I'm Having Open Heart Surgery 

Sending you good energy! You’ve got this! ✊

For some reason, it never occurred to me that heart surgery requires literally splitting open the ribcage, wild stuff. Best of luck, man.

For those wondering, and worrying, while this by no means a benign surgery, it does have a very high success rate. That being 94% - 96% with a very scary, but mercifully low 2% mortality rate. Sending prayers and love Austin.

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

Stopped everything to be here. We love you, Austin, and are rooting for you.

Never commented but I've been watching you for about 6 years now, your videos are incredible and represent a lot of what I love about youtube. Wishing you an incredibely smooth recovery and sending you lots of love man

I have had three heart surgeries, I was born with a birth defect. I will say that modern heart surgeons are incredible. Real life super heroes. The technology has really improved since the 80's when I had mine done. I was sort of an experiment at that time. They are so routine. I was out and at home after less than five days. It's incredible. I did get the pig valves though. So might have some more surgeries left in me, although they did mention replacements can be done intravenously now which seems like science fiction. Anyways Austin, from one filmmaker with a replaced bad heart, spiritually and physically, I am praying for you and I will continue to keep you (and your wife) in my prayers.

FYI: He posted that his surgery went well. He had a small stroke the morning after which will put him out of action for a while but still has some ready videos in the pipeline.

I'm a CVICU nurse, and you did an absolutely fantastic job describing the surgery you're going to undergo. I mean really, I've never heard a layperson describe it so exactly perfectly! You're young and I think you'll do very well. I've taken care of MANY patients who have gotten the exact same procedure you're getting. Best of luck.

That heartfelt “I hope I’m still around to make more videos for you guys.” speech, immediately followed by a SquareSpace ad read was *Chefs kiss* Wishing you a speedy and safe recovery. ❤

Heart surgery post op nurse here. Take it easy after surgery, listen to your nurses, make sure to take care of your sternum. That means no arms up or behind your head until that sucker is healed shut, no lifting stuff over 5kg, no sleeping on your side. Unless you wanna get back into the hospital with an instable sternum. Also, take care of your hygiene!!! Make sure the wounds are clean and dry, for the love of God, not touch or rub them, wear clean clothes, wash your hands, eat well to promote healing, and listen to your body, if shit feels off tell your docs! Dunno how Americans do it but in my clinic in Germany we keep the mechanical valve patients in hospital till their blood levels are appropriate to let them home with oral blood thinners and that can take a *while* especially with the younger fitter folks whose blood thickening factors refuse to stay down. Be prepared for disappointments, you won't be able to jump outta bed immediately so don't try it, there will be loads of tubes sticking out of you the first few days, do not touch them or we will be forced to tie you down to make sure you survive them. Good luck!

wishing you the best bro!

Fellow bicuspid aortic valve haver here, have a speedy and smooth recovery man thoughts are with you

I had open heart surgery on August 29, 2022 at the age of 31 to replace my bicuspid aortic valve. I chose to have the Ross Procedure, in which my own pulmonary valve was used to replace my defective aortic valve. A donor pulmonary valve was then put in place of my own. I chose this complex route to avoid the lifelong blood thinners. I spent 5 days in the hospital before I was released. The first month of recovery was difficult, but I noticed rapid improvements starting in my second month after surgery. I was able to return to my physically demanding job 10 weeks after surgery. It’s a difficult thing sitting around waiting KNOWING this is coming, but I felt grateful that I was able to mentally and emotionally prepare myself beforehand. I’m sure your surgery will be successful without any issues, and I hope you are able to document and share as much as possible. There isn’t a lot of information for people in our age group regarding what to expect with open heart, and your videos will become a critical tool for others who face the same procedure as us. Best wishes, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions for someone who knows EXACTY what you’re going through.

My Uncle went through a similar open heart surgery two weeks ago. I have been watching your content for a long time. You are an awesome man, and you documenting such a serious procedure will help many people in the future who would have to go through open heart surgeries. Your standing there bravely and talking about this is highly useful because just convincing someone this is their only option and it has to be done is a difficult thing to do. My uncle didn't want to do it till the last moment when he became bed ridden for example. And If I have to face this, I too would be scared. You are really brave. Good luck, hope to see you back healthy again soon!

that’s terrifying. best of luck with the recovery. really puts things into perspective for those of us that take our health for granted.

