If you have an anxious personality, please consider the following…

The time period between your diagnosis and your actual surgery can be a challenging, anxious period.

How do I know? Well, I’m one of those Type A+ personalities. I’m a list maker and a nail biter. (Yes, I know how dangerous that combination is.) That said, I was a nervous wreck during the 4-week period from my second opinion to my actual heart surgery. Thankfully, I was [1] mitral regurgitation.

On this topic, I just received an interesting email from Ann.

Anne’s email reads, “Adam, I was just wondering if you became impatient while waiting to have your surgery? I was told this morning that the surgeon would be setting up an appointment to see me the next day or so. He has been out of town. I just feel like I have gone through this so many times that I am ready to get on with the surgery. I tire very easily from the least amount of excursion. Thanks, Ann”

I hope the central point of this blog is coming across loud-and-clear to you. If you are nervous, impatient or anxious before your heart surgery, please know that you are not alone.

There is a silver lining here! The “waiting room” is temporary. You will have surgery. And, considering [2] the statistics of heart valve surgery, you will most likely (i) feel better and (ii) live longer as a result of the operation.

Finally, please do not be afraid to communicate your feelings with others in your support group. It really does help to talk about these issues as you prepare for surgery. Personally, I’ll never forget how supportive my wife (Robyn) and family (Donna, Jerry, Doug, Monica) were during this time.

Keep on tickin!

About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery, a unique book which integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients. [3] To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.