Had the injury and the surgery in 2005. Most painful recovery ever! I had a nerve block for the surgery and after felt OK, no big deal etc. until the block wore off. Then I thought I was going to go crazy with the pain. If you need the surgery get it because it won't heal by itself and will be trouble going forward. If you get a nerve block get on the pain meds immediately. That was my mistake. Hope you have a good recliner chair because you likely won't be able to lie down right away Post surgery Physical Therapy is not the most fun I've ever had but very necessary. When I said it was THE most painful surgery/recovery I'm comparing it to a total knee replacement and a bad Achilles tear. Both were bad but not as bad as the shoulder.