@anita1940

There are quite a few people on the Facebcook group Tarlov Cyst Society that share their surgery experiences. I was even more afraid after reading what other people said but there were plenty of people with positive experiences as well. What you need to keep in mind is that everyone is "wired" differently so the extent of the success of the surgery is individualized. No two outcomes will be the same. There are various factors to consider as well such as how long you have had symptoms and how extensive your nerve damage is prior to surgery. Also whether you do your post surgery exercises like you're supposed to. These are just a couple of the factors. Just like with any surgery that involves the spine and nerves, the outcome varies. I don't think it's fair for those that had negative experiences to blame the surgeon because there is no guarantee and this is talked about extensively prior to surgery.I went to see Dr. Feigenbaum and I asked which technique is the best, titanium or mesh. He said the decision on which to use depends on the anatomy of the cysts, locations, etc. For me, my decision is based on my own opinion of risk vs reward. I am currently basically bedridden because I can't stand, walk, or sit for more than a few minutes and I can't sit on my right butt cheek at all. I'm stuck just laying down 95% of the time. I have numerous other symptoms as well. I can't imagine things getting worse for me so I am choosing surgery but have been fighting with my insurance co. to approve it. You just need to do your own assessment and weigh it all out. Don't let someone else's negative experience interfere with your decision. I hope this helps you a little bit. Take care!

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