My thoughts and prayers go out to you MikeyBoy. Ottawa is one of the best cities in North America, with its world renowned Heart Institute, so you are having your operation in a good city with highly skilled surgeons. Also, your operation, while serious, would be pretty straight forward for surgeons working in major hospitals, who probably have done hundreds of successful one's before yours.
It is no fun facing this operation and the choices you have to make when you are in your 40'ies, but like previously said, not everyone gets to make those choices, because they die before they are diagnosed. Also your young age and general condition will dramatically increase your odds of success!
Try to resolve the decision you must make as soon as possible, based on the best information you have and all the pros and cons you can weigh against each other. The sooner this question is resolved the sooner you can focus your mind and energy on the success of your operation and getting back on your feet again as fit as a fiddle!
I have not gone through any major operations myself, but have followed the progress of both of my parents in various GTA hospitals, where they were operated on with success every time and without incident!
1. Get to the hospital early and bring some soothing music to help you relax and stay calm prior to the operation.
2. Make sure you have someone close to you to monitor your situation regularly, including discussions with the medical team and asking questions that may be bothering you. You may need several people to ensure this monitoring around the clock at least until you are awake for most of the day and able to take note of the many goings on affecting your care on your own. One thing that is a problem in hospitals are infections, and you or your caregiver must monitor if your nursing care staff wash their hands every time they deal with you. If they don't, they should be gently reminded to do so, as should all your caregivers and visitors to limit the risk of you picking up an infection that could affect your recovery!
3.With quick change of shifts in hospital you will be seeing a large number of nurses and primary care workers. You need someone to make sure the new nurses, for instance, are up to speed on your particular needs (e.g diet), rehab and medications. I have seen my Mom being denied pain medication prescribed by her specialist and other times being given incorrect medication and dosage. Your own caregiver can also help bring you to the toilet, bring you food and water, chat and make sure you are comfortable. Nurses will not always be around for these things that will keep you happy during your stay.
4. Make sure a journal is filled out by you and all your family and friends who are your caregivers at the hospital. Keep it by your side with lots of pens, to jot down details of medical discussions and observations, medication (type, amount and time), changes in treatments etc. This book will help your caregivers to explain to you afterwards, what was going on when you are sleeping or otherwise out of it; and will also be useful to help avoid medical errors. Finally, the journal may also be useful when one caregiver takes over for the other to ensure consistency.
5. With an operation such as yours, on the heart, I am sure the doctors will get you up and walking quickly to strengthen your heart muscles and to prevent the incidence of blood clots, which are a real risk when patients rest immobile for too long. Getting up on the hour to stretch your legs and go for a brief walk is recommended for anything but the most brief hospital stay.
6. Try to build a rapport with your medical team, orderlies and anyone else you meet at the hospital. Doctors and nurses are run off their feet most of the time and human nature being as it is, they will provide more time and better care to the patients they like!
7. Rest well, avoid TV, limit the time visitors stay. and read some good books you have been putting off for too long.
8. When you are ready to be discharged, make sure that you clearly understand all the important details about your home care and treatment plan, for your immediate recovery time at home. Once you leave the hospital it will be more difficult to clarify this plan. For instance, you may need to see physiotherapists for your exercise plan and may need home help if your condition warrants it. Also, make sure you have prescriptions for any medication you may need before leaving the hospital.
The effective coordination of patient care between different medical professionals and between the hospital, clinics and home care services is often severely lacking.
The patient or someone advocating on behalf of the patient must make sure all the players are talking, that they all understand the details of your treatment plan including the coordination of their roles, and that they are available when you need them!
I think I have said more than enough! Hopefully some elements of this rambling verbiage may be useful to you in your situation.
Wishing you all the best, that the operation goes well and that you recover quickly! And, like previously mentioned, the need for this operation may be a positive thing, if it becomes a wake up call and motivation to get more fit for your heart, but also to enjoy life better.
Remember: A Stronger Heart = Better Blood circulation to all your extremities = Better Sex!!!!
MLS