Elaine,

That sounds like a good plan. Possible he may just do all of the above. The steroid injection will help with inflammation.

The large type of cyst you have is as painful as the large area of spinal stenosis where my laminectomy was performed at the L4-5 level. The surgery you describe seems similar to a laminectomy; (removal of lamina; the protective covering of spinal cord) in order to remove the cyst.

The only plus about your not being able to take opioids is the terrible side effects of constipation. I have to take multiple doses of Miralax daily or I will get impacted. I'm just not up to going thru withdrawal from years of opioids in addition to whatever remaining pain there is; as well as the additional medical pain problems that I have incurred because of the straining. I wish I could turn back the clock.

It has been a stressful day for you. I'm sure you are looking forward to getting this over with.



Gerry