Hi I am waiting for a right rib resection as well as a clipping of my sympathetic nerve. I had a test last week and my Dr. put 5cc of Lidocaine directly on my sympathetic nerve. For the first time in 2 years I actually had warmth back in my arm and less pain. It was only temporary for a few hours but enough to convince me to have the nerve clipping along with the rib resection. Talk with your Doctor and express your concerns. I believe if you don't have it done at the time of surgery they can always do it at a later date. So that is an option. Good Luck!