Don't worry so much about what others say. You aren't bowling to please them, you're bowling for yourself and the personal satisfaction you get from it.
I've been a 200avg bowlers since the late 1980's, but have just recently broken my right arm and elbow, which required a surgical fix with plates, screws, and pins. The therapist hasn't ruled out eventually bowling with it again, but has told me it will never reach 100%. If I do, I am going to have to start with a lighter ball and will have a much weaker release than before.
If I can't perform well enough to suit myself, it will be up to me to either find a way to compete, or give it up and move on, but I would NOT let a bunch of self centered others make that decision for me.
Something I'm going to do is try a purely recreational league first. Theres a lot less emphasis on scores and a lot more on learning and having fun while trying to develop my game. Seems to me that THAT atmosphere will be much more condusive to me getting back into the swing of things IF I can.
Good luck Sr., and good to see you wanting/trying to get back into the sport.
