OfflineAbout two months ago I started to get a little pain in my lower spine. A few days after the pain started it migrated to my upper left buttocks. Then in migrated down to the bottom left buttocks. This extreme pain has been radiating down my lower spine thru me left buttocks for two months. It has been difficult to sit, walk, and stand. It is even difficult to find a position laying down which isn't painful. It has affected my sleep because I wake up from the pain a dozen times a night. Not always but it occasionally it will radiate into my left thigh.
Last week I went to see the NP of my NS. She had me go for an MRI on Saturday. I looked at CD of the images they gave me and on Monday I got a copy of the Radiologist report. I did not want to self diagnose so I was going to wait for my appointment next week. I didn’t need to wait’ however, because the NP called me today to discuss the MRI.
Apparently I have an 8.2 mm Synovial Cyst in the L4-L5 facet joint causing compression on the thecal sac at L4-L5. I had an MRI on 2/1/08 which showed a ‘sliver’ of a synovial cyst. The cyst is growing and needs to be removed. I asked about draining it but that is not an option because if the joint is not ‘scraped’ it will come back.
The surgery is micro and a one inch incision. The surgery lasts two hours and I stay for just over night in the hospital. With luck the ‘sciatic’ pain will be gone once done.
Has anyone had a synovial cyst in a lumbar facet joint causing sciatica? Did you deal with it surgically? How long wads the recovery and did it take all the pain away? Has anyone dealt with this in a manner other than surgery and did it work?
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
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paul- thank goodness they tested you right away and did not just let it go with a wait and see. I have a tarlov cyst on my sacrum and there is no major treatment, as far as I know.
Did you get to see the surgeon as I would think he may have additional ideas than the NP? I don't know how the surgeon feels about 2nd opinions...take care..jade
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
Hi Paul,
My MRI is on film, not on a digital cd. Maybe I could take a photo of it and post the photo in this forum so you can see it? Or does the photo need to be online somewhere to be able to post it?
From Butterbean
Hi Butterbean, they gave you the films which is great. A lot of the doctors only want to look ast the films. But the films are old school, so to speak. if you go back to the MRI center of hospital where they did the MRI they will burn you a CD/DVD if you ask. The CD will have an application which will allow the physician or other medical professional to view the films as if they were at the MRI center. The scans should also be online for the doctors to be able to view them from their office. You would not be able to view them online because of the security involved to keep the day protected.
But back to the main point...go ask for a CD of your fims. You can view them all from your computet at home and can copy and past as many of the scans as you please.
If you need any help with this please PM me and I can help you.
good luck.......Paul
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
I was wondering too about the MRIs. I have copies of films but did not know that a CD was available to the patient. I would like to have CD copies of all the recent MRIs and think I'll check into it at the MRI center I go to..thxs..jade
paul- I just noticed in your signature that you are going to have a lipoma removed from your back.
I don't know where it is located but I had/have a lipoma at L2-L3. I had surgery in my lumbar area which included what the NS called a debulking of the lipoma. Apparently the NS was unable to remove the lipoma as it had a blood vessel and nerves running through it.
I realize I should go again go see the NS. I believe the lipoma was 2-2.5 cm to 3 mm post-op to 3-4 mm to 2 cm again. It apparently has gotten alot larger. Your signature made me go back and look at my records.
Hope your surgery is a success....
jade
Hi Jade, thanks for responding. The lipoma is fairly large in my back. It is not the NS removing it because it is not in my spine. It has grown and is a little painful which is why it is being removed.
The week after it is removed I am seeing my NS to schedule surgery to have the synovial cyst (left facet of L4-L5) removed. Six months ago it was a 'sliver' and now it is 8.2mm and growing. It has caused VERY painful sciatica in my lower spine, left buttocks, and sometime in my leg. i drove to my parents house today which is 45 minutes each way. I could barely make it as it hurt so badly. The NP said he will need to remove it. When my ortho looked at the image at another appt he said it would be minimally a laminectomy and possibly a fusion. There is a lot of DDD and once the cyst is removed something needs to be done to prevent it from recurring and to give me some stasbility in the area.
