Personal Stores Archive #17

Personal Stores Archive #17

Stories from October 1, 2003 to November 30, 2003


Date:: November 25, 2003

Story

This story is written from a mother's viewpoint...20 years ago my husband and I welcomed a healthy second baby boy into the world. A week after bringing him home, I was changing a diaper and noticed that there was a tiny "dimple" near his tailbone area. I was concerned and called the pediatrician who assured me it was nothing life-threatening. He referred us to a pediatric surgeon who explained that our son had a "pilonidal dimple" which could cause him problems later in life. The surgeon suggested surgical repair when he reached the age of three. Of course we were sceptical of surgery at such an early age, but the surgeon assured us our son would thank us later as these "dimples" often form into painful cysts or abcesses in the teen years. We decided to go ahead with the surgery and fortunately everything went well. While performing the surgery, the surgeon also found that our son's tailbone was curved the wrong way and corrected that defect also. Today our son is 20 years old, and has already thanked us for taking care of his pilonidal "dimple" before it could have caused him problems. I hope that other parents might check their baby's bottom and perhaps choose to correct the condition if recommended by their pediatrician.

Date:: November 25, 2003

Story

ANOTHER BAD ONE....Ok, I found out that I had a pilonidal cyst on October 19th of 2003. It was literally an overnight thing for me. Went to bed one night, woke up at 1am with the worst pain in my life! I had NO IDEA where all the pain was coming from, but it was to the point where I couldn't even move so I had someone take me to the ER. The doctor there just gave me Keflex and Vicadin and told me I'd be feeling better in a few days. I had no idea what the cyst even was but I was about to find out. Two days later I was feeling worse, and although I didn't think it possible, the pain was more severe. Plus, the Vicadin made me so sick I couldn't keep anything down. I went back to the ER and they admitted me right away for surgery in the morning. In the middle of the night my cyst ruptured and I hoped that would be the end of it. Nope!!!! Doc still did surgery the next morning and I had a spinal and sure enough, I got the headaches. I don't remember much from my 4-day stay because I was vomiting all of the time and the pain was so intense. I couldn't even move out of my bed. I was finally let out to "rest at home" and my mother and fiance were told to change the "pad" 2-3 times a day. I had a follow-up appointment scheduled for November 4th (12 days after surgery) and was worried because I knew for some reason that the wound wasn't healing and it was beginning to smell weird. The doc checked me out and did something that caused me to nearly jump off the table. She then asked me when the last time the "wick" was changed. "Wick?" I said. I had no idea what she was talking about. Come to find out the wound was packed with a "wick" and THAT was supposed to be changed twice a day since surgery and myself, nor my mother or fiance had any idea that was in there! How was I supposed to know? So needless to say I ended up developing an infection and for almost 3 weeks now have been trying to get over it. Not to mention the fact that the stress is causing my BP to skyrocket, as well as my heart rate. So now I'm keeping a close eye on those. The doc sees me tomorrow for my 4th follow-up (this is getting old) and if the infection isn't gone, I'll have to be on some other infection. Obviously I've left A LOT of the story out because I don't feel like typing it all, but now I have a feeling I'll be having it out with the hospital. My question to someone is....what happens if the packing/wick is left in there for 12 days? I don't feel like I'm getting the answers I need and everything I see on the Internet terrifies me and makes me worry about this wound not healing, the infections, etc... Everything I find is about packing the wound, not what happens if it's left in there. Please someone let me know and help me out. I think the infections are a direct result of the wick being left in there but no one will admit that, and I know it's because they'll open themselves up to a lawsuit. Can anyone help me out? Just write another story back to me! Leanne

Date:: November 25, 2003

Story

Well after reading all of these stories, I thought I would place my own on board. I am 22 years of age, female,and my cyst developed when I was 18. I had to quit the last couple of months of my final year of high school because of the operation. The first operation they removed the cyst and left an open wound to be packed daily. After the first couple of days I went to have a shower, and quite a lot of blood started draining from the wound. I was rushed to hospital that day, where they performed a second operation, and this time closed the wound. Thinking this time all would be fine, over the next 6 months the pain was still quite severe, and I was still taking codeine. I was admitted to hospital for a third time, from the wound not healing correctly. So then I thought all would be ok...but still the pain continued...I had a fourth operation, which they removed a small part of my coccyx from infection and tried to remove some of the scar tissue, since the nerves were wrapped around them causing the pain. Still the pain continued, and I began having cortisone injections into my back. I had to give up my first year university because of all of the pain and medication. The doctors advised me that I could have this pain for life, so I got a job, saved some money, and have just been on a 7 month overseas holiday. I think I was running away from it all. So this has all been within four year period. I have just come back from overseas, and are about to get some CT scans done. I have got about 5 different opinions from different doctors. I have a new doctor (and losing faith) and he thinks my nerves are permanently damaged, and I may have some lower back issues, all from this damn small cyst...I now also suffer from leg aches, lower back aches and general depression from this disease..I feel for all out there that are in the same position who feel so limited.

Date:: November 22, 2003

Story

Hi I am a 20 year old female and i have had a pilonidal cyst since i was 12. It would get infected every so many months and the pain got worse and worse and so now i am going to have it removed. I have several sinus tracts. My surgeon told me i would be put out under general anesthesia, and i am horriffed about it. I have heard how people can die under general anesthesia and if they're still kicking, how sick they feel afterwards. Then i'm worried about how i'm going to feel afterwards. I am such a coward. Has anyone ever had a pilonidal cyst removed while under general anesthesia? anything would help, my email is prussianprincess19@yahoo.com mention pilonidal cyst in subject. thanks and besh wishes for the rest of pilonidal disease suffers! -Jadzia

Date:: November 21, 2003

Story

Hi people Im 31 and i had my cyst since the age of 19. well, to be honest i never got it removed, im kind of scared but i think i should, i got it drained but never removed. Anyways, whats really helps alot is, using a medicine called BOILEASE, try for a few days and the pus comes out, its a good feeling when the pus just oozes out and the pain is finally gone.

Date:: November 18, 2003

Story

Hello,

My daughter, 14 years of age has just experienced this problem and I'm still shattered, because I just don't get it. She started feeling pain about three weeks before we went to the E.R. I did not know what to do. She finally let me examine her and first is was just a small bump just below her tailbone and I was trying to figure out did she injure herself or did something bite her (i.e. a spider or some little critter), but suddenly, it became awfully painful and the bump got bigger and I rushed her to the E.R. the doctor explained to me what it was and that they will need to drain it. The post surgical doctor explained that she has a 50% chance of it reoccurring and if they did not due surgery then, she has a 80% chance of it reoccuring then, they would have to perform surgery. I wish my baby girl did not have to go through this. I have to now, make sure she takes nice warm baths and I have to put neosporin on it to make sure it heals okay. I feel for those who have to take care of theirselves with this alone.

