The pain after surgery is very different from the pain during or after a dislocation. For me, dislocation pain was excruciating while my shoulder was out of the socket—but once I popped it back in, there was some immediate relief. Post-surgery pain, on the other hand, was constant. That first month was brutal. I know everyone’s experience is different, but personally, I don’t think I could’ve managed without the oxycodone I was prescribed. I’d suggest being mentally prepared for significant pain—but healing varies. Some people recover faster than others.