I had open heart surgery on May 5th to replace a failing mitral valve with a pig valve. Like you,I was terrified, so terrified I planned my memorial service, paid bills, and prepared for our daughter to come and care for her disabled father. To my surprise, there was a cancellation and my surgery was earlier than anticipated. The next thing I remember is waking up in a hospital bed. I had minimal pain and nurses showed me how to get out of bed safely. A nurse always accompanied me to the bathroom. The pain management was excellent. I was in rehab five days, was dismissed, went home, and followed the instructions I received to the letter. During the next few weeks my shortness of breath disappeared (I had been in acute heart failure) and my energy returned. Today, I'm back to being my husband's caregiver and back to my writing career. The biggest surprise is that I lost 20 pounds. According to my primary care physician, the build-up of fluid in my body was caused by my failing heart. I am thrilled with my recovery, grateful to my surgeon, and the health care team.