Glad to reply, Starfish! Today I left home at 6:00 AM, drove nearly 60 miles to have my truck repaired, went to breakfast at a fine diner, did some shopping, drove home, fixed lunch, then went to work on my construction job. I own and operate a large hay and grain farm, in addition to my construction business. I have spent several weeks this year rafting rivers here in the northwest, in addition to travelling throughout the northeast of the US. While I never again will be able to construct cable suspension bridges and timber framed bridges throughout the northwest, I have a good life, considering what I had been diagnosed with. The surgery performed by Dr. Feigenbaum and his assistant Debbie West restored my life. The only obstacle I encountered on this journey was erected by the Sate of Oregon workers compensation system, aka: SAIF. They did everything they could to prevent me from obtaining the necessary medical care.
Please know that there is hope for those diagnosed with symptomatic Tarlov cysts. PM me if you need more information.
David

David, how are you doing now? I'm 62 with an 8 mm cyst to right of s2. I was injured falling from a cutting horse in 2009. I've heard so many horror stories about people being in worse pain and reoccurring cysts following surgery, I've been afraid to go through with the surgery. However the cyst is getting worse now and I'm starting to have numbness in legs and feet. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

I am doing GREAT! For the record, I was declared "permanently totally disabled" as a result of my accident. It took a while to get myself back in shape following surgery with Dr. Feigenbaum, but keep in mind I was out of work for nearly five years. Last week I framed a new roof for a shop I am building. Feel free to PM me, and we can talk on the phone if you like. Or, you can make contact with me through Dr. Feigenbaum's office. Don't waste any more time suffering needlessly!
"Bridges"

So glad to hear you are doing well. I had surgery on Nov. 6 2013. I had 2 cysts drained and wrapped and 2 cysts just wrapped. I am doing well so far. Can I ask what you did in the first 2 months to rehab yourself? I want to do this right and try to minimize scar tissue build up.

A few things you can do: Be kind to your body. Be aware of what you put into it...treat it like a baby, and nourish it as though you are bringing it back to life. Stay healthy: Remain active, but do NOT do ANYTHING that can cause an impact to the spine, or requires you to exert those muscles which affect your spine, as in heavy lifting. Walking, water aerobics, and gentle yoga were activities I engaged in after surgery. Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Lying flat on your back, sometimes with your knees pulled up to your chest with your hands around your ankles or knees, will help you remain flexible. When using stairs, do it slowly, one step at a time. If you smoke, stop. If you consume alcoholic beverages, use moderation. A glass of red wine helped calm me, as I wanted to get going again, since I had been "cured"! Don't expect that all will return to "normal" within a few weeks. Your body has undergone a major invasive procedure, and will require some to heal and adjust. PM me if you have further questions. And, welcome to the Club!
David

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I don't know how to PM you?? I am walking 3 to 4 times a day for about 20 minutes each time. I rest the remaining time. I want to get back to being active but I will not push it.

It''s so nice to hear from someone who has had years of success. I medically retired prior to my surgery...I hope down the road I can get back to work. I have been a detective for 15 years but I couldn't pass the physical any more. How do you feel after physical activity? Do you still get flare-ups? If so, what are your symptoms?

Thank you for your help.
Kim

Kim,
"Click" on my screen name (Bridges) and follow the prompts. LE background? Commonality...

PLease I want to call you and talk to you. I have 3 tarlov cysts and I need surgety. I am frighten of taking pain killers. I cannot tolerate them. I suffer now, but I cannot take pills. How long one has to take painkillers after surgery?

You can read Bridges past posts by going to his profile page /statistics , you may find out the information that way.
If he is a farmer & home builder it is his busy season right now, probably why he hasn't been online for awhile..

You can use the search tool also for specific details posted on our forums.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/search.php

The pain pills & time frame after surgery would be something a surgeon could tell you, often it differs for each person, case by case.

Hi David,

I have met with Dr. Feigenbaum and am considering surgery for bilateral s2 4mm tarlov cysts. If you are open to it, I would like to talk with you about your surgery and recovery. I am new to this forum and I don't see a way to PM you. Sorry if I am missing this.

Kevin