I saw the spine specialist this morning and he is going to try to 1) drain the cyst 2) burst the cyst and/or 3)Inject the cyst with cortisone.

I don't think he will do all of those things, but which he will do depends on what he finds when he tries to penetrate the cyst.

He's doing the procedure with an epidural on an out patient basis, in a special suite in the office. I'm having it done on August 25, and I asked to be put on the list if someone cancels sooner.

I didn't realize that having the cyst removed surgically means cutting through bone, so I surely hope it doesn't come to that!

I cannot take any opioids and fear any major surgery ever.

I had arthroscopic surgery on my knee with only Tylenol for post surgical pain.

I can do that, but not a knee replacement, for Pete's sake!

I'm exhausted by the visit to the doctor this morning.

the narrowing of my spinal canal is caused by osteoarthritis causing the surrounding bone to close in. I have terrible osteoarthritis.

More later, and thanks so much for your posts.

Regards, ElaineD