Hi Katrina, where are your cysts and what are your symptoms? I am also trying to decide whether to contact Dr. F in Texas or Dr. Henderson in Maryland. I think Dr. F is supposed to be the best, but I live in the DC area so may see Dr. Henderson. Do you have other issues with your back that can complicate this?

Hi Catrina,
I did not meet with Dr. F in person. It was a phone consultation. This made me leery also. He had all my files, MRI's, etc. but to recommend surgery without seeing me made me uncomfortable. Also he asked if sex relations were painful. I stated I was not sexually active. He writes on his report that sex relations are painful. This also made me leery. Dr. F. is considered an expert in the field regarding Tarlov cysts, but, as I stated before, I am not desperate at this time to relieve the off and on symptoms that are severe with surgery. If I was you, I would look into Dr. F's history of success with patients and see him in person. Do not do a phone consultation! Also, ask yourself if you will be better off having the surgery? How many cysts do you have and where are they? Have you been to a neurologist, pain education doctor, tried yoga and meditation, physical therapy. biofeedback? Operating on the spine is very invasive in which you could result with incontinence, bowel problems, nerve problems that could be worse than you have now. Try all options before considering surgery. If you are one of the lucky ones with good results after surgery, good for you!
Best of luck and I hope you find the right answer.
Kathryn1

Dear painintheazz,
Did you try to contact Dr. Frank Feigenbaum in Dallas, TX? He is a renowned neurosurgeon that has had success with patients. He recommended me to have surgery due to the 5 Tarlov cysts. I opted out for now due to him saying to me there is no guarantees. I know doctors cannot guarantee the results due to prior nerve damage to surgery but, for now, my symptoms are not severe daily but off and on. WHen the symptoms do become severe daily, than I would reconsider surgery again. In the meantime, doing more research and trying to relieve the symptoms holistically. I hope this helps. Also contact the Tarlov Cyst Association for more information.
Kathryn1