Hearing "I highly recommend you have surgery" is enough to send your mind reeling and for you to lose your equilibrium! I was almost 76 when I had my septal myectomy (@brumaster is 20 years younger than me), and all went extremely well. From reading the stories of others, my surgery and hospital stay were practically boring, I remember no pain/soreness at all. Dr Schaff was my surgeon. I was and still am in good physical shape (walk 10K with my walking club often, walk alone on other days and go to the gym). Learn all you can and be sure to go to a Center of Excellence. Yes, this is a scary decision, and I am sending you courage to see this through.