Post-Op Ravitch - How have things worked out?

I had the ravitch procedure in 1996, the bar removed in 2000, which broke in two at an undetermined time in the interim. My chest stings sometimes, sometimes itches, clicks sometimes, and does still feel inwards and a little uncomfortable, say if I reach up to hang washing on the line.

It's a battle to maintain a good diet as my stomach jumps at the chance of filling out, yet the chest is what I want to still fill out.

I do bench presses and the like, although too infrequently.

This year I have taken time off work, officially because of stress. However, people, including doctors, just ate not aware of the extra mental challenge it is to deal with a chest that doesn't feel right

It could be much worse, that's for sure, and its mainly very liveable with. It is also still 99% numb.

I would like to hear from anyone who relates, or if anyone has a question on it I'd be more than happy to answer it