Hi Rev. Maria,The shoulder pain (which many of us find more painful than the actual surgery) can last a while and come and go. I found that walking was the best way to keep it at bay. It is an annoying pain, I know.
From what I've read it can be related to the gas pumped in for the surgery as well as irritation of the diaphram when the hernia was repaired. It will go away eventually. Try the walking and see if it helps!
Good luck!
Denise