Hi RU, Wow, you really have a lot to contend with right now. Heart issues sure can be scary, and you really have to get educated. My dad went through the whole valve replacement thing last year, and while he had some other unrelated complications that had really weakened him before the surgery but he made a remarkable recovery and is back playing golf four times a week. He told me that he had very little pain with the surgery, and other than the scars, would not even know that he had the surgery. That said, he does not have RSD. Unfortunetly with genetics, I seemed to have inherited the same problem and see a cardiologist tomorrow. I too am very leery of any invasive procedures. I do understand about wanting to see your granddaughter grow up, my grandson is 2 and is really a joy in my life. Good luck with your decisions and please keep us posted on how you are. Lisa