Elsa
I had the surgery in'76 first the left side to remove 1 extra rib and 2 others and then the left side to remove the extra rib and 1 other. The surgeries were 4 months apart I was in hospital a week with each surgery and spent 6-8 weeks recuperating after. I am a nurse and so because of the nature of my work-heavy lifting etc.I wasn't rushed back to work. If I had had an ofice type job I probably could have gone back part time after 6 weeksa and full time after 8 weeks. Yes the surgery hurts!!!! as does the recovery and getting the motion back in your shoulder but I survivved and feel so much beter for having the surgery i would go through it again. What a pleasure to have warm hands and not pass out with the slighteset exertion. Good luck!!!!