At 54, I've found that I can do as much or more physically as I did before. Your age is a big predicting factor in recovery. Aside from watching your sternum when cranking up those tie bars, you'll probably be fine for the work.
I do not want to tell you to ignore your doctor, but I do want to point out that cardiologists are used to working with people past retirement age post-surgically, and their advice and most of the literature available is based on that age group and some of the limitations that can go with it. The odds are that you will recover much more rapidly and fully than the "average" valve patient.
My cardio put "avoid anaerobic activity" on the card for my gym at work, so I was relegated to stationary biles or treadmill, with an 18-year-old guarding me from using other machines. Needless to say, I don't go there anymore.
However, less than two weeks after surgery, I was walking five miles very comfortably. Two months after surgery, I climbed the Pilgrim tower in Plymouth. Four months after surgery, I hauled a loaded (with clams and equipment) 17-foot boat across several hundred feet of mud back to water by a rope wrapped around an oar (okay - that one hurt a little). A week ago, I rowed my mother up to the next lake and back in Maine, about three miles, without ever breaking a sweat or taking a deep breath.
I routinely carry two, 40-lb. bags of rock salt for the water conditioner (one would be lopsided). Standing in the water this summer, I lifted a dock end, which was well over 200 lbs and held it with my shoulder while I adjusted the leg height. You get the picture. And I'm not a big guy or in perfect tone by any means. None of these things made my heart unhappy in any way.
I've not been able to find anything, for those who had no other problem than the valve (e.g. aneurysms or arrhythmias), that actually provides a reason why there should be any limitation on types of exercise after all the surgical issues have healed completely. However, you will be unlikely to get a completely "free" release form your cardio. I'm not a medical professional. I doubt very much that many professionals would agree with what I've just offered.
As far as going to another job, you must not let your insurance lapse, or you will likely never get full coverage again. Once you've had any kind of valve surgery, insurance companies don't want to know you. You must use HIPAA and COBRA to keep your insurance going until you are picked up again by the next company at the next job.
Best wishes,
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