I am having total shoulder replacement surgery next week. is the pain unbearable immediately following surgery?

No: The pain isn't unbearable and can be decreased with regional anesthesia, called a "shoulder block". You will be uncomfortable, but its important to remember that the pain you are having now is going to keep getting worse. The pain that you have after surgery will keep getting better.

Usually not: Nerve blocks and IV pain meds usually provide good post-op pain relief.

Pain after surgery: Interscalene block can be helpful at blocking pain before surgery. This has been shown to reduce post-op pain immediately after surgery, and in the weeks to follow. Patients frequently report that the pain they had pre-op is literally gone immediately after surgery. The surgical pain improves quickly. Patients who have shoulder replacement are among the happiest patients in my practice.

No: Total shoulder arthroplasty (replacement) is a very well tolerated procedure. Nerve blocks are commonly done for post-operative pain control in this procedure. Once the block wears off, oral narcotic pain medications are used for pain control. You will need to take the medication for a few weeks after surgery. The pain may get worse during therapy, but will be well worth it! good luck!