Dr. Donahue of Massachusetts General Hospital returned my phone call today. He said he does about 3 surgeries a week.

They are going to request three tests for approval by my insurance: MRI, Catscan, and two botox injections in my scalene (neck muscles that hold the first rib).

After I get these approved by insurance, I can make my appointment. First available right now are in March. Once I see him, he'll decide if he actually wants those tests done same-day.

I would not have surgery then. He said he would also not recommend surgery on the first visit either.

My therapist says she got my rib to move down about half way that it needs to be. He told me on the phone that the first rib will rarely move down with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. More likely, he said she just loosened up the area around it and made it more squishy.

I am very excited to see someone who knows what they are dong.

He asked if I am ok to make a trip out to Boston and believe me, with all the changes I have made to my life, a plane ride to Boston is NOTHING!