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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Tarlov cysts
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
Tarlov cysts
by lynmay, Jul 18, 2003 12:00AM
had surgery 4 years ago on 4 large tarlov cysts, located between the bladder and the bowel nerves. The surgeon cut through the back, drained the cysts and plugged them with fat. Surgery was unsuccessful and left me in a lot more pain- the cysts refilled almost immediately. The operation site is still extremely painful and I can't bear anyone to touch it. Something hasn't healed and I still can't have a bath without paying a very high price. Painkillers are useless and lots of acupuncture has proved fruitless. Lots of bowel and bladder problems - are these likely to be related? Terrible pains in the rectum and the coccyx which I'm told could be as a result of surgery + a raw feeling at the base of the spine. Unbearable pain 24/7- becoming worse rather than better and making normal life impossible. Can you suggest anything -this surgery is so rare that I've been unable to find anyone else to discuss it with. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Second opinions have been unable to suggest anything except more surgery or injections into the spine which I am reluctant to undergo for fear of making the situation even worse. Please help!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Jul 21, 2003 12:00AM
Your situation is very complex. The bowel and bladder symptoms you are experiencing could be secondary to continued nerve dysfunction or do to the medications you are taking. You stated that you have had multiple second opinions. What I would recommend is an evaluation at a comprehensive spine center and pain management clinic. The Spine center and Pain Management program at the Cleveland Clinic are wonderful. I would recommend working with the pain doctors to try and regain some quality of life. The spine center is multidisciplinary and has both surgeons and medical doctors. I think this approach may give you the best chance at a possible treatment.
I had a car accident in January 2003 and since then have had 2 MRI confirming TCs'. TC from the right S2 and possibly the right S3 nerve root and 1cm area of high signal intensity on T2 and possibly on L5 nerve root. I am on medication for bladder and gastro problems. Not been able to work, sitting is very uncomfortable, sore back and left leg numbness. Morning is very difficult for me to get out of bed. My NS is not supportive at all, say all symtoms are not related to TC. I need help,if anyone know of any NS close to Toronto as I want to get a second opinion. I was just decline for long term disability and can lose my job if I don't return as soon as possible, please need guidance.
Very frustrated
Sharla
I had a car accident in January 2003 and since then have had 2 MRI confirming TCs'. TC from the right S2 and possibly the right S3 nerve root and 1cm area of high signal intensity on T2 and possibly on L5 nerve root. I am on medication for bladder and gastro problems. Not been able to work, sitting is very uncomfortable, sore back and left leg numbness. Morning is very difficult for me to get out of bed. My NS is not supportive at all, say all symtoms are not related to TC. I need help,if anyone know of any NS close to Toronto as I want to get a second opinion. I was just decline for long term disability and can lose my job if I don't return as soon as possible, please need guidance.
Very frustrated
Sharla