Katie,

My understanding is that surgeries involving cervical ribs are actually more straight forward. They also have better outcomes that do surgeries that stem from gradual, repetitive "injuries."

I did not have cervical ribs. I was told recovery would be 6-12 months. The surgeon also told me that I should not go back to the job that caused the problem in the first place (attorney) because the likelihood of re-injury was too great. In my case, I never went back to work (that was 8.5 years ago).

The recovery time provided by the surgeon is less important simply taking an honest appraisal of how you are feeling. I'm really sorry you now have shingles in addition to the surgical recovery to contend with.

Take care,
Kelly