Those who have had ribs removed and kept them; what did you do with it?
 

I decided to keep my rib after my recent resection. After so many years of pain I'm curious to see what it looks like. Someone mentioned that people may have a ritual burial for the rib, but I'm more interested in seeing the abnormality and what it looks like. Any good stories? I will pick mine up in a couple of weeks.

There used to be jokes about a rib party long ago, but I don't know how many really kept theirs.

They may not be abnormal at all, sometimes they just get removed to make extra room in the area.

Jo*mar, I only refer to mine as abnormal because that was the cause of my TOS. After seeing it in various imaging techniques, I'm anxious to see what it looks like as a 3-dimensional object. Maybe I can get it gold plated and made into a necklace or something!

Interesting...I may ask for mine. I hope you post a picture of it.

Nospam, when are you scheduled for surgery? Make sure to fill out a request for your rib before hand (before rib, haha). Good luck!

After I see yours, I will decide whether or not I want mine after the second surgery! ;)

Maybe we could find a Maori bone carver to turn them into works of art! (Not that they're not beautiful to begin with,...)

:D
April 19

I was thinking about asking to keep the rib that's removed.. Glad I'm not the only one who's thought of it! It would just be interesting to see what has been causing a ton of pain and problems. Surgery in a few days... Wonder if they'll let me keep it. Most of all, hope the surgery helps.

Please don't encourage my bad jokes, Nospam! I'm still recovering, though, so I have sort of an excuse for poor attempts at humor.

I mentioned to LadyLaura that perhaps I could have a silicone mold made of the rib, then I could mold little chocolate treats in the shape of the rib for my family and friends. Yep, I think that would be great!

Ekelly, I couldn't agree more!

I told my wife I want to make it into some jewelry for her like what Wilma Flintstone used to wear. ;)

nice
 

I had both mine removed and they wouldn't let me keep either of them.

You'd have to stand at the rear if there are any spare ribs served at the next bbq:)

I'm not getting the surgery, but if I had, I would have had it laminated/sealed and used it for a paper weight. Perhaps also a thinking aid. You could use it to scratch your chin hairs while you gaze off into the distance in deep thought.

Maybe this can be our "What could you do with your rib?" thread.

Haha, Blurto!

Chroma, I don't think it's going to be heavy enough for a paper weight. Also, no chin hairs that I'm aware of--yet!!!:eek: I will have it tomorrow, so I'm excited, sort of. Over 30 years of pain caused by the shape and location of the little bugger--I plan on staring it down for awhile!

Interesting discussion topic -

As for me, I had no option as the pathologist got to examine the rib closely for me! At least it was benign!

It's policy at MGH that all things are gone over by Pathology, too. I just asked to take it once they were done.

Limoges,
You haven't been active for a while so I hope you notice this! It seems from this thread that policies for keeping the removed rib sections vary from hospital to hospital.
I'm going to be under the knife in a few weeks w/ Dr. Donahue at MGH and was wondering if you successfully managed to obtain your removed rib portion post-op?

Thanks,
Ben