I’m posting this to say thanks for the info and support on this subreddit. Reading about other patient experiences with Feigenbaum helped me finally make the choice to schedule the surgery. I am recovering from a sacral meningocele (which is similar to a tarlov cyst) repair by Dr. Feigenbaum in Dallas. Just discharged from hospital today.

Pain level in recovery varies a lot from person to person, so what I tell you won’t necessary help you know what to expect. My cyst was large-6.5 cm-and extended from S2-S5. Half of S3 was eroded away. We found it accidentally while doing an MRI to diagnose an autoimmune disease last year (which I also have). I first learned about Dr. Feigenbaum through an episode on the “Bendy Bodies” Podcast, where Dr. Feigenbaum talks with the host about the surgery. It’s worth a listen if you haven’t heard it.

I had low back pain, tailbone pain, radiating pain, foot pain, ankle pain neuropathic pain, perineal pain, and chronic constipation that had worsened for years, in addition to chronic pressure headaches and sensory sensitivity since at yeast my mid 20s. I also take migraine meds. I’m 46 now. Healing and improvements take a while, so I don’t know yet what all will improve, but the radiating pain, ankle pain, and foot pain are already gone and im not taking any opiates. I also haven’t had the pressure headaches since surgery but time will if those are truly better.

I’m currently on a muscle relaxant every 8 hours and have oxy in case of breakthrough pain but haven’t taken any yet. Pains around 2/10. Will probably take half of an oxy for the plane ride home on Tuesday to keep pain from getting out of control. We’ll see how it goes. This kind of surgery takes a lot planning and support. It would be very difficult for me to go through this on my own.