Dan's Posts

I found I kept the terrors at bay by reading all I could about what to expect after. I promise you, it won't be as awful as you imagine. And I promise you, the waiting is the worst part. Because you don't know what to expect, what it will feel like, what it will look like. When I went in, I hadn't been in a hospital since I was born. I think your half-full outlook will really benefit you here. Start making plans for something after the surgery - a trip, an adventure, an outing, something for New Year's. Something to focus on PAST the surgery. It's normal to be afraid. We've all been there, every single one of us. And so much has changed in the 30 years since your dad's surgery. You'll be sitting up in a chair in a few hours, and likely walking the next day. Don't get me wrong - it won't be easy! But it won't be awful like you think it will. Just look forward to waking up from surgery - it's a memory that'll stick with you forever :) Meredith Holiday, Fl

Dan, ask your doctors a lot of questions. Arm yourself with information. And stick with this website. It will fill your mind and calm your nerves. And fear isn't just for women, so don't repress it. Check out Journal posts from others, including mine. I had an MV repair/maze procedure back in May. Life is great!❤️💪🏼

Hey Dan! I found this site because I googled "I am having heart valve surgery and I am scared." This community is very informative and provided me with information to convert my terror into confidence. This is not the 80s. I wrote in my journal today that my uncle had heart surgery in the late 70s and he went on disability for 10 years afterward. As a comparison, I walked in the hospital on a Thursday and was discharged on a Sunday. I was back to work in 4 weeks. Tomorrow I will be 7 weeks post op and I am at about 85% and living my normal life. Put your fate in the hands of your surgeon and hospital staff and visualize a successful surgery and hospital stay. Next thing your know you will be on the recovery side with time flying by. Hang in there and like you will hear on this site a lot, which is very true …. the wait is the hardest part.

Dan A., what Dan V. Is *not* telling you is that he had surgery on a Thursday morning and was watching NFL football on Thursday evening. Meredith and Jennifer nailed it, too! Gather the info and momentum you need and you will be transformed and relaxed. It is weird, I know, but it is true. ❤️💪

I can really sympathize with you. I, too was really anxious about having open heart surgery. Sitting here 1 1/2 yrs later, I can tell you that none of my fears came to pass. It was all easier than I thought it would be. Wish I had not wasted all that energy worrying!