<p>Hey guys... I just recently got this cyst on my wrist called a ganglion cyst. Basically, it exerts pressure on my tendon, and causes a good deal of pain and stiffness. However, this only happens once every month or so (or maybe even longer than that). Even so, the pain is HORRIBLE when it does happen. I can't even unscrew a bottle cap. Anyways, here's my question: should I go and get surgery on it (a small percentage of people who have surgery regain the cysts), or should I just tough it out?</p>
<p>Hmmm...that's a tough decision. Oddly enough, my Mom has these cysts (just below the wrist on the top of her hand) from time to time and she has had hers removed and it returned. Although, she doesn't experience the pain that it sounds like you're going through. On one hand, I say get the surgery if it's that painful; on the other hand, I would try to stick it out for a while longer. You already have an LOA to Army, so there's probably a real good chance you'll receive an appointment to USNA. If you get the surgery, USNA may require a waiver and you know what that's like. Hope someone else here on this board can be of help to you! I'm so sorry you're having this problem. :-(</p>
<p>By the way, the last e-mail I received from you was on 11/15. If you sent me another one afterwards, it must be somewhere in cyberspace. Just send it to me again.</p>
<p>Marines4me~I think you should evaluate if it acted up would you be able to preform your duties. Most midshipmen use their hands and wrists in many daily activities. If it affects you to the degree shared you should have it evaluated and possibly fixed. You probably need to let Dodmerb know too. It would be a shame to get to I day, have it flare up and be returned home. Apparently things like that do happen too. I know a physician that just had hers fixed...very successfully and is so glad to not be in pain anymore. Good Luck, JM</p>