Hi Angelhtr
Welcome to the site, I am fairly new here but a frequent observer.
I had a mitral valve replaced just twelve months ago, and after six weeks I just went back to a normal life. I was 49 when i had it done. Fortunately I didnt have a long wait for surgery, my mitral valve collapsed unexpectedly and i found myself in Hospital, with pending heart failure and fortunately they operated within a few days. The few days wait was pretty tough though because it was all a bit of a shock. They fitted a St Judes valve, and my recovery was text book, mainly because i was fit and active prior to surgery. For me there was no pain, except when i coughed or sneezed, and my strength returned a little every day. I had great support from my wife and family, and through them i had a very positive attitude which i think helped me immensely. Your husband is young and i am sure he will have a good recovery, it does take time he will be almost back to normal after a couple of months but it takes at least twelve months to feel really good.
The only thing I am unable to do now is fly. I had a pilots licence before the surgery, but have been unable to get a medical certificate for flying since, maybe one day?.
All the very best for the surgery.
Dave