I knew 4 months in advance that I was going to have AVR surgery. I felt that I had make the procedure routine in my mind and to that end I found a video on the internet that showed how the surgery was done. After watching it about 18 times, I felt that I could do the AVR by my self. It helped me a great deal to use a humour to ease my anxiety.
I got a call on Monday that there was an opening for the second time slot on Tuesday and if I would like to take it. I took it. But since my surgeon had a complication and had to work on the first patient for double the time, I was postponed to Thursday March 4. When the anestatist ( gas Passer) showed up, he was concerned to tell me that my safety was his first concern and my concern was what music they would be playing in the OR. We decided on Bach. I then asked him for a special favour. I didn't want to hear anyone say, "Ooops!" or "Oh, ****." during surgery. His announcement of my request and a nurse saying, "We never say that!" was the last thing I remember until I woke up in ICU.
BTW, I walked in ICU while held up by the nurse. 5 steps to the right, 5 steps to the left, and 5 steps back to the right. I was a difficult patient but not bad for any obese couch potato. (-:
I am sure that you will do fine and you will feel much better with your new valve as I do with mine. I know that my heart is fixed just not used to exercise so I'm doing what I couldn't do before the fixed heart, exercising. It feels good to sweat again. I've improved from 5 minute walks which made me tired to a hour long bike runs or walks on a treadmill and feeling that I could go on much longer. I have started swimming again.
Life after AVR is so much better and as my weakened heart muscles strengthen I know life wll continue to improve.