It's very brave of you to post this. I hope everything goes well for you and hope for a quick and speedy recovery.

I'm so sorry man, I hope it goes well for you and don't be afraid to take a break.

Wishing you the smoothest of operations and recoveries Austin 🙏

Good luck man, we’re rooting for you.

Prayers are with you man. Always.

We'll pray for your full recovery

I was born with a connective tissue disorder that gives you a high degree of developing aortic aneurysms and dissections. While in high school, my aneursym was found and monitored nearly yearly for the next 30 years. OHS would always be the invention if growth or change in the aorta were to happen and/or dissection occurred. In high school, I was told that most with my condition live to 45 which then seemed a long way off. Then a month before my 45th birthday, I was told my aorta was no longer stable after having been for a few years. Surgery was less of a risk than waiting. Imagine fearing such a day nearly all of your life and being told you need OHS to replace your aorta (among other heart procedures to be done at the same time) at the age you were told to expect to live to. I'm still here almost three years later dealing with new issues from the surgery and the ordeal of it but I am still here.

Watching this 4 days after you posted this. I came here to see your take on Andy Griffith in A Face in the Crowd. It was a wonderful video. Sure hope you’ve come through your surgery with flying colors. I’ll be watching for word of your recovery. Best of luck ❤

Hey Austin - I was one of the people involved in the Harry Potter Cursed Child redux play you made a video about ages ago. I've been keeping up with your content regularly ever since and I've always admired not only just how much time and effort you put into your projects but also how often you go out of your way to shine the spotlight on others and helping other people make their dreams happen. It's so refreshing to see someone put so much of themselves into their projects and their audience where the goal is clearly just creativity first. A running theme I often see in your videos is "What do you have? Great, now how do you make something with it?" I find that really inspiring, and I'm sure you've been the catalyst in countless people's lives for nurturing a healthier relationship with their passion and creativity. I wish you all the best with your surgery, we'll all see you on the other side. Can't wait for Atlas!!

Good luck man and I’m sure we all hope it goes well

Praying for the surgery and your recovery Austin

When people open up (pun intended) about situations like this it always makes me reevaluate and appreciate my health while I have it Best wishes and a speedy recovery to Austin and support to his family 🍀

Rooting for you, Austin! My 68 year old mother had the same exact issue (leaky aorta), and also went through open heart surgery. Two years later she's doing better than ever. You will be completely alright. :) Don't rush recovery to post again... we'll be here when you come back.

You're in my thoughts, Austin! My Dad was gravely ill with congestive heart failure and had this same surgery 20 years ago at the age of 83 (he got a bovine tissue valve, though), and lived until he was almost 96. The technology is 20 years better now and you're way younger than he was. You will be okay. My sister and I are big fans of yours and are pulling for you every step of the way. Concentrate on recovery and everything else will be fine. ❤

Having just watched this 4 days later, hope everything has gone well. And hope you have a speedy recovery my dude, love from Argentina

Praying for a smooth and speedy recovery for you, Austin!

i’ve been watching you since your sprouting orchids video and it’s been nice to see how your content has changed and evolved over time. it’s only right that i give back to you after you’ve given so much to this channel. here’s to a healthy and speedy recovery, many more years of content, and some good vibes 👍

My mum suffered a triple aortic dissection and a resulting stroke and required open heart surgery to 'fix' it. I'm happy they caught it for you preventatively and we all wish you the best of luck with both the surgery and recovery.

I had exactly the same operation in 2017 at the age of 28. I also have an artificial aortic valve and am now taking blood thinners. The length of the recovery process varies, but you will get through this time. Don't let it get you down. At Christmas it will only be a memory. I wish you a lot of strength. You can do it. I am thinking of you. And you are not alone.

