Fran, glad things are now in the past. I found that the surgery was less of a bother than rad. Is that your feeling also? For your information, removal of the staples when I had mine done was very simple. I had zero discomfort. And no issues at all with removal of the drain tubes. Also, a month or so after surgery, I had 16 or so physical therapy sessions to help strengthen the shoulder. Hope it all turns out well for you.