Hahahaha....then I am making an appt to have the AC joint removed from my right shoulder.
This should be enough surgeries to keep me busy til almost Christmas. I am sure there will be more once these are done as i truly believe i have become a 'professional surgey patient', maybe for a long time.
BUT.......at least I can smile about it!!!
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
Jade, did you ever get a CD of your MRI's?
Wednesday is my big day with the NS. He has no problem with second opinions. My ortho already gave his opinion as did my PM doctor so essentially the NS is the third opinion and the most important!
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
paul- I forgot about the CD. I'll check into it still. But I see that you had the NS appt and it went well so far. Best wishes for a successful surgery...
jade
i just now read this post and I am so sorry that you are going through all of this. Please do keep us posted on your surgery dates. I hope that they are all successful and help you to live a less painful life.
I am in no way associated with the medical field. Anything that I post comes from personal experience only.
DDD, Facet Arthropathy, DJD, Sleep Apnea
PT, Epidurals, Facet Blocks,Medial Branch Block, Rhizotomy,Discogram,Annular Tare L3/L4 Endoscopic Microdiscectomy,Laser Surgery
Methadone, Percocet, Soma, Welbutrin
Good luck with the NS tomorrow!!
11AM in the morning. Of all my consultations over the years this is the one that makes me the most nervous! The NS may say to drain it, or simply remove it, or remove it with a laminectomy, or remove it and do a fusion. Any of the above...simple to complex. I don't care which one...it is just the unknowing
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
I understand completely, I went thru that while I was trying to figure out what was wrong 7 years ago (turned out to be cancer I was lucky despite the Dr's ignored my symptoms for 2 years I found a good one that listened and cured it). I have always hated the unknown.
Keep us posted as to what happens tomorrow. I've read quite a few of your posts and it sounds like you have a good people sorronding you in terms of your medical care. Again, best of luck.
I just got back. I need to have the synovial cyst removed.
The NS will do a laminectomy to get at the cyst. After the cyst is removed he needs to remove part of the disk to make sure the cyst does not come back. It is NOT a fusion which is great and only 1 night in the hospital.
The complication is that the cyst is adhered to the nerve bundle and may be very difficult to remove. He said there is an 8-10% chance of a tear in the dura. If that happens he needs to stitch it and I spend 2 nights in the hospital. No worry of paralysis though. And whatever the side effects of a leak...headache, etc?
It is pretty much what I thought. He is booked a month out so my surgery should be in October maybe??
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
Im glad your back home and this appointment is over for you.
ladybugs are blowing your way......patsy
Cervical Stenosis with Myeolopathy.
C-3-7 Herniations Impingement on Cord several areas.
C6-7 is worse with Large Herniation with over 50% Impingement.
Possible M.S "Only Possible".
Myeolpathy symptoms seem to be getting worse. So time is important to me.keeping a positive attitude and holding head high.
Feel Free To Check Out My Websites: Patsy Now And Hunt Pix
Thanks Patsy AKA Ladybug...see! I just replied to you...hehehehhe
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
Congrats on the good news!! Hopefully all will go well when you have it done, and you won't be in that 8-10%. Could the NS give you any indication on how the chance of this relieving your sciatic pain? My fingers are crossed that it does.
It is strange when finding out you need a laminectomy is reason for congratulations!! It should relieve the sciatic pain and you are correct, I won't be that 8-10%!!!
Take care........Paul
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
If I took your post wrong, sorry. I meant congrats on not needing a fusion, and 1-2 days in the hospital.
You got it correct. I think it is great. It is just weird that i feel that way, that's all. And thanks
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
My appt with the NS was on 9/17. He is going to perform a laminectomy and remove the cyst. Once the cyst is out the NS is removing a portion of the disc to make sure the cyst does not grow back. The NS is booked out about a month. I am just waiting patiently to find out the date of the surgery. It will probably be toward the end of October. it does not matter when the surgery is except for the fact it HURTS!
