Is it too late?

[usncwo5]

I’m 45 years old and active duty Navy getting ready to PCS to San Diego. I’ve had C5/6 spinal fusion and rotator cuff repair among other minor nicks here and there. I have always been interested in BJJ to be able to better defend myself and to learn the other things that come with a community such as BJJ. My question is this: have I waited too long? My concern is that I will get my arm ripped off by an overzealous training partner, or worse risk injury to my surgically repaired stack and swivel. Thank you and standing by.

[mynewunit]

We should just name this forum to "tell me I don't have to do BJJ". 
Answers. Yes. Don't match up with 20 year old who feels he has something to prove. Look for that school's Ed O'Neill. Old, boring black belt.
For people who have the means, I recommend a private lesson, where you tell your instructor with all the "medical" issues you have. 
Start by watching a class at a few schools. Then, if you aren't going to do the private lesson, do a trial class. It should be free or some nominal feel like $20. You don't need to buy a gi for a trial class.
Then go home and practice what you learned. You could buy a DVD or online instruction.
You can talk to your doctor, Orthopedic, and get their specific area of concerns.

And below are all the other times I have answered this question.  And there is a search function at the top tool bar.
hip
important-enter-competitions-late-starter
starting-jiu-jitsu-thing-late
bjj
age

[usncwo5]

Copy all. Thanks

[usncwo5]

Update: My 14 year old daughter and I started training at Victory earlier this month. I feel like I've been in a car accident, but I love it.

[usncwo5]

Update: cracked a rib on Monday night. Sidelined for about three weeks most likely. Super bummed.

[mynewunit]

Cracked rib is an annoying setback. Heal up and work on other areas. Thanks for the updates.