I do have a couple of suggestions. I know how scary the thought of open heart surgery is. I was freaked out!! But I knew I was at the best place on the planet. I came from Northern California to Rochester, MN, and brought everything in a carry on.
Pull on pants. It was really helpful to have pull-on pants. Before surgery there is a lot of testing, so I was grateful for some easy on, easy off clothes. I chose linen pants, as it was July. After surgery, you are swollen. So forgiving, elastic-waist pants is a must!
Slip on shoes. After you get out of the hospital, you will be pretty beat up. Having slip on shoes so you don't have to bend over is helpful.
Pull on lounge-type bra. Oh boy! You don't want underwire, and you can't reach around to hook a bra. Being able to step into, and pull up a soft comfy bra was so wonderful. I went to TJ Maxx and bought a couple of 2-packs of them and was ever so glad I did.
Soft wash cloths. One of my discharge instructions was to use a clean wash cloth and liquid soap in the shower, every day. So I got Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap and a 10-pack of wash cloths from Ross. The sternum is pretty tender for awhile so I barely even touched it, more like patted with the soap and cloth.
A reclining chair. If you don't have one, you'll survive, but it was helpful for about a week. My significant other went out and bought me one before we left. It was electric so I didn't have to use the lever on the side. That would have been impossible!
Support person. You will need a support person for sure. You can't drive for a month, so you may be able to walk around and do small things, but you will need someone to drive you.
Nutrition. It's good to have some healthy foods available after you get home. Proteins are good for healing. Your appetite and taste buds are messed up. It takes a week or so for things to even sound good. I was in love with rice with butter for awhile. Strong, spicy food sounded awful!
Walking. Walking as much as you can is the best thing for you! But it is not easy for at least a month to get in or out of anything! The chair, the car, the bed, the toilet...any time you have to use your arms. It takes a while. I could not reach to close my car door for months!
Attitude. You are embarking on something that everyone wants to avoid at all costs! You are already braver than you know, and stronger too. Just making the decision to do this takes immense courage and faith. I put it all in God's hands and fully trusted Him and the Mayo team. There was a lot I did not anticipate. Any surgery has pain after, so that I was not caught off guard with. But I was not prepared for the intense stay in ICU. That is why it's called "Intensive" care unit. I had a hysterectomy a few years before this, so I knew a little about staying overnight. I was in five days. I hardly slept. The pillows were like rocks. The bed a joke. The food was terrible. They come and check at all hours of the day and night. You will want out ASAP!
Nurses. They are like angels on earth. They make everything I just mentioned above that is awful, just a little better.
Listen to your body. If you need a nap. Take one. Push yourself, but not too hard.
I hope you were able to get through this long post! If you did, and you have any other questions, please! Ask! I'm here to help if I can. I do know that Rochester is where the top HCM doctors practice. I am not familiar with Jacksonville, but if it's Mayo, it has to be good.