Date:: November 17, 2003

Story

I'm 29 years old and my first pilonidal cyst was when I was in my 3rd year of the Navy. I first noticed a pain while sleeping in my rack, I noticed drainage and about 20 hairs a week to pull out. This was with puss and blood and other fluid. Being in the active fleet onboard a Guided Missile Frigate, I seemed to just ignore it or try too. Later on I found myself in a very intensive training period and I really felt the pain there. The lower tailbone pain from doing the sit-ups was horrible and of-course I was trying to hide my secret. Eventually, it was too much so I had to remove myself from training. I was in the Civilian World now and I went to the Veterans Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. I expressed my history and I was told that I needed surgery. I had the surgery and it took all the pain away. No more hairs and no drainage. It was a long recovery period, about 4 to 5 months and packing about 2 times a day with sit's baths. 2 years later I was gonna go into the Army. I had orders and I was gonna leave within a week. One of my favorite conditioning spots was hiking and It was a hill. I felt some serious wetness coming from my lower back. I knew it was the cyst! I almost started crying because I was so mad. This screwed everything up for me again and my military career. I found myself again going to the VA and having the surgery but this time it was worse. After the surgery I found myself in bed for about 2 days straight and I thought it was nothing. I had stitches back there but on the 3rd day there was immense pain. Tremendous amounts of pain! I went to my appointment and it turned out that I had an infection underneath the stitching. The doctor than took the stitches out and he drained about 3 or 4 cups of fluid out. So, for the next 4 months. I had the same thing, packing with gauze dipped in saline and sitz baths when I could. The hole at first was the size of a fist. I couldn't believe the size of the hole. A lot of pain and fluid. I found out that I have a "Re-Occurring Cyst" of the tailbone. I'll have this till I'm in my mid 40's. I already know I'll need surgery within the next 2 years because I feel the pain already. It's nothing big, just a part of my life. I'm just glad I could share my story, makes me feel good that I'm not alone.

Take care..

Date:: November 12, 2003

Story

I'm a sixteen year old male and am still suffering from this horrible ailment. I'm a Junior and in the school marching band. I first noticed I had a problem when I began bleeding once every two months or so, but it was so humiliating I never told a soul. Eventually I found a tiny hole, and determined that it was the culprit. I ignored it however, and attributed it to something less serious; like hemmeroids. Eventually it began to leak a yellowish, foul smelling fluid along with a little blood. My mother eventually found traces of the fluids on the seat of one of my pants and took me a to a physcician. After examining it (and poking a bloody metal rod into it >_<), he determined that a surgeon was required.

I was obviously very scared on operation day, it was the day before Thanksgiving so the hospital food was rather good. It still didn't calm my fears however, I was shaking like a leaf. The IV insertion was hell, but afterwards was easy enough. They gave me all sorts of drugs, and at one point I though I was Cheech from the "Cheech and Chong" movies.

The surgery went well, and they removed a huge amount of cystic sinuses from my crack. My once healthy buttcrack was no more, in it's place was a meaty fissure and it was said that my pelvic bone was visable. Still, it was fun staying up all night and watching the Indiana Jones marathon that came on TNT that evening. Then it was time to change the guaze.

A word of advice: TAKE THE STRONGEST PAINKILLER THAT IS OFFERED TO YOU. The unpacking and repacking of the wound is the worst part. It is the first time I cried in pain since I was 10. It was hellish torment. To reduce the pain, I reccomend placing an object between the knees of the person being worked on. This way it lessens the effect of the buttock clinching that comes natural to the victim and allows the guaze to be removed easier.

This evening I looked to discover that my cyst had returned, and in a bad way. I will have it checked first thing tommorrow . I'm rather scared, and angry that it is still not gone and may never be. Wish me luck!

Date:: November 06, 2003

Story

Hello Fellow Suffer's. I am a 35 year old Male.

Three weeks ago today, I had my Golf Ball size cyst removed. I first became aware of my condition this past April. My first impulse was that I had a very large pimple. It did hurt but I figured it would eventually go away. When the thing finally popped and I saw and smelled the Anerobic Bacteria effect, I knew I had something more. I hoped that that incident was the end of it but little did I know that it would reoccur 3 more times over a 4 month period. Surgery was the only way to remove that bad boy.

I was somewhat fearful of the Knife especially because I had a Doctor, who always seemed to be in a hurry. I trusted his confidence and I was proven correct. I had the Surgery on a Thursday morning and was released from the Hospital that same afternoon. The next 4 days were painful but controlled with a mixture of pain meds. Don't let the "breakthrough" pain get out of hand. Stick with your meds. exactly as prescribed. I took it very slowly and stayed on my stomach and side as much as possible. My goal was to be back at work on Tuesday.

As the President of a large Company, my duties and resposibilities are vast. I drove myself to work on Tuesday and have been here ever since. I have taken three business trips over the last 10 days and flown from Coast to Coast. I did not let this thing get me down. I did have to arrange Wound Care in every city I vsisted, and it was not too diffcult. The wound care is the most important part of the recovery.

I have met many nurses and all of them have been excellent. The open method of removing these monsters is by far the best way to go. It looks knarly and does hurt for about 10 days, but then the pain goes away and its more a chore than anything else. You must take care of the wound and follow the wound care paramters to the letter.

I wish all of you luck with your recovery or upcoming procedures. I know its scary and difficult but you must be strong and never give in to the pain nor the burden. Have your procedure, maintain a positive attitude and you will be leading your life normally very soon. By forcing yourself up and enduring a few tough days, your recovery will be faster than expected. Keep the faith and best of Luck!