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
hey just wondering
I hope this doesn't sound like a crazy question.
I know the surgery will hurt but does the cyst hurt you right now? blessings Patsy
Cervical Stenosis with Myeolopathy.
C-3-7 Herniations Impingement on Cord several areas.
C6-7 is worse with Large Herniation with over 50% Impingement.
Possible M.S "Only Possible".
Myeolpathy symptoms seem to be getting worse. So time is important to me.keeping a positive attitude and holding head high.
Feel Free To Check Out My Websites: Patsy Now And Hunt Pix
The cyst itself does not hurt (I don't think). The cyst is pushing against the nerves in the same manner as stenosis. It is the sciatic pain caused by the pushing against the nerves which hurts. Badly I might add. If the cyst were just sitting there not causing pain I would not be scheduling surgery to have it removed.
The pain in my lower spine, left buttocks, and now left thigh and legs is really bad. It gets worse by the day. I have my fentanyl patch which takes away a lot of the pain. Last month my patches ran out because of the hot weather (I will never allow that to happen again). I took my percocet BT pain meds for the 3 days. It was only 3 days and the percocets worked great with most of the pains in my body but not the sciatica. That pain was awful. I dealt with it because it was my own fault but it really hurt. Really hurt.
I can't wait for this surgery to remove the cyst ergo remove the sciatic pain.
For all those out there who do not have pain medication because of insurance issues I really feel for you. I don't know how I could survive without the recent surgeries and medications I have had and will continue to have!!!
Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
I have this same problem cyst l4-l5 putting pressure on my sciatic nerve causing pain in my left bottom all the way down my leg. Have you had the surgery yet and if so has it helped. Mine is just a small cyst right now on the left facet. Thanks.
Hi and welcome to Spine-Health.
My surgery is 11/18. The NS is removing the cyst, performing a full laminectomy, and shaving off part of the disc so the cyst will not grow back.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact (PM) any one of the Moderators here Priestess , Bruce , Paulgla , DiLauro
Again welcome.......Paul
For an introduction, Click on :
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Cervical myelopathy, 15 surgeries to date, Severe OA, bilateral knee replacements, DDD, 13 MRI’s, 4 sets of spinal cortisone procedures and dozens of cortisone shots in other areas for OA. Upcoming scheduled surgeries include laminectomy and removal of synovial cyst located at left facet joint of L4-L5 (may require fusion); Right resection of A-C joint (left was done 12 years ago, by far the most painful of all my surgeries)
This is all very new to me.
I was just told yesterday (following my MRI) that I have cysts that need to be drained. My concern is will I have to keep having it drained or should I opt for removal. Also, my insurance is pushing a regular doctor, and I think I should go to a specialist...but what kind of specialist?
thanks...
Hi Paul and friends watching you, I am Maz and am new to this forum today. I was looking for answers about a lumbar cyst. I read your story and I have some similarities. I had an MRI in June after I was complaining (still am) of throbbing burning buttock and electric type heel pain. The pain is increased when sitting and walking. The MRI showed bilaterial facet degeneraion L5/S1 with a small cyst on the exist foramen of L5 it states this is "not obvioulsy compressing the root which may be related to the posterior joint"
Thing is, SOMETHING is compressing nerves! Its is in my opinion th cyst a sthe MRI showed nothing else significant but bilateral facet degeneration I have pain in bothe buttocks and heels and you did say yours moved to the right sometimes.
I tried asking my spinal surgeon (had a 2 level ADR in Sept C5.6 C6/7) he thought it was the possible source of the pain but it was the day after my neck op, and I was in the hospital bed, I think it wasnt the right time to discuss my other concern! Saw him breidfly (2 mins) for my 6 week post op but he would not discuss lumbar issue as it was too early. I am due 16th Dec for another post op but on the NHS it is a 2 min look and may not even be him. I am worried the buttock pain is getting worse and I am due back at work on 17th Dec.
I will post this on the main forum too. I really hope you operation is smooth and very low pain wise will be watching you wishing you all the best Maz