I guess my problem is a bit similar to yours - in that I didn't have the condition you have, but I had to go under the knife for the 1st time in my life in Apr 2011 to repair my torn achilles.
I tore it playing hoops, of course. Played overseas with my shipmates...played onboard the ship...played just about everywhere, and the worst I'd had happen was a moderate sprain while in Naples Italy.
I had never had surgery before in my 42 yrs on earth, lol...the doc made it sound routine, but of course he had to throw in the possible infection rate. He stated that this is normal protocol, but still...
Well, I am fine, now. I'm running and doing just about everything I did before.
I wish the best for you, bud.