Wow, coffeelover, you have been through ALOT. I really hope this works for you as well, and you are able to move on with a better life now, tos free.
I did not even know that doctors ever removed the second rib for tos. May I ask who your surgeon was?
Wishing you the best in your recovery!!!
cheers,
Jay

I am so grateful that I found this forum!! I have been looking for months to find post op experiences... until now, I'd found nothing but scary pictures, old medical research documents, and a vague "what to expect" article from the hospital that I'll be in (2 1/2 hrs. from home.)

Transaxillary first rib resection is scheduled for the 22, the day after tomorrow. Thanks to finally finding this site I finally know what to expect. Now, I think I'll go out for a longgg drive, iron what clothes will need to be ironed in the next few weeks, and appreciate the last time I can shave my arm pit for a while.

Thanks again for sharing your experiences. It really helps to know that I'm not the only one that is going/ has gone though this!

Try Serrapeptase before surgery maybe

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread135530.html

When did you realize it was a success? I am considering it on my right side (I have it on both sides but right is much worse). My surgeon gives me a 50% chance of improvement.....thanks for the info.