AG - Texas

Date:: November 04, 2003

Story

hi any info would sincerely be appreciated. . .I've had pilonidal cyst for 2 years, and I had my first surgery (closed excision) in April. It looked like everything went fine but now it looks like the cyst is coming back! I've felt a hinging pain in my tailbone for the past 2 days. I'm really scared and will see a doctor 2morrow, but I'm especially worried for 2 reasons: 1) I already got surgery done, and it's to my understanding that not getting it done right the first time can be very dangerous. Is a 2nd surgery an option or too risky? 2) I'm not sure if my surgeon did anti-septic flushing for the wound either, all i know is that he did a closed excision and COMPLETELY removed the cyst

My cyst isn't as bad as most peoples, but when it gets infected, it becomes the center of my attention, and definitely turns me into a vegetable. If anyone has any info or suggestions for what I should do at this point to get rid of this cyst for good or alleviate the pain, it would be sincerely appreciated. I wish everyone luck in dealing with this frustrating problem

Date:: November 02, 2003

Story

I'm a 33 year old female. I first had a flare-up of my cyst about 13 years ago. I was in college and went to the university health service. I didn't let them take care of it at the time because I was scared and didn't want to interrupt my semester. So, I started carrying a pillow to class with me. It cleared up with antibiotics, only to return regularly as a minor irritation with no drainage. I saw 2 different surgeons during the rest of my time at school, but they said if I could live with the occasional pain that it was ok not to have surgery.

Then, about 5 years ago, I figured "I'm in a new city. Maybe I should see a new surgeon." This guy was great! He really talked with me about it and completely evaluated it (size, depth, etc). Keep in mind that mine was VERY small and was now draining a little about every 3 or 4 months. He told me that surgery was completely unneccesary at that point, but to call him if anything changed.

So, in July of this year, I had a MAJOR flare-up and the thing wouldn't drain. It hurt terribly and it took about 10 days before I could get in to see him. As soon as he looked at it, he said "this has to be lanced--now!" So, he did and was very nice as I laid there sobbing--I never hurt so bad in my life. He packed it and told me to come back for a few follow ups. My husband had to swab it out with a q-tip every day to keep it clean. It healed up in about 10 days, but the doctor said it was time to have surgery. So, still being reluctant (I had a hiking trip to Colorado planned), I hesitated. He said that I could wait if I wanted, but I had to check it every day and if there was ANY change at all to see him IMMEDIATELY because if it got infected again, we'd have to go through the lancing one more time to clear it up before we could do surgery. As I'm an accountant and can't really take time off work from January through April, I decided to schedule surgery for October and risk a flare-up during my hiking trip. I kept it extremely clean and dry during the time between lancing and surgery so that I didn't risk infecting it again. This included 2 baths a day during my period and clean underwear after working out (to get rid of the sweat).

So, I had my surgery on Oct 14th. I had a spinal bloc anesthetic. That was great because my entire lower half was numb, but I was still concious. They said they would put sedative in my IV if I wanted, but I don't know if they actually did because I remember everything that went on in the OR. Luckily, the doctor was able to stitch me closed as my cyst was so small and he knew I didn't want to take a lot of time off work. So, surgery was on Tuesday and I was back at work the following Monday.

The whole first week at home, I could only lay on my stomach. I was given Vicadin for the pain, but that really just took most of it away. There was usually still a dull ache. Eating on your stomach gives you heartburn, but that's not too bad. The first week at work, I stood as much as I could. It was hard on my lower back trying to work at my desk while standing, but that was much better than trying to sit on it. My 45 minute commute had me almost in tears as I couldn't take the pain pills when driving. I spent each evening of that second week on my stomach. I got my stitches (4 of them) out on the 10th day. That was a relief! They were really pulling the skin. Also, during those 10 days, my husband had to put neosporin ointment on it every day and then cover it with a bandage. The adhesive left my skin really irritated, but a couple of days of hydrocortizone took care of that.

The third week after surgery was much improved. Now, 19 days after surgery, I am feeling almost normal. I can bend, lift, sit and stretch (even did yard work yesterday). I'm still trying to take it easy as the doctor advised me to "be gentle with it as long as you can remember to".

I'm so happy it's finally over! I can now go into my busy season at work with the peace of mind that I won't have another flare-up. I also went out and bought my first pair of pantyhose in about 10 years! I know that sounds stupid, but I'm looking forward to being able to wear control-top again without having it cause me to have a pain in my butt!

My advice...find a surgeon you like and are comfortable with. If he recommends surgery--do it! Don't let fear stop you.

