i have not had the surgery either, but when i had a painful lump, the gyne felt it and said, that is your rib, go to the chiro!

i followed the advice and the lump got relocated to it's proper position.

nowadays i do yoga and accomplish the same thing. saves a bit of money on chiropractic.

this may not be what you have. if it is then you too may be able to learn yoga or go to the chiropractor and get it taken care of.

best wishes for getting it solved.