Anyone had surgery to repair an ascending aortic aneurysm?

I am going to have open heart surgery to repair an ascending aortic aneurysm (4.7cm) in about a month or so. Since I have the luxury of so much advance notice, I wanted to see if anyone could share their post-open-heart surgery experience?

I've heard that some people had a terrible time but no details. Not that I expect it to be a fun time, but I'd like to have a better idea of what to expect.

Thanks!