you have a date? Last year I was told in ER that I, perhaps, had major heart damage as it appeared I had a heart attack (Troponin levels thru the day topped 800--149ng/L); I do understand the feeling of being told I had a heart attack and that I would have to stay in hospital to perform an open heart surgery. Thank God the tests that they did before the surgery proved there was NO heart damage. Miracle? I don't know. But, my cardiologist says that having high troponin is NOT always correct in proving it was in fact a heart attack. Then, he told me, "you did NOT have a heart attack" 3 days later. What an emotional roller coaster!
So, I wish you all the best and hope you find some support here in this forum. Keep sharing!--Lilymarie (73)

@bjfritts, I can understand your fear. You've received several helpful posts from others who have been there like @jharsh @shelby29 @loriesco @mikaylar and others.

@karukgirl started this discussion just a couple of days ago to help people with questions about open heart surgery and to share people's tips to help:
- What I Learned From My Open Heart Surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-i-learned-from-my-open-heart-surgery-part-1/

I encourage you to read it and for others to add their tips.

Here's another discussion where people share about their experience with both an aneurysm and valve requiring surgery:
- Ascending Aortic Aneurysm & Bicuspid Aortic Heart Valve https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ascending-aortic-aneurysm-bicuspid-aortic-heart-valve/

You mentioned that you are worried about having this surgery at your age. May I ask how old you are? Have you shared your concerns about your age and health status with your surgical team?

Fear is your worst enemy. You already know that that's why you've come here to ask questions, which is really good to help you get answers, answers to understand what's gonna happen to you and that way You can get through this and get going and start enjoying life again once this procedure is over behind you. It's better to know that you have to have both done and that it's there so then they don't have to waste time diagnosing it in an emergency situation so that's one positive for you. I'm not a doctor so I can't tell you how many times but your situation is not as uncommon as what you might think . A lot of times with the aortic valve there is a problem and they have to do some repair with that , I think they call it an aortic root and they have to just do some patchwork and strengthen that area up so it doesn't create problems and dissect if you will later. Get a good plan in place. That means knowing that you will do well in your mind because with heart surgery especially it's been my observation, if you know you're going to do well you will. Number two see where your support system is going to be and what you are gonna need help with after surgery if you have family that can help that's great, you know you can go home. If you don't you may have to go to a rehab facility, if you're not in very good shape physically , or there are people who do go home and they have home healthcare or somebody check on them. I'm assuming you're having open chest so if that's the case you probably won't be driving yourself around for 4 to 6 weeks so you'll need a good friend or family member or multiple people who can be your driver. And I always recommend cardiac rehab they're very positive they can help you after surgery with questions And they get you going physically and help you learn to trust your heart and how it's working in your body now. One step at a time! You can do this. Keep asking questions along the way calms anxiety and nice to know you are not alone! Be Blessed today!