Nospam, even though the left side shows the same abnormality of the first rib, I've never had major symptoms. Presumably because my right hand is dominant. I'll admit that I've started noticing more pain on the left side now that the right is pain free, but I'm going to wait and see how it goes. I have kids and a busy life and I need to recover fully and move on, or at least that's how I feel right now. Of course if it gives me trouble I'll consider it, but it just doesn't bother me right now.

I wish you the best for the 19th. Please post when you can as we'll all be pulling for you. I think you'll do better than you expect--the pain is well managed and I'm sure your doctor's team will do everything to make you comfortable. Have you gone in for preoperative testing? Make sure to ask about nausea patches if you have a tendency to feel sick after surgery.