First I would ask for an echocardiogram with without saline (water bubbles); this will show any hopefully all holes in your heart. I had it done they found I was missing a chamber and had holes on the opposite side of my heart which required them to cath my heart. They make a small slice in the groin area go through a main artery in your leg up to your heart. I m only 5 100 lbs they couldn t knock me out with morphine (I watched the entire procedure ticked off my cardiologist -lol). My personal opinion would be 1. ask questions, make a list if you have to, 2. check out the surgeons their history, 3. if they are as good as they check out to be the procedure will be a cakewalk for you. I was 38 when they found all of this now I m 43 and alive to see my baby (23) get married this coming August to a wonderful young lady. My Dad had 2 triple arterial bypasses he lost a leg in Korea and God bless him, he ll be 79 this July. Yes, I had a good role model but it is normal to get upset when a Dr mentions a prob w/the heart that you have to face surgery. I now know how a lobster feels having its chest cracked but thorasic cardiac surgery is so advanced that I can promise you that you ll be fine. Try to keep a positive attitude and have faith; they told me after 3 days that if I could walk up down a flight of stairs 4 times, I could go home..........I bolted got my boney butt outta that hospital back into my own home in no time. My thoughts prayers are with you (Navy brat here) but above all : keep the faith. Beth