I have been diagnosed with a bulging disc l5/s1 i have had tingling in saddle area that comes and goes can you have this without cauda equina?

Yes: A biuging disc can not cause cauda equina a huge disc herniation can this would never be described as a disc bulge.

Not from disc bulge: You need mass effect on your cauda equina to have any risk of cauda equina syndrome. A disc bulge will not do it. You need to go see a spine surgeon to review you MRI and confirm what your MRI actually shows. If you notice any changes in your bowel/bladder function, any saddle anesthesia -- take your recent MRI to a spine surgeon for evaluation.