QS,
P.S. My brother was also in his 50's for both his hernia surgeries. Because he has cerbral palsy, physically getting around is much tougher for him than for the normal person like your or me, so he only took pain meds for a day or two after his surgeries. CP is a brain injury and of itself so adding drugs to the equation can really make my brother off his equilibrium, so he'd rather endure physical pain rather than hinder his ability to walk and do normal functions due to pain meds interferring with his mobility / motor functions.
As I said before, you're probably going to be just fine, you have more going for you than some. Sounds like you're in good physical condition except for your hernia.
I know, I sound like I'm bragging about my brother, BECAUSE I AM, he's an awesome person and human being.
