Terrified: Soon to have open heart surgery, so many questions

I would say yes you’re probably anxiety written only because you haven’t gone through it yet. Please talk to your doctor if something like diazepam might be useful to lower your anxiety level on a temporary basis until you get through surgery. I can tell you from watching my dad go through it three times And from watching myself go through degenerative bone conditions requiring five surgeries, you kind of get used to it after the first time. Just asked for pain medication if you’re uncomfortable and anti-nausea medication if the pain medication makes you nauseous and ask questions about the pain before you have the surgery. I am very sensitive to pain and with the political situation being what it has been and practitioners and hospitals being nervous about giving pain medication I learned to deal with this in advance of any surgery over the last 13 years. It is terrible to be in a hospital and be denied pain medication because of political problems. My doctors had to usually get involved to strong-arm the hospitals into giving me sufficient pain relieving medication’s.
I’m sorry to say there’s no major surgery. That’s a walk in the park however, going to all the classes watching all the videos talking to all the nurses making all the inquiries--in other words being informed--is going to all lower your anxiety level. And if you find your anxiety level can’t be lowered then again I suggest a temporary Anxiety relieving medication to get you through this — upon discussion with your doctor. We are not superhuman and these kind of events are very scary so the more you can learn the better off you will be good luck.

@bjfritts, I can understand your fear. You've received several helpful posts from others who have been there like @jharsh @shelby29 @loriesco @mikaylar and others.

@karukgirl started this discussion just a couple of days ago to help people with questions about open heart surgery and to share people's tips to help:
- What I Learned From My Open Heart Surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-i-learned-from-my-open-heart-surgery-part-1/

I encourage you to read it and for others to add their tips.

Here's another discussion where people share about their experience with both an aneurysm and valve requiring surgery:
- Ascending Aortic Aneurysm & Bicuspid Aortic Heart Valve https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ascending-aortic-aneurysm-bicuspid-aortic-heart-valve/

You mentioned that you are worried about having this surgery at your age. May I ask how old you are? Have you shared your concerns about your age and health status with your surgical team?

I had open heart surgery to repair my mitral valve, a year ago in April. Woke up in ICU still ventilated, but I had read that might happen so not surprised. They tie your wrists down lightly just so you don't pull out the tube. They need to make sure you can breath on your own and it took another hour or so??? - just slept until they felt I could breath on my own. It's a bit uncomfortable, but that's it.
If you are having a thoracotomy, it takes a while to heal, but I hear the pain isn't too bad. I had minimally invasive surgery (they cut between the ribs on the right side of the chest), and was told that I would heal faster, but have more pain than a thoracotomy.
All my best for a successful surgery and rapid recovery!

Fear is your worst enemy. You already know that that's why you've come here to ask questions, which is really good to help you get answers, answers to understand what's gonna happen to you and that way You can get through this and get going and start enjoying life again once this procedure is over behind you. It's better to know that you have to have both done and that it's there so then they don't have to waste time diagnosing it in an emergency situation so that's one positive for you. I'm not a doctor so I can't tell you how many times but your situation is not as uncommon as what you might think . A lot of times with the aortic valve there is a problem and they have to do some repair with that , I think they call it an aortic root and they have to just do some patchwork and strengthen that area up so it doesn't create problems and dissect if you will later. Get a good plan in place. That means knowing that you will do well in your mind because with heart surgery especially it's been my observation, if you know you're going to do well you will. Number two see where your support system is going to be and what you are gonna need help with after surgery if you have family that can help that's great, you know you can go home. If you don't you may have to go to a rehab facility, if you're not in very good shape physically , or there are people who do go home and they have home healthcare or somebody check on them. I'm assuming you're having open chest so if that's the case you probably won't be driving yourself around for 4 to 6 weeks so you'll need a good friend or family member or multiple people who can be your driver. And I always recommend cardiac rehab they're very positive they can help you after surgery with questions And they get you going physically and help you learn to trust your heart and how it's working in your body now. One step at a time! You can do this. Keep asking questions along the way calms anxiety and nice to know you are not alone! Be Blessed today!

I had open heart surgery (quadruple bypass) 18 years ago. I was nervous about it of course. My surgeon before the procedure was very reassuring and confident and that made me more comfortable about everything. I prayed about it as well. It is a scary thought, open heart surgery, but trust your dr and staff. Get prayed up! You’ll do great!!!