Had my 5.0 root, 4.4 AAA, and aortic valve replaced exactly one week ago today at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.
Checked in at 5:30 AM after a small local dinner of sacloops, risotto, and two beers (yes, I had the green light from the clinic for a beer!). Then, slept surprisingly well, all things considered.
Once in pre-op, they strapped in all the wires and tubes, and before I knew it, I was out cold. I had two requests before going under:
Please remove the breathing tube before I wake up.

Please make sure I’m somewhat coherent before my wife and daughters come in—I didn’t want to freak them out.

What felt like 30 seconds later, I woke up in what I can only describe as a surreal warzone. Tubes still down my throat, my wife and daughters telling me to calm down, and me thinking, “What the hell is going on?” FORTUNATELY, the staff was incredible and helped me calm down. I was in and out for the next couple of hours, then finally woke up fully in the ICU, where I spent the night.
That first night was complete sensory overload. I maybe slept 4 hours—not great sleep either. By day three, I was starting to feel better, though still exhausted from walking and constant interruptions. Sleep was terrible. Hiccups started the next day and haven't left (if anyone has a remedy, let me know).
BUT—despite all that—I feel a million times better. More energy, minimal pain, solid appetite. The pain has been manageable just by following the prescribed regimen and meds. Rolling over and moving around gets easier every day.
Seven days out, and I truly can’t overstate how lucky I feel. Yes, the surgery was intense, but I’ve had worse cases of the flu. And the Mayo staff? Absolutely outstanding—from custodians to the head of surgery.
Really grateful. If anyone has questions—whether about this or the brain aneurysm surgery I had three years ago—feel free to reach out