Best wishes, Sally

sleep. However, morphine does give you really vivid dreams and in them I was in severe pain. Finally it came back that my blood was staining gram positive, this indicates the presence of certain bacteria, so they started two different IV antibiotics. Shortly after the pain killers actually started working. Not that they helped a lot. Just took a little bit of the edge off. Twenty-four hours after I came into the ER they were still clueless as to why my hip hurt. They had everyone coming in to check me out. I kept telling them "I don't think it's the ball and socket it feels deeper than that, more inside." By this time they were thinking bone infection. Surgery did come and check me out. They decided to excise the cyst while I was in ER. They were great. The one resident had his cyst removed five years before and told me to get it done in three months. He had been cyst free and pain and infection free for five years. The cyst was very full of hair and pus. Between all the pain killers and the lidocain it wasn't really anything. They then decided that I would be staying for a while. That night around 10 my friend was on the phone with me and said I didn't sound good why don't I have them check my blood oxygen level. When the aid came into take blood pressure and temp around 1:30 AM I asked her to check. It was 57. That is REALLY bad. My right lung was full of fluid and consolidated. The left one wasn't much better. I was rushed to ICU were they begged me to let them put me on a ventilator. I declined. Was on one once. Can't say it's a lot of fun. I was now on oxygen and a machine that supplies air pressure to keep air in your lungs. At this point no one could believe this all started with a little Pilonidal cyst. So they ran a bunch of test to see if it was a blood clot from my pregnancy. They even looked down in my lungs. Yuck Lidocaine is NOT very tasty! The blood cultures came back that next day, Strap A. I was now on four IV antibiotics and one oral, a list of pain meds, anti-inflammatorys, anti-nauseas and three airborne breathing meds. My family doc persuaded me to let them put a PICC (Peripheral interveinous central catheter) line in. If your going to be on an IV for a while or lots of shots and blood draws get one of these! It hurts less then a standard IV and can be left in forever. They can use it for meds and to take blood so no needle pricks. The lung doc made good and sure to let me know that I was really lucky because God had to be watching out for me because the strep only hit my lungs. Most people who have what I did end up with it in their hearts. Funny I still didn't feel that lucky. The infectious disease doc also said I was lucky while this was a particularly vicious strain it could have been the flesh eating type and wasn't. Still no one could explain the pain in my hip. So two x-rays, four CTs, a tagged white blood cell scan, a bone scan and an MRI later besides now being my own nightlight we found out that the infection was in my sacroiliac joint. My SI was inflamed and full of extra fluid which had caused a cyst to form in the surronding muscle. This is where your pelvis and spine come together. It is called Septic Sacroiliitis and is very rare, so rare that no docs wanted to handle it. The University of Michigan even turned me away. At this point I had been in bed for 12 days. Everyone wanted to try and get me up to keep the joint from locking up. So I was given a walker and some physical therapy. I was transferred to another hospital an hour and a half away. This doc was going to do surgery to drain the joint. A second MR. later they decided to not operate but to just do antibiotics. The ortho doc wanted me to go to an extended care facility which I had to find out they were making arrangements for by accident from occupational therapy. Who then acted like maybe she shouldn't have said that. So I fired the doc. Didn't like him anyway! Twenty-two days after I first went to the ER I got to go home. Granted it was with a PICC so I could have nine more weeks of IV antibiotics. I will also get four months of orals and may even be on them longer. I am still taking a lot of pain killers. I still cannot walk but in the last couple of weeks I've managed to be able to get myself in and out of bed. The ortho guy wants me resting at least another six weeks because they had me up using a walker so I'm in a wheelchair. My ortho doc had his pilonidal removed 10 years ago. The doctors want to remove the pilonidal that started it all except they believe that it may have a tract into the SI joint. I've been seeing a general surgeon to discuss this. He wants to consult the current orthopedic surgeon. The ortho doc wants me to get a CT with dye injected into the cyst to get an idea of where it tracts. The surgeon also says he can't tell anything about this like how he'll close it (he says he likes closed about 50% of the time) because while he's done a lot of these surgeries nothing is run of the mill or ordinary about me. He also suggested that I check over my children for pilonidal dimples which seem to corollate with cyst. I already know they all have them and have been checking them out usually once a year around their birthdays. He suggested having a literal release done on them. I guess this is where the surgeon goes in and cuts the bottom of the dimple so that it releases. An in office procedure requiring one stitch. Is anyone fimilaar with this? Also if any one has any advice for me that would be great. THe ortho doc also informed me this week that I may need antibiotics off and on the rest of my life for this. He says most certainly if I was older but since I am young and healthy I may only need them if I'm pregnant or get really sick. Oh and heres a great one. While at hospital number two a resident actually told me that I didn't need to have it removed. All I needed to do was shave the area. After I gave him the "you must be the biggest idiot on the planet" look I asked why in the world he would suggest that. To quote "because the hair acts as a wick to bring germs in so if you shave over it germs wont get in." I informed him that maybe it was normal for him to see sick people, after all he works at a hospital but it wasn't normal for me to spend three weeks in bed. Something that has the ability to cause my lungs to collapse, was in ICU for four days, I ran a 104 temp for eight days, developed a paralyzing joint infection and was close to death several times. Funny but somehow I just don't think I want something with that ability left in my body! I told the general surgeon I am seeing about this and he said "Some people are just to stupid to deserve a response." So all this because of a little Pilonidal Cyst.

Laura

Date:: October 31, 2003

Story

i am a 25 year old male and have had a pilonidal cyst since about the age of fifteen, i have lived night and day with the pain the smell the discomfort the discharge and the overall humiliation for ten years now all due to the fact of being phobic about needles and not wanting to be operated on, the cyst now is bigger than ever and i have now started to think that i have another growing nearer my anus, the doctors have passed me on to the surgeon before and they seemed to think "it wasnt too bad" and "didnt need operated on at this point in time" eighteen months later i was given an appointment to have it removed at which time i couldnt afford to take time off work (thanks for your speedy service NHS) But now after reading this site i am looking at getting the op done, you have raised my confidence no end,

lets just hope it works out as well as some of the sucess stories i have read on here.

Derek

Date:: October 31, 2003

Story

Hi there!

Words of hope for those in recovery....

I'm a 23 yr old female in South Africa and have suffered from PC since 2001. It never drained and the cyst caused so much pain and discomfort, and only increasing in size!

July 4th, 2003 my surgeon removed the "pain in my butt". Much to my relief, I was stitched close afterward! :-)

Except for the occassional itching, things are really great!! No more pain, no discomfort... 5 months and counting!!!!

Kay (Cape Town, South Africa)

Date:: October 29, 2003

Story

First of all, my daughter would be mortified if she even knew I was posting this at all. But, she is almost 14, and her 1st (and hopefully, last) just happened this September (2003). As is with most of you, it started out just like any ordinary zit or boil, and continued to grow, and we continued to apply hot packs every night. Since I had never heard of Pilonidal Cyst, I had decided that "enough was enough" and was taking her to the pediatrician. The very next day, it burst on it's own, while she was at school. And what mess. The discharge was brown (from blood) and pusy, and smelled really bad. I applied as much pressure as the poor kid could stand, and then some, and drained A LOT out. I still had no idea what it was, but I knew it was badly infected, so I took her to doctor the very next morning. Thank goodness the PA on duty knew exactly what it was, and assured me I had done nothing wrong, and everything right. My daughter was immediately put on 2000mg of Keflex a day (1000mg--horse pills, I might add, 2x's daily), and the PA instructed me to keep what I had been. The abcess finally cleared up, but not before my daughter had a reaction to the antibiotic, and we had to switch to a differant one. I check it regularly for her, at least once a week. The sinus opening is still there, but it appears to have healed over some. She is very diligant on her hygiene (and always has been), but now pays more attention to her "crack". Poor kid...I feel horrible for her, but her pediatrician thinks it may NOT be a chronic problem for her. That's good news that people should hear. ~G~ in Western NY

Date:: October 28, 2003

Story

Hi, I live in Toronto Ontario, and I have a pilonidal cyst at 20 years old. When I found it, I was really embarrassed to ask a Doctor, hey I have a bump on my butt. It had worn away a hole, and it had alot of pus. Nto to mention the fact that my Doctor mentioned that it could grow hair and teeth, so it grew hair. I am really scared about the operation, and scared for the recovery period. I am an active person, and I hate taking time off of work and school. The most likely time period that I'll be able to do this in, would be next year.

Thank you, Lizzy.

Date:: October 27, 2003

Story

hi, my name is amber and i am 18 years old. i first found out about my pilonidal cyst almost a month ago. being a female and hearing some discusting news about how my butt was infected didn't really boost my confidence level very high. so i went to this doctor who told me that he would drain it and that should take care of it well going through all that pain of getting the thing drained didn't pay off(and i am the biggest sissy in the world when it comes to pain) but he told me i had to get surgery. that was not my idea of any solution. but my mom made me go. so i went through with it, and it wasnt the best now i have a hole inside my butt that is not supposed to be there but the doc says its healing good and i should never have to worry about it again. HOPEFULLY!!!