Hi! I was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, I'm 20 years old now and have been on blood thinning medication ever since I was born. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery and a speedy recovery!

Wishing you a speedy recovery. Get well soon.

I'm so sorry man, I hope it goes well for you and don't be afraid to take a break

Good luck! I had a mechanical aortic valve put in in 2014 age 17. Good luck with the warfarin, I got on with it fine and tested my INR each week to monitor it. Enjoy the ticking, you get used to it in no time (might need to listen to music or something at night for a little while), but other people noticed how loud I ticked all the time - it's a great icebreaker. Unfortunately had to have my mechanical valve replaced with a bioprosthetic one last year (long story, was v unlucky and had an infection following original surgery). Wishing you all the best for a quick, smooth recovery

The way you discuss topics like this with openness and earnest is so refreshing. Don't feel pressured to give updates though! Rest and recover!

Hey Austin, I had open heart surgery back in 2019. I too has an aortic valve and root replacement. I was 19. So I totally get where you’re coming from. Now that it’s been a few years it’s good to remember that life goes on. Thank you for your explaining how heart surgery works because now I have something to show friends and family when I go back for my second surgery in a few years! I too shall become iron man.

Oh dear. I'm sorry you're going through this. Medicine is good with mechanical stuff like this, I'm going to keep a positive mental attitude about this for you, but wow I can only imagine how hard you're working to tamp down any anxiety. I hope your recovery is speedy.

Good luck dude.

best of luck with everything man, wishing you a fast and smooth surgery and recovery

I’ll be praying for you Austin

I’ve been watching you for the better part of the last 10 years and I hope everything goes well

I hope you have a speedy recovery. The vids and your other projects can wait, Austin.

Hey Austin, my best friend had a similar surgery in late April. I was terrified out of my mind when he had to go in for surgery, and I can't imagine how he or his family felt. Despite my fears my friend is feeling so much better, and has almost returned to normal life two months later. All that said, I'm not saying I understand but I am praying for your recovery and believe that you will be fine and recover well.

Best of luck to you and your surgery. We are all behind you wishing you a speedy recovery!

it's insanely comforting to see you, a person I've respected for like years now, go at this in such a rational manner. just you talking about the surgery made my skin crawl, I can't imagine talking about it if I had to undergo it. best of luck to you and am looking forward to hearing frkm cyborg you.

Wishing you all the best on your surgery and for a smooth recovery. Thank you for creating the videos that have brought me comfort. Best wishes.

Wish you a speedy recovery. You are strong! You will get through this beautifully :)

Good luck, man. Take care. Hope you recover quickly & well.

Sending you prayers and good thoughts/vibes for your surgery! My grandfather had open heart surgery about 10 years ago and is still doing really great :) wishing you all the best of luck in recovery!

Good luck and fast recovery! Thanks to you, too. Live Long and Prosper!

My father just had his aortic heart valve replaced via a transcatheter (avoids open heart surgery). The doctors did an amazing job and his recovery was fast (2 days). I hope your procedure is just as successful!

Been watching this channel ever since I stumbled upon the cinematic universe you've started and immediately became a subscriber. I'm usually a silent lurker, just watching videos here and there but I gotta say this channel has become one of my favorites! I wish you the best, goodluck, Austin!

Best of luck Austin. I’ll be holding my breath. I’m so glad this is finally getting addressed, and I hope it goes absolutely without a hitch. We’ll be here when you return. Here’s a fun fact for you: my dad had open heart surgery in 1991 and lived until 2019, raising 8 more kids. In the end, even his ultimate demise was unrelated. The sound of his steel (suppose that’s what they used back then) heart valve was a most comforting sound to me throughout my childhood, and it was like a superpower for me - I hear steel heart valves at a distance to this day.

I had one of my best friends pass from Aortic Dissection randomly when he was 20. Hit our friend group really hard. I'm really glad you are getting this taken care of, and also, no matter what happens, we love you.

Good luck Austin! I’m sure everything will go smoothly. I hope you have a quick recovery

Good luck to you, Austin. I'll be praying for you.

