Jonathan's Journal

Rose Madura  Your surgeon's scheduling person and your cardiologist's scheduling person should be able to advise. At a minimum, you'll need a heart cath, an echo,  CT scan and blood work. Hope this helps.

Robert Miller  I don't have a comprehensive checklist as I had about 1 week between diagnosis and surgery. Initially, they didn't even want my to leave the hospital. In any case, check out the learning center. Scroll all the way down past those advertisings. If you don't have a will/trust then that's a good time to do it. Not because of the surgery because you will be in great care and constantly monitored and you will come out healthier than before. A will/trust is just something you should have. If you live by yourself, your biggest issue will be that you can't lift more than 5lb and you will be tired because of having to sleep exclusively on your back for some time. Arrange for several pillows of different sizes, an electric declinable couch if you always wanted one anyways, etc. When they ask about how long you want to be out of work, get the full 12 weeks. It's a lot easier to get approval to get back to work earlier than extending it. You look pretty healthy so you might not even need rehab. But I guess it doesn't hurt to go a few times. 

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Susan Lynn  In addition to the great advice you've already been given, I would add a showerchair, some loose sweat pants (we usually gain water weight after surgery), button front shirts (pullovers are challenging right after surgery), and maybe some slip on shoes (I found leaning forward to tie shoes to be difficult).  You might also want to prep some easy microwavable meals in the freezer. They're handy for a quick lunch or dinner.  Best of luck to you! 

susan harris  for hospital, take a long 6-10 ft. phone charger and wall plug. and a notebook and pen-you think of questions to ask doc but you think you’ll remember them but you don’t!  write them down as you think of them. at home, consider borrowing or renting a recliner chair.   or a wedge for bed-a foam wedge that raises your upper body in bed. laying flat is difficult.