Sorry it has taken me so long to update you all. My daughter was supposed to update you all but didn't. The surgery was a little longer that expected, Dr. Bodenhamer repaired my mitral valve, but in consultation with my Cardiologist they decided it was not closing well enough so they went back in and placed a St. Johns mechanical valve. I spent a total of nine days in the hospital. I few issues with Atrial fibrilation so they kept me a little longer. I am still recooperating, just a little past four weeks out from surgery. I feeling much better though, still get tired at the oddest moments, but those moments are getting further apart. My incision site is closed and looks pretty good (for what it is) I have noticed the need for a new wardrobe. I can't believe how many blouses I have the reveal too much of my scar. I hated the drainage tube removal, but the rest of it was pretty much as expected thanks to all I had learned on this site. I have sneezed several times and all I can say is that I do recommend avoiding it. LOL! All in all it has not been near the bad experience that I had built up in my head beforehand and I am already feeling much better than I have in about a year now. Thanks for all the well wishes!