S-1 Heniation /w Cyst-Is Surgery the Only Cure?

[Her_knea]

I have been experiencing severe S-1 radiculopathy pain for a couple of months now. Tried all the conservative treatments and no lasting relief from the pain. Hours after my MRI the radiologist called my cell phone and asked me to come back for another MRI  with an addition of dye. When I arrived for the second MRI, the receptionist revealed that a "mass" was found and the radilogist wanted to get a better look for his report to my spine doctor. I tolerated the crawl space once again and was called by my spine doctor with the report that S-1 herniation was confirmed ( a "protrusion", he said). The doctor called in a prescription for oral steroids and asked to see me in a week. The oral steroids only brought mild relief. I was almost convinced that the steroids were a real cure but I had also discontinued my anti-inflmmatories and relaxants to clear out my system for the steroids (prednisone). When I met with the spine doctor in his office the MRI was displayed on the wall and he said, "The original doagnosis was based upon an oral report from the radiologist...however the MRI reveals what appears to be a small pea-sized cyst..this is uncommon". He pointed to a well defined spherical shape in the area of my lower spine betwen the vertabrae.  He added, "whether or not it is really a cyst or a part of the disc we will need to perform micro surgery to remove it..I think we have an 85% chance of success".

[Teck]

That should be ok, see what he/she says.  Go by your gut.  what I mean is, see what he/she is like at your appt.  If you are not comfortable, see a different Dr.  You need to be really comfortable with your surgeon.  Good luck.

[Her_knea]

Thanks Teck.
Question. At my next appointment I'll see the neurosurgeon for the surgery consultation. He is in the same medical group. Will that suffice, or should I go outside that medical group for the second opinion ?

[Teck]

Go for a second opinion!  See a Neurosurgeon before you decide on any kind of procedures.  Good Luck