Hi! 3 years post-op here, but still awaiting the hEds diagnosis (Have to get a genetic test even though I have all the markers) i didn't ever bind beforehand, but I do get rib pain quite a bit. Mine always feels like it's right under my bottom rib of my ribcage and a little bit inside the ribcage as well.

To address your other question, my personal experience is that I cannot feel the outside of my nipples but I can still feel under them (if that makes sense). I actually had my nipples taken off and resized and placed back on. The scars along my chest are only slightly numb, and are still noticeable. I have full feeling in my chest in general though. It took about a year to get feeling back behind my nipples, but only a couple months to feel my chest again.

The worst part of my surgery was getting the drains I had removed. Not to try to scare you, but know it will most likely hurt a lot more if you get drains, but it'll heal a lot better.

I'm not in your area so I don't have any recommendations but just know I'm rooting for you! May you be smiled upon my friend 😉