I need an open heart surgery: Where do I begin?

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-i-learned-from-my-open-heart-surgery-part-1/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1257983/
Hello @pinkpam,
"Blind sided" you typed...well, that's a perfect description of what myself and many others here on Connect who have had open heart surgery felt! So please do not feel alone in your fear.
Your profile says you've had a kidney transplant. May I ask if you felt the same fear facing that surgery?
The reason I ask is preparing for open heart surgery is not unlike preparing for any kind of big surgery.

I posted two links I made to share with others facing open heart surgery for any number of reasons. The route and routine is the same to get in and out of your chest, but the reasons differ and the post op course may differ.
But still there is a lot in common.

If you type in open heart surgery in the search area at the top of this screen it will lead you to numerous posts about open heart surgery. There is not a specific support group dedicated to just this surgery.

Are you able to get out and walk or exercise? Being healthy going into this is in your favor.
Do some reading on here on Connect and see if it doesn't help your fear level diminish just a bit.

When and where is your surgery being done?
Do you have supportive family or friends or neighbors to help afterwards?

I too am having open heart aneurysm repair in 2 weeks. At 75 I'm still working on the farm and doing what i've been doing for years. I am blessed to be able too. It'll slow me down a bit but it will all be good

@karukgirl - With the kidney transplant 28 years ago - I was very sick and didn't really care. I am not have symptoms now and do what I can to eat right and exercise. But it is still a lot for me . My husband and GP doc are a great help. We are going to see dr Spencer on the 12/1 and he will give us more inform. - I have no question for him. Local Doc gave me a very small dose of anxiety drug for now - to settle down and get some sleep. I will go look at your website.

I thought I was going to need open heart surgery last year but wound up having a TAVR instead but I found this four part You Tube series by Jim Davis, a heart surgery ambassador, very informative and comforting because it made me aware of how to prepare for the before and after things to do. https://www.youtube.com/watch
Even with the TAVR I needed to be prepared for open heart because if things go wrong during that surgery they will immediately switch to open heart. One thing I can tell you for sure is that you need to have an advanced directive that allows CPR if your heart stops, otherwise they won't do the surgery. Mayo has the forms you can use online. Mine was specific to Minnesota because my surgery was in Rochester.

If you do get the surgery in Rochester, the hospital food is great. FYI.