Hi, I'm new and wanted to know if others with small Tarlov cysts have benefitted from surgery or other interventional measures.

I have two 1cm bilateral Tarlov cysts, plus an L5/S1 central annular tear, following a massive postpartum hematoma, with radiating lumbosacral back pain that cause bilateral numbness, tingling, and pain in my legs and feet, bilaterally, and incontinence. These symptoms are aggravated by activity. They developed following a massive postpartum hematoma I was lucky to survive three years ago (so I've had trauma to the area.) As of Jan 2014, MRIs showed degenerative changes in my sacrum, residual tissue abnormalities in the location of the hematoma, and hemosideron deposits in the pelvis, in addition to the tear and cysts.

My condition is complicated by abnormal uterine bleeding that is currently controlled and RA that is generally under control but that has degenerated the cartilage in my left hip enough to warrant a hip replacement. I was advised to wait until finishing having kids before the hip replacement, if I can tolerate it. Because of my RA and hip I'm already on LTD.

My neurologist is on board and thinks the symptoms I'm having are justified based on the MRI evidence. My pain doc denies the MRI evidence and thinks I have Central Pain syndrome.

I've contacted Dr. Feigenbaum's office for a visit and they offered me appointments before the end of the year, however, another recent development, a tumor in my neck found following a black out, may delay that visit.

Are there others that have symptomatic Tarlov cysts of a smaller size? How have you handled receiving pain treatment until you've seen a physician knowledgeable of Tarlov cysts? I am reading conflicting literature on epidural injections for temporary relief, and am considering having one.

Would others please share their experiences? I'd be grateful.