My surgery was on a Thursday. I went to the hospital that morning. I was released the next Thursday morning. I had a little problem with afib, so I they kept me a day longer than anticipated. We got to Mayo on Monday and had three days of tests. My surgeon was Dr. Said. He is amazing.

We rented our Airbnb for 10 days and that worked out. It was about 15 minutes from the hospital, but really nice and nice people, and was inexpensive ($30 a day). The couple who own it, a beautiful restored craftsman home, even came to visit me. We both stayed there before the surgery, then my husband stayed there while I was in the hospital. It cost more to kennel our dog ($35 a day) than for our Airbnb:)

We drove and I didn't use a walker or wheelchair. They'll recommend a walker, I think, so take one with you so you don't have to buy it there. They are pricey at the medical supply companies there.

You'll go to cardiac rehab once you get home, about two or three weeks after surgery. It's really important.

Don't wait. I wish someone had told me to have surgery three years earlier. I'm 68 and have more energy than I've had in several years. I'm 9 months out and feel great.

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