Angus, I have to double up on what huntsman is telling you. I also had aortic valve surgery after being diagnosed with aortic valves stenosis. They gave me a choice of valve types and I chose the pig valve. My friend's wife was complaining about his mechanical valve clickety clacking away all night while they lay in bed. I also had the afib and they did ablation right after valve replacement. First ablation didn't hold, so I had to have another one done a few months later. That one held.
And also as huntsman said, you will get thru this, my friend. Get up and get walking as soon as possible. It will help your rehab tremendously.
Mine was seven years ago and it's probably the least of my worries.
Wishing you the best, brother.
