Groovysoemthin

I myself also had open heart surgery at a young age. I was 18 and had just graduated high school. Needless to say I was scared. Ive also had a pacemaker defibrillator since I was 13. Its always tough going into a serious surgery, even after youve been through many. I was afraid I wouldnt make it when I first was told I needed open heart, but in the end it had to be done. The recovery for me was not bad at all, but that could be because I have been in and out of the surgery room since I was a baby. I was up and walking around with the chest tubes still in and pacer wires hanging from me 3 or so days after.

I guess all in all the worste part was waiting in the hospital to go into the surgery room. I was sitting with my family and closest friend and we were watching ron white on comedy central. We were all waiting in there for a good hour because 2 of his comedy central presents had played on the tv. Then the nurse walks in and abruptly says lets go its time. Thats when it hit me. This could be the last time I get to look my friend and my family in the eyes. The last moments I had with them watching comedy central were played over and over in my head as I walked through the long sterile hallways. It was all I could do to be a man and fight back the tears as I lay on the table and they strip me of my gown.

End of my sad story.

TL:DR

I had open heart surgery at 18 and was up and walking in less than a week. Todays surgeons are amazing and a young people heal quickly.

Good luck OP

edit: condition is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Yeah man, It feels great to be out of that dark tunnel you are heading into. Its all overwealming, but keep your head up. Right now you should take comfort in knowing that the anticipation is the worste part.

Congratulations buddy! im so glad to see that your on your way to recovery/