Surgery May 9th, 2014 to remove first rib and scalenectomy. Went back to work after 2 weeks - BIG mistake. I felt fine at the 6 week mark. Post surgical nerve pain in my arm, thumb and chest were the worst part of the surgery. At 6 weeks it was like someone flipped a switch and the pain was gone. Anyone considering this surgery - please be sure you take a minimum of 6 weeks before returning to work (I have a desk job). I can't say this surgery has alleviated all of my symptoms and if it worked or not remains to be seen. My PT said it can take a full year to completely recover. My vascular surgeon did not anticipate the amount of pain post surgery and thought recovery would take a few days. NO idea where that thought came from!! My neuro surgeon, who was the co-surgeon has been wonderful. Tough condition, tough surgery.