Here's to procedure without incident, and to a speedy recovery. Rooting for you.

I wish everything goes well for your surgery and you have a quick recovery!

Hope you have a super safe surgery and a graceful recovery from it. Love seeing your face and it'll be part of your testimony. Godspeed ❤

Mo mother has this, and underwent the heart surgery in 2018, shes fine now, and you'll be to, you got this Austin!

Good luck Austin! Praying for you❤❤❤❤

Good luck, and like you say in the video, take it easy! Wishing you a successful surgery and a quick recovery!

Good luck!. I also want to say thanks, as you are one of my favorite channels. I wish you a speedy recovery!

Never have I felt a RU-vidr who seems so passionate about what they do. You have a video you want to make and you make it. Never know what to expect from you besides quality and passion when a new video of yours comes out. I wish nothing but the best for you, Austin. Stay awesome.

We definitely appreciate the update, and wish you a speedy recovery

Wishing you much success with your surgery. I hope that your recovery goes as well as it can. Keep us in the loop as you feel up to it but your recovery is the most important thing. This channel will be here when you feel better.

All the best Austin! It’s such an inspiration to see you facing a situation like this with great courage! I am wishing you the speediest of recoveries! :)

Hoping you have a speedy and easy recovery! Take your time and heal well!

You've got a knack for this, loving your content!

Good luck to you and a super speedy recovery brother. Very happy you’re able to obtain this level of care and will be back making super witty and interesting videos in no time! Hope you heal up quickly and that it’s easy for your family as well, I appreciate your time and energy that you’ve put into making all this content!

I watched this procedure done during my job shadowing stint during pre med. It's pretty intense. Good luck, sir. I'll pray for your speedy recovery.

Prayers are with you. May everything go well! And take as much time as you need to fully recover!

Me and my mom been waiting for this update we want you to do well

Wishing you all the best with the surgery and for a speedy recovery. Know that you are loved by family, friends, and many many anonymous fans across the world.

Hey man, been watching the channel for 4 years now. Your content’s awesome and I really truly hope heart surgery goes well! Best of luck Austin!

You got this, best of luck on getting through this surgery and recovery.

Godspeed, man. Hope you have a quick recovery 🫡

wishing the best for you austin! hope the procedure goes well and you have an easy speedy recovery!!

We’re all with you man, we hope for your health and your family’s as well.

I only know 3 people who have had the same surgery. They're all still around. Best wishes M8

Love your content. Hope surgery goes well, and you come back stronger than ever man. You've had quite the RU-vid journey so far. Best wishes.

Sending prayers and well wishes. You’re an awesome filmmaker. Looking forward to seeing the next chapter of your journey!

That sounds very tough I hope everything goes well.

Godspeed soldier, wish you nothing but the best. Hope you have a speedy recovery

Loved your videos since you made that parachute video many years ago, thank-you for the effort and the entertainment. We wish you a speedy recovery and will look forward to seeing you again when you are well!

Austin, long time watcher, first time commenter. Thank you for all your videos. You’re one of my favorite content creators and the fact we’re both from Missouri makes it that much cooler. I’ll be praying for you - that it goes smoothly and you have a speedy recovery.

I hope you pull through

What’s the alternative? Closed heart surgery?

Best of luck to you, Austin! I've been watching your videos for a very long time now and you're one of my favourite creators on the platform. I look forward to hearing updates through your recovery and I hope you're able to rest well and get back into things as soon as you can!

I don't watch your channel, but this popped up in my feed. Good luck with your surgery, I'm wishing you a speedy recovery.

Praying for you and your family and the medical professionals, Austin, God bless you. Make sure to get some rest and thanks for keeping us updated (and for preparing videos beforehand, that’s real cool of you to do).

Best of luck mate. The recovery is gonna be rough, but here's hoping you get through it.

This video pop up on my feed. Wishing you get through the surgery quick and heal quickly.

Best of luck and well wishes to you Austin, love the stuff you do and can’t wait to see all the stuff you’ll surely do moving forward

I wish you the best of luck for your surgery and hope that you have a speedy and painless recovery! >.