Date:: October 25, 2003

Story

A Unique Pilonidal Story or How my Pilonidal cyst nearly killed me.

I may have one of the more weird or unusual cases of Pilonidal problems. Let me mention that I am 33 and in pretty good health. My cyst has been around with a sinus since I was a small child. It has never given me problems that I knew of until about five years ago. At that time I had some sort of an insect bite, know it was an insect felt it crawl down my back. The bite was right next to the sinus opening. A week later I was running a 106.8 temp which was attributed to the bite being infected. The antibiotics the doc gave me that morning didn't help so I was sent to the ER. By this time I had a severe headache, stiff neck, and vomiting. So everyone wanted to do a lumbar puncture just to make sure. VERY experienced doc (get a staff doc DON'T let a resident do this!) so it wasn't so bad. I also developed pneumonia. While in ER I kept asking if it could be the cyst but everyone said, "No, that's not the type to worry about. It wouldn't be that." I couldn't lay on my back because of the pain. Remember that the bite was right next to the sinus opening. My hip started hurting really bad. Everyone, me included, thought my hip hurt because the gurney was so hard. Two IV antibiotics, an oral, and one week later I was feeling a lot better. Of course it had to be the insect bite, couldn't have been the cyst. The hospital still has it listed as meningitis. My family doc as a skin infection. I now believe it was Pilonidal disease. Which brings us to this July. I was once again bit by some nasty insect while in the wilderness at my in-laws. The next day there was a lump smaller then a golf ball but larger then a super ball. At first I wondered if it was from my recent pregnancy. Then the cyst started to drain. By the next day the lump was nearly gone but by that afternoon I was running 105 temp. It was 85 out and I was wrapped in a heavy sweater, socks and two layers of polar fleece. Nothing would bring the temp down. My mother-in-law wanted my husband to take me into the hospital but it is about 40 minuets away. If they kept me which I kept saying they would we would be a long way from home so we decided to seek advice at home. The next evening we left for home. It took about six hours due to traffic and weather. About two hours into the trip my leg felt stiff and when we stopped to eat my hip didn't seem to want to support me. Ninety minuets later I couldn't stand on it when we stopped. Another hour later I was praying to God that I was going to make it home without the pain in my hip killing me. At home I took four extra strength Advils when that didn't work in about 20 min I took two Darvocet while waiting for the Doctor to call me back to okay my trip to the ER. By this time I couldn't walk or stand. The meds didn't do a thing. At the ER I did receive some strange looks when I said, "Look I know this may sound strange but I think this horrible pain in my hip is related to this 105 temp which I suspect is related to a Pilonidal cyst." I suspected I now had a blood infection and was praying it hadn't gone into the bone by the amount of pain I was in. Bone infections can involve some nasty scraping out of the bone. They got me in right away and gave me Morphine which did nothing. They then gave me Dilaudid which did nothing. By this time I was crying and rather delirious I thought they must not believe me because they weren't giving me real pain killers. I told my hubby the Diludid had to have been diluted and that they must think I am some junky wanting a fix. So they gave me two 10 mg Lortab which did nothing. All this made me sick so they gave me Phenergan which also should knock you out -- it didn't. They then had to move me for x-ray. This involved a LOT of screaming. I've never been the type to take pain killers but... I've also have never been the type to let anyone know something hurt even while having babies drug free I've never been one to scream and moan or anything. Any movement brought out screams and tears. I suggested that the pain wasn't responding because it was an infection and needed to have antibiotics to help. I then started begging them to at least knock me out because I couldn't take it any longer. So they gave me Vallium through my IV. I was wondering what the thing was with all these drugs why people take them to get high they didn't seem to do anything; no buzz, no euphoria, and no pain relief. The very nice nurse then explained that they really did believe me but there is this funny thing about pain killers, you need to take them BEFORE it hurts so it would take a while. Also pain seems to eat up narcotics to some extant. Which is why they gave me enough drugs to drop an elephant and I was still awake, coherent, and hurting. I'm allergic to Iodine and they wanted to do a CT so they gave me a large dose of Benadryl that and it being 5 A.M. I did

Date:: October 24, 2003

Story

another update

happy happy, joy joy I had my cyst lanced at hospital, was sent there by the first docotor, who I went to at 10 or so in the morning.. I'm wide awake now at 4 in the am. and I CAN SIT! yay. now on anti biotics and pain killers, feeling a bit weird, most likely goofy from the painkiller. My wonderful fiance went to get my prescriptions as soon as I got back today and ordered my favorite pizza( no cooking or cleaning for me) We watched a movie ,cats and all, curled up on the daybed. I have to go back to the doctors in 2 weeks for a follow up, for now i't just basic wound care until then.

Note to Jamie in_the_woods

By all means GET a second oppinion! or even a third. Find a doctor who does not seem 'intimidated' as the one you spoke of.If you need to, have him get you a refferal to a specialist as mentioned in other stories here ,a 'colorectal'surgeon.Don't take a chance with your health just because your original doctor is squeamish about pilonidal disease and it's treatments. You can use liquid anti bacterial soap to wash your behind, make sure you rinse it off well and use towels without excessive lint. best of luck to you!

hugs to all L.D.E. (F) 35

Date:: October 23, 2003

Story

Hello,

First off, I'd like to thank everyone for there stories.

Now I’m going to share my story in the hopes that someone can share some advice. You might find it graphic, but if you’ve been through similar things you probably won’t.

I’m a 23 year old male and I have 3 sinuses. I’ve had them looked at by a doctor who seemed intimidated to be looking at them. He took a 5 second glance and said, ‘yup, those are pilonidal sinuses’. They don’t cause me much pain at all, so the doctor recommended I don’t get surgery because that would be more painful than living with them. I was fine with this, until recently they started to discharge some bloody puss. They still don’t really hurt. Do you think I should get them looked at by another doctor?

Also, how do I take care of that area of my body? Should I be cautious not to get soap in them? Could that aggravate them?

Last year I went snowboarding and fell on the tail bone area pretty hard and I pretty much had to call it quits for the day. I was very sore for (I think it was) almost a week after. Should I give up snowboarding and other physical activities that could re-injure them?

