Hi Grace,
I too am also afraid. I am 56 with multiple co-morbs of the highest variety. It is very scary..In your case, however, you do not appear to be suffering from any serious problems, just structural ( I like that term), as you say, well, at least their not the soft tissues of yesteryear....LOL.
I am sure you will do just fine. I think it is normal(?) to think the worst when you work in the field; i know i do, that's for sure!
When is your surgery? How far along in the proces are you? I also live in California and have Kaiser. It is taking a long time.
Take care and best wishes,
Lana Leigh