in reply to @dmcny No, I never had any issues with insurance, other than my copayment for a three day hospital stay ( I probably could have come home sooner, but you know how that works). In any case Dr. Schrot is a magician when it comes to removing these cysts, and I hope that he will agree to operate on me after I see his PA in January. I am not sure if they are more painful now because of my weight loss or whatever, but I can say that the pain is remarkable and now I feel like a "old lady" with her heating pad each morning. However, I am getting a new SOFT mattress in a few weeks and I hope that this will take some of the pressure off of my back, given I sleep on my back. Once I am asleep, I do not move....keep me updated on your progress, and if you come to California for the surgery, let me know. Take care