Please let me know

Jamie in_the_woods

Date:: October 22, 2003

Story

To the person about two stories down -- I know how you feel. I have my first surgery my freshmen year of college (May 2002). It was stitched the first surgery, but never fully healed. I had it cut open this January to let it heal from the bottom out and it never healed. I had another surgery in August and it was healed for about 2 weeks. Now I have three holes again. So now I'm going to woundcare and I have an appointment with a surgeon next Thursday. I hope I can get this taken care of. It is so aggravating.

Date:: October 22, 2003

Story

hello again,

Well, I finally got an appointment scheduled for tomorrow morning to have my cyst attended to. It hasn't opened up to drain as of yet and is now twice the size as it was when I noticed it last thursday. I've been doing the hot salted bath treatment along with a solution of benzocaine for local pain.

My hips are hurting from the contortionisitic movements of avoiding putting pressure on my tail.I can either lay upon my sides on the daybed in front of the television or wander hither and yon to the bathroom,& bedroom upstairs. This is about the longest I can tolerate to sit, so hopefully after my Dr.'s visit I can give another update as to how I am doing.

L.D.E. (F) 35

Date:: October 22, 2003

Story

Check out this story! I had my first surgery in April 2002 of my senior year. The suregon, who was an older man, said he had been doing these type of surgeries for years and he had never seen a cyst as bad as mine(what an honor!). The Doc. left the wound open to heal, but my wound would never close up. It came close to healing a few times but would never close up all the way. 6 months went by and i went for a checkup for my butt and the doc. said the reason my butt wasnt healing was because all of the cyst wasnt removed and that i would need another surgery. So, in october of 2002, i had my second surgery for this aggravating cyst. Well well well, my wound was still not healing after this second surgery. My case was then turned over to a woundcare doctor. Even the woundcare doc. couldnt get my wound to heal. He decided to do a 3rd surgery on my butt in may of 2003,in which he performed an apligraph procedure. Well, it is october 2003 and my butt WILL NOT heal. I have tried every procedure possible. I wore a VAC(vacuum assisted colosure) for a while. Try wearing one of those and getting some of those looks when you have a tube coming out of your butt. I have decided that i am going to walk around with a wide open wound in my butt for the rest of my life. I hope to have a happy ending one of these days.

Date:: October 21, 2003

Story

Wow! I have to say that I was not aware that this was such a widespread problem until I found this site! I was first diagnosed with "Jeep disease" 16 years ago. I had the cyst successfully excised (leaving the wound open to heal from the inside out). My mom (bless her) unpacked, cleaned me with betadine, doused me with iodine, and repacked me twice daily for weeks, despite the stench that eminated from it for the first few days. I (thankfully) have never had a recurrence of the cyst on my tail bone...BUT the reason I came upon this site, is that I have a lesion that is remarkable similar to the cyst that I had removed 16 years ago. It is large (about a 2 inch diameter), hard (though I can't feel a "core"), warm to the touch, and is draining the foulest of pus/blood mixture that smells like something has died...but it's NOT on my tailbone...it's on my inner thigh, about 2 inches from my crotch. NOW, I find out that PC's don't always occur on the tailbone, they can occur anywhere there is a hair follicle. I have battled different types of cysts all over, but I never dreamed that the large abcessed "pimples" that leave "pouches" when they burst could be cysts! I am making an appointment tomorrow to have the one on my thigh excised, and to find out whether these other things in my armpits and at my bikini line are also PC's. I will post after I have some information...maybe someone else who has all the symptoms, but in the wrong location will be able to search not further for a cause to their discomfort. JLN in California

Date:: October 20, 2003

Story

OK, I have been a member of this wonderful website for around 18 months now, which is when my pilonidal first reared it's ugly head. I never submitted my story, so I am going to now...On December 31st 2001 (Happy New Year my ASS...literally! lol), I was at work and felt a nasty sharp pain in the tailbone area but thought nothing of it. Hour after hour the pain got worse and worse. By Jan 1 I was unable to move AT ALL...the area was red, swolen, inflamed, and hurt me so bad that I couldn't do ANYTHING but lay on my side. On Jan 2nd I went to a clinic and had it lanced....OH MY GOD THE PAIN!!!! I was sent home and was told to pull the packing out after 12 hours. Well I did as I was told and 12 hours later I pulled my packing out...BIG MISTAKE!! The wound closed up and refilled up with puss and blood. That is when I decided to visit my general surgeon (She is listed on the message board) and she was appauled that the clinic had told me to pull the packing out. She lanced it again...(this time was even more painful than the first time), gave me a hefty dose of Cipro to take for 2 weeks, and scheduled me in for surgery on Feb 1st 2002. She did the open method with a few stitches also...a unique method that is discussed on this board. She instructed me on aftercare, and kept a close eye on the surgical area for 2 months. It is now Oct 2003 and the surgery has been a great success. I suggest that anyone suffering with this terrible condition, get it removed ASAP. The surgery is NOT BAD AT ALL. I was up and good to go after a week or 2. Just remember that aftercare is a life long commitment, and don't allow the "bad" stories to steer you in the direction of having this surgery done. Good luck to everyone!

Lisa

Date:: October 18, 2003

Story

I'm a 58-yr-old female who's having a problem with a sore tail bone and I'm praying that it isn't another cyst. When I was 18 years old (yes, 40 years ago) I developed a pilonoidal cyst that was about the size of a softball. I was unable to walk, in fact, and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. They lanced and packed it and kept me in the hospital on antibiotics and with twice-daily sits baths for 10 days, incredible as that may seem in today's world where they do drive-by mastectomies.. Anyway, at that time it was too large to remove, so they waited six months for the cyst to shrink and then removed it. Since then I've had a few occasions when the scar tissue has become sore, usually from long car trips. Now there's soreness again, after all these years, and I'm hoping it hasn't returned. I thought they wouldn't recur once one had had the surgery. Is this true?

Date:: October 18, 2003

Story

Greetings,

Well, here I sit in a little bit of pain, yes, the beast has risen yet once again.This time I have internet access and with a click of the browser it brought me to this page.Many thanks to the one who had compiled it.

I can start my story from way back when I was in high school many moons ago(the 80's). I didn't have the abcess or draining then, just a small swelling which would come and go, it made sitting in classes an adventure in tolerance.At the time I had an x-ray that showed my tailbone had a bit of an angle, instead of a curve,which promptly stopped any further search into what was thought to be a 'posture' problem.So much for 'modern medicine' of the time. I resumed my normal life,bycycling,horseback riding,rollerskating ect. and all the verve of youth.

