[pbr549xxx]

Originally Posted by Red Flag 1

While I have not had shoulder surgery, I do have a labrum tear and have had a few C-arm guided dye & steroid injections. I have also been the anesthesia guy that gets you safely through surgery. Shoulder injuries are painful, as is the post-op recovery. I found that I was never able to find a position of comfort with my shoulder pain, short of immobilizing the joint. Patients who have had only general anesthesia for shoulder procedures, are among the most difficult to get comfortable in the PACU, recovery room. That said, I always offered/ encouraged a block pre-op with long acting agents to cover that difficult time in the PACU. The block is actually all you might need for the surgery, with a little sedation. Most folks liked the block followed up with general anesthesia, it is a great option. Right after surgery, and as the block begins to resolve, start the pain meds to get ahead of the pain-v-chasing the pain. Physical therapy after surgery is key, and as cetheridge noted, pain meds before PT, is a great help.

So, best of luck in your surgery, and long recovery. If you are offered a block for your shoulder, take advantage of it. The block will be of tremendous value right after surgery.

I spoke with the nurse anesthetist that will be working my surgery. He said they are going to give me some type of coctail that will make me not really care what they do, then thgey are going to put something in my neck that will block the pain from my shoulder to my figertips. Following that I guess they will knock me out to perform the surgery. He said that painwise, I should go a good 18 to 20 hours after the surgery before it starts to hurt.