I just had my first rib removed at UCLA dr gelabert. surgery wasn't bad not even that painful I'm a male with a high pain tolerance. my symptoms are still there on the left side. my shoulder feels lighter and maybe its in the right place now idk, but I still have the ****ing pin and needles. I guess it takes time for the nerve to heal ive had this thing for 5 years now..... i have full mobility and str... just no relief in pain and that y i got the surgery in the first place... **** it at least i tried