Fast forward to 1994.I was working night shift as a personnal home care aide,which included going up and down stairs most of the night,and occasions of sitting. One night while taking a break I had sat down, and as I have read from others on the site here, I thought that I had been bitten by something. Being arachniphobic, I immediately ran off to check this out found nothing,no mark, no swelling, it just itched like mad.A few days later the swelling started,then the pain,agaony and extreme difficulty in walking.I couldn't take time off from work,had no medical coverage, but still made too much money to attain government assistance, a lovely perdicament.So there I was, traipsing up and down the stairs,slowly,taking care of the two residents.Around 4 in the AM. I could finally take a break, and decided to lay on the couch instead of just leaning at an odd angle to keep the pressure of my posterior.By this time I was running a fever and the little hairy beastie was the size of a large golf ball.In my feverish delusions I must have dozed off. I felt a large POP which woke me up. My back didn't hurt! wow, amazing, then I felt the ickyness, and smelled the worst stench ever in my life .Upon reaching behind me,I realized that I was in serious bind,my pants were soaked, and more was coming out.I went forth to the bathroom and used nearly a roll of paper towels to soak the nasty stuff and to make myself a diaper. The relief in walking without the pressure or extreme pain was a oddly happy end to my shift that day, within 4 days everything drained and healed. A week after that I was back to normal.

Nothing makes one happier than to not have this happen again,unfortunately I wasn't that lucky.After going through this first fun event I talked to my parents about it. My father told me he also had the same problem when he was in high school, and it was removed surgically when he entered the armed services in the 1960's. All went well again until fall 1998.

Suprise! my little beast came for a visit, Oh no! I said,"Ha Ha" it said. Just a small bit of drainage, a wee bit of a swelling. It dissapeared for a few months, then came back with a vengance ,although not as severe as the first time.I promptly went to my doctor, told them what it was, and could you lance it please(please,ouch).Well, they wanted me to make an appointment at the local hospital,told me to take tylenol(useless for me) and gave me anitibiotics.Oh joy, well, on the bleak painfull ride home it decided to open it's self up and drain. They refused to lance it,while stating it was the largest they have seen.Thank you ever so much,next time I'll just go directly to the hospital you useless people! Yet again I was entertained by the thoughts of 'modern medicine'. The cyst drained and healed over,back to normal within a week or so.

For two years it seemed as if it would be gone forever, wrong again.In the summer of 2000 I went on a long awaited vacation,all by myself to the sights and locations in the beautiful rocky mountains.After wandering around for a few weeks enjoying life on my adventure, guess who decides to join me? You guessed it, my hairy little beast.Now this time I went directly to a hospital, had it lanced,drained,flushed and packed!Some of the joy of my vacation ran off with the assorted bandages,pills and appointments at a local clinic which I had spent money and time.It was a great relief to have medical staff that was educated in caring for this problem.The only regret I had at the time was that I was not able to go forth and soak at the local hot springs,which I'm sure would have made an interesting picture,me with my tail of bandages..Again, with the proper packing and slow healing from the inside out of the cyst,the thing dissapeared to a small scar on my cleft,with not even a twinge nor an itch.

Welcome to October of 2003, 2 days ago I noticed 'it'. A small swelling and a bit of pain. I went online last night to do a bit of research and found this site.I now know I am no longer alone in my suffering. Thanks to the owner of this site I have even more information than before,with the other sites,medical journals and such,I can copy them and hand them to my next docotor to help them help me.The worst part of this now is that I have no medical coverage(again), I absolutely refuse to go on government asistance,No it isn't pride,there is the ensuing thing that I don't think the govt. needs to involve it's self any further into my life.I'll be paying for services as best I can. I now have more emotional support than just my family&friends.My fiance is upset that he can not put me on his medical coverage as of yet,but is very loving,caring and supportive.

Once again, a big thank you to the site originator. Hugs to my fellow sufferers.I will send an update in a few days, to note any progress as to if the wee beastie is going to blow up on me , fade for another few years, or if I can somehow get it lanced and/or surgically removed. L.D.E. (F) 35

Date:: October 16, 2003

Story

Hi All,

Sorry that we all live/cope with this condition, but glad to know I'm not alone in this bizarre situation.

I am a 31 year old female. I have the usual story and woes, i.e. cyst about 10 years ago which drained itself, then another flare-up 2 years ago that required surgery. So far, so good as far as recovery goes.

I'm writing because in my line of work, long hours sitting is required -- which can be death to a pilonidal sufferer. I have found on the internet a "Tush-Cush" which has been a life saver. It's a cushion with a cut-out in the back that allows you to sit without pressure on your tailbone. I have one at work and one in the car, and I KNOW that without it, I would not be able to work or drive. How do I know? Once in a while, I'll forget to place the cushion -- and sure enough, the pressure, pain, tingling and "itching" feeling resumes right in the tailbone area. These were my (not known then) warning signals that I ignored -- but which eventually led to the surgery.

If you need to sit, try this cushion. It's $25 USD but well worth the price (a lot cheaper and less stressful than surgery and 8 weeks of recovery.

Be well, Emily

Date:: October 16, 2003

Story

Hi, my name is Deanna and I'm 19 yearsold. When I was 15, I had this weird bump on the left side of my bum. And it would hurt to sit for a long time. So I went to go see my doctor and he advised me to go see a surgeon. He told me that it could be a pilonidal cyst and sinus. And thats what it was. It was pretty serious. The surgeon cut me open that day to just look at it to make sure it was what he thought it was. And I was scheduled to get surgery 2 days after christmas. I was in so much pain. I couldn't sit for a week and a half. It took awhile to heal. Then when I was 17 yearold, my bum started to hurt again. And I remembered that the surgeon said there is a 30% chance of the pilonidal cyst and sinus coming back. When I went back to the same place where I got my sugery, my Dr. retired. And there was this new young guy working. I didnt like him at all. He decided to just cut me open that day and take out scar tissue. That's all he did and I had to stuff it with gauze for a couple weeks. And I had this big ugly scar. Now i'm 19 yearsold. And my bum has been hurting for a couple months now. It hurts to sit after a while and stand all day. So I went to go see my regular doctor about it, and he said that it came back. So I now have an appointment with a new surgeon in 3 days. We'll see how that turns out. I'd rather get surgery and get it taken out again than having to be in pain sitting all the time.

