HCM-ers: Introduce yourself or just say hi

I’m a 73 year old woman who was diagnosed with HCM two years ago.
In one year it got much worse and my Cardiologist gave me three options. Camyzoes , ablation or open heart surgery. I felt like a bomb dropped on me. I went to Mayo for a second opinion and after many tests, decided on surgery. I scheduled it for September 26th. Prior to that, I started walking 3-5 miles a day for 6 months so I would be as strong as possible going into it.
I had very little pain, just very tired . I was surprised how tired I was. My surgeon, Dr Dearani was AMAZING.
I was sent home on day four. Had I “pooped” on day 3, I would have been sent home then. Thank goodness for small miracles, lol.
I wanted to stay longer, but was told “fatigue” isn’t a reason to stay.
I am supposed to walk , starting out at 4 five minute walks daily and increase it as I feel stronger.
I chose surgery because I didn’t want the restrictions of medications or the possibility of having to redo an ablation.
After surgery you need to use your leg and stomach muscles a lot to move and get out of bed. If I’d known that, I would have tried to strengthen them more also.
I’m so thankful for Dr Dearani’s skill
and happy it was so easy.

@mbi I am so glad to read your great report! I am impressed that you were discharged so quickly! Yes, I think those who are more fit recover quicker - core and sit-ups help as you pointed out, I discovered that going to the gym and walking paid off. I remember the fatigue you describe which may be more from the anesthesia, on day four I noted (I kept a small journal) that it was the first day the desire to nap disappeared. I was discharged on day 5, at home a week after surgery. Like you, I was no spring chicken at almost 76, but here we see age is just a number. Wishing you a continuing great recovery and I hope walking becomes a permanent activity for you.