Well I went today for all the testing at the University of Michigan, and these people are awesome. They have so much concern for you.

Met the Dr around 1pm,after having test all morning and he tells me that I need to be back Friday at 6am to have this surgery done. I guess it was worse then we thought.

I must have had 3 different dr's and 4 nurses come in and out, preparing me for the surgery. World Class place and I highly recommend it, if you need to see a specialist

Hi Rich,

Wishing you well for your surgery on Friday. I just had my first rib removed and a scalenectomy on my left side at Mass General Hospital in Boston on Feb. 28. Eight days into recovery, the biggest challenge is pain management, as I'm on narcotics every four hours but trying to only take them when necessary. I have been *so* impressed with my surgeon and the teams at MGH...it makes the thought of going back for my right side surgery much more bearable.

Take care and all the best,
Laura

Good luck with the surgery

Best of luck, and hope to hear of a good recovery when you are up to it.

Thanks for the kind thoughts, I am in Great hands and at one of the Best Hospitals in the country. Plus they have tv's in the rooms, so I can watch College Basketball All weekend

Well It went well, I am still in the hospital they wont let me go untill i can control the pain with just oral meds.

I cant say enough great stuff about the staff at U of M and the surgeon. He really knows how to put your mind at ease and all the worries out the window.

I can already tell a difference since the surgery was done, before I would be in pain and severe muscle cramps between my shoulder blades typing on a computer and here i am typing and no pain or muscle cramps> i know the oxy is helping the pain issue but the cramps were what bothered me the most.

So If you need to have the surgery, and are willing to travel to Michigan, it is worth every min.

I have had surgeries at 7 different hospitals and this place is by far the best hands down. The staff cares about you every step of the way and they all bend over backwards to help you in any way they can.

So thanks for the kind words and I will update my status in a few days. Anyone have any questions please feel free to ask, i will be more then willing to answer any questions I can, I like to help people in anyway I can

Thanks and God Bless

Rich

Laura,

I'm being seen at Mass General on Monday. Surgery has been recommended and I'm going there for a second opinion. How was your surgery experience with them/might it be possible to talk to you about it?

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you go to surgery on friday. You won't be alone, many of us here will be thinging of you too. Hope you have some help and support in your family. I wish you all the best. ginnie