Date:: October 11, 2003

Story

After reading a lot on this disease, I think I've been lucky! My first flare up was last year when I was 6 mths pregnant, as it was just uncomfortable sitting down & it cleared up on its own, I forgot all about it. It flared up again earlier this year and felt like a large lump, so I went to my GP who gave me antibiotics but insisted that surgery was necessary. Being a mother of 2 young children and no family to help out(emigrated from England to France 7 yrs ago), plus not at all expecting what he told me, I was understandably upset. Since then I've had no pain, but it rose to the surface and started draining a little - so I decided to go ahead. I didn't at all understand how I could have this - when I just don't have any hairs in that area at all!! My surgeon thinks that my case is congenital, he calls it a coccyx-saccrogen cyst (or something like that) and my son was born with what looks like a pilonidal sinus (coincidence or what). Surgery (the hole left open type)was 5 days ago, I've had no pain, hardly any discomfort and in France a nurse who comes daily to change the dressing for a month is a matter of course. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed now that it carries on healing properly and that it never comes back!

Date:: October 09, 2003

Story

My first experience with this strange disease was about ten years ago. The pain from this thing was so unbearable I could hardly move. I was scared and had no idea what was going on back there so I paid a visit to the emergency room. Once there the ER doctor told me what it was and what my options were. I choose to have him lance the cyst A.S.A.P! What a huge mistake! What I did not know was the anesthitic the doctor used would probably not take due to the infection. Well it didn't work and I can not even begin to desribe the pain I went through in having that damn thind lanced. After the procedure the pain was gone and I was out playing basketball days later. Now fast foreward ten years. The site of the cyst began bleeding and leaking nasty stinky fluids. You see ten years prior I only had it lanced. IT WAS BACK! Well this time my doctor said I really should have removed because it would probably start getting bigger and more painfull. Well, I had the damn thing removed a week and a half ago. The procedure was a breeze and the medical staff was great. It is still tender and a bit swollen back there but If I never have to deal with this crazy thing again then it was all worth it. I would highly suggest to anyone dealing with this to go in and have it removed and life will be much better. Those flairups will mess with your head anytime you fell even the smallest twitch. So good luck to anyone out there trying to live with this thing and also know there are others out there who empathize with you.

Brian in Phoenix

Date:: October 08, 2003

Story

I'm 34 years old and have been having problems with Pilonidal Cyst since I was 20 years old. I've had 7 surgeries so far, and they still keep coming back. It's to a point where they are not on the tailbone anymore, (although they sometimes flare up there) the infection has channeled its way to other areas. Now my Cysts are on the lower area of my bikini line, which causes such discomfort not only physically but also emotionally. I am married and this makes it very uncomfortable for a sex life. My husband is very patient with all of this, but I am so embarrassed about it all. I'm afraid he will see something and or smells the drainage.

Here in Canada, the Doctors figure that since the Cyst busts that I should just let it drain on its own. I cannot get a referral unless my gp sends me. I've tried everything, antibotics, sitz baths, boiling hot water applied with a cotton swab, and I've even tried to lance them myself with a razor blade. Nothing has helped me. I am so scarred from the sinus holes and scar tissue that I'm afraid to put a bathing suit in the summer.

The only time I have NOT had flare ups is when I was pregnant for my kids. There is always one that flares up each month when it is mentruation time. I'm at the point that I am going for a historectomy to try and cure this, although I'm sure it won't.

Sick and Tired Helpless in Canada.

Date:: October 08, 2003

Story

I noticed my cyst in the middle of my senior year of high school (1976!) I freaked out worried it was cancer. Doc explained what it was. It was pretty small but the doc said it was best to have it removed. Had surgery and it turned out to be larger than it appeared on the surface. I was out of school about a month before I could stand to sit for extended periods. There was some post-surgical infection which the doc cleared up with an antibiotic called Tegopin. Never heard of it before or since, but it cleared up in a matter of hours. The discharge had a weird smell which I later learned was necrosis.

In my freshman year at college I was trying to see how many situps I could do in a minute. During this test I felt a "pop" in the area of the old incision. Everything seemed ok though. This was maybe in October. When I went home for Christmas someone asked me why the back of my pants were wet - it turned out to be a ruptured abcess. Apparently there had been an abcess from the 1st surgery and the "pop" broke it and sent the contents into the surrounding tisssue, where a new and larger abcess formed. This was completely painless and I didn't notice anything until someone noticed it draining. The abcess was about the size of a silver dollar and the core had become necrotic (dead and liquified tissue). This is what came out.

Had another surgery, this time a hefty chunk of my ass was excised, from the tailbone upward, and then over to the side as they followed the tenticles this thing had sent out and wanted to make sure they got it all. This surgery really was a pain, and I remember standing in class, on the bus, etc, for quite a number of weeks. There was again a post-surgical infection. By this time there was Keflex and that was prescribed. I also took to flushing the sinus with an antibiotic I had for chronic ear infections (cortisporin solution). I don't recommend self-medicating with prescription drugs, so don't try this; I was a dumb freshman ;)

Fortunately, the 2nd surgery was the charm and I never had any further recurrence. I still shy away from situps though. It was interesting to find this site and notice the option of open-sound surgical technique and/or active irrigation. I don't know if those techniques were being practiced 25 years ago. It might have prevented my 2nd surgery.

Date:: October 07, 2003

Story

Hello fellow sufferers, I am a 28 year old man who was diagnosed with a Pilonoidal Abcess in April this year, i was told by my gp to have warm salty baths to wash out any impurities this i done for a few days until i was in so much pain i returned. I fell faint at what i thought was the pain and passed out but this was only Septacaemia (only?) I was rushed into my local hospital 20 miles away where i was probed by students and consultants, now that HURT!!! I ended up being taken up onto a ward where i was then told i would be staying a few days on a drip. the surgeon visited me on the 2nd day and told me i could go home but as i was in so much pain i told him no, i wanted the operation to remove the abcess. This was done 4 days after being rushed in, woke to find a giant pack ( to which i called a NAPPY! )I still couldn't sit down. I came home 2 days later and then the problems started i was to see the surgery nurse every other day and the district nurse at the weekends, this was fine but all i can say is that 6 months later my wound still hasnt healed and am getting fed up of all the leaks on my trousers.

Date:: October 05, 2003

Story

I am a 19 year old female, and I have a polinidal cyst. I just found this out about three days ago. I think I had it once before, about two months ago, but it definitely was not as painful as it is this time. I think having this cyst is almost the worst pain I've ever experieneced. The doctor lanced it the other day and recommended that I get the surgery ASAP. My mom is calling the doctor to get a referral for a surgeon soon. I thought this was the weirdest thing I had ever heard of when it first happened, but now I am glad to know that there are many others who know my pain.