Personal Stores Archive #4

Date:

Saturday, July 28, 2001

Story

Wow!! I didn't realize how many people have this awful disease..My name is Georgia and I'm 24 years old. I was first was diagonosed with pilonidal disease when I was 6 months pregnant with my little girl. I notice pain on my lower back and thought that I may have bumped my tailbone. But as days went on the pain became unbearable, my husband took me to the ER and they told me I had a pilonidal cyst. The Dr's were not sure if they should lance since I was pregnant they were concerned that if this cyst would burst inside me the infection would enter my blood stream and kill my baby..I couldn't believe what was happening. they called my OB/GYN and they advise the ER Dr's to lance right away, which they did and OH the pain.. never felt such pain EVER in my life, since all of your nerve endings are by the tailbone this is why we feel such uncomfort even if we try to lay down, stand, or just about anything..After I was lanced and packed, i thought "well that's it" no more of this to deal with..Until a year later it came back again, I couldn't believe it, so again off to the ER to have it lanced and packed again..I asked the Dr's why this was happening to me, he advised me this is something i was born with, a pocket that was devloped near my tailbone, and that if infected it will swell...He also told me once you get it you're proned..so i saw a genral surgeon to have this "pocket" removed. I had laser surgey which left a HUGE gash and it healed after 6 weeks..Thinking again thank god this is all over...One year later I got it again, since then have had it swell up on me over 10 times, the Dr's told me surgery will not guarantee this will not come back again, this 'pocket" has many roots like a tree and every root must be removed, to expect no more of these painful situations..so i gave up..i just live with like I have been for the past 5 years. My cyst has been lanced so many times that now when it's big enough it will just burst on it's own. i know how many of you feel and this is a awful thing to experence..hang in there:)~Georgia~

Date:

Friday, July 20, 2001

Story

It's Alison again. I had my cyst lanced today and I must say that it did not hurt at all when he did it. I was very happy with my surgeon and he made sure that the numbing agent did it's job before he began. The procedure only took about 15 minutes and I was out of his office within an hour. I am not really looking forward to the packing but it must be done. Right now I am sore but no more sore then I was yesterday. I go in for surgery in 8 weeks and I am excited at the prospect that this will more then likely be over. I have realized that you have to have a sense of humor about this or you will never get through it. Besides after awhile you get used to having people see your beautiful bottom hanging out of a hospital gown. To all those that are scared (I know I was scared) it is okay. You will survive and it isn't really all that bad. I just would make sure that a surgeon does the lancing. Good luck and I'll keep you updated.

thank you for this site!!! Alison

Date:

Thursday, July 19, 2001

Story

First off I would like to say that I am so appreciative of this site. Although many of the stories do add some fear to what lies ahead for me I am grateful that I am not alone. My name is Alison and I am a single 20 y/o female. I just moved to Tampa Florida and really don't know anyone here ... which makes this disease that much more scary. I have never had a problem before until last week. On Saturday my lower back felt a little tender, but not really sore. On Sunday I was amazed at how much pain there was and, like many, I thought I had bruised my tailbone I just didn't know how I had bruised it. Monday I could not get out of bed. I decided it was time to go to the ER. I went and the doctor told me that I had a Pilonidal Cyst. Having no medical background I had no idea what he was talking about. All I knew is that I was embarrassed and in a lot of pain. The doctor put me on Cleocin and Vicodin. He said that he couldn't drain it yet and reading some of the stories I am glad that he didn't because I would not have been prepared for the pain. I was to go back to the ER on Wednesday so that they could drain it. Tuesday evening I was running a fever of 104 and was vomiting. I decided I would go back to the ER a little early. They still could not drain it but they took me off the Cleocin and put me on Keflex and Phenergan (for the nausea) and told me to go to my primary care physician ASAP so that I could get a referral to a surgeon. I called my pcp the next morning and the lovely (sarcasm) nurse told me that they could not see me for at least 2 months. I was upset and scared. I called all the doctors in my lovely book that my insurance has provided me trying to find one that could get me in sometime soon (love HMO's) and I finally came across a doctor that could see me. I had my appointment with him today and I cried through most of it. I know this sounds babyish but I really wish my Mom was here. I am really tired of being naked and having every doctor poke and prod at my ass. But my doctor was impressed with how much I know about the surgery (thanks to this website) and he set up an appointment for me to see a surgeon tomorrow. I want to get this over with. And I am hoping that it will be over with soon. Thanks again for this website.

 Alison

Date:

Monday, July 16, 2001

Story

My name is Alicia and I was first diagnosed with a Piloniday Cyst when I was 12 years old. My doctor told me that there was nothing he could do for me and that I just had to "live with it". So, needless to say, I lived in pain for the next six years. Finally the pain got so bad, I went to see a Colon and Rectal Specialist, who immediately lanced it. Almost two months after he first lanced it, it reappeared and had to be lanced again. Two weeks later it flared up and ruptured during my EMT class. I kept smelling this awful odor and thought to myself the guy next to me needs to take a shower. When I went to the bathroom during break, I noticed it was me. I went to the doctor the next day and surgery was scheduled. Four years after surgery, I got another one and have to have surgery again. This time I opted for surgery instead of lancing. I am now 30 and am looking at having another surgery to remove yet another cyst.

Date:

Wednesday, July 11, 2001

Story

Hello, I am a 24 yr old female. I have been suffering w/ a Pilonidal cyst for about 7 years. . Actually, in my case, the pain comes and goes and so does the oozing! I can sometimes go wks w/ out it oozing and the pain is minimal.I am a very active person and I run about 30-40 miles a week, with NO pain at all.. it only hurts when I sit and at its worst, it I have bumped it, etc. . it will hurt when I stand or lay.. but right now it is ok. If I push on it, it will ooze a light yellow, or clear liquid. If it hurts a LOT, i can push on it, liquid comes out, and it feels a LOT better.

Lately it is hurting/oozing more than usual and the pain is getting worse. My dr. wants me to have surgery.. but .. not kidding... i have the WORST phobia of needles/IVs EVER! I really mean that!! I completely freak out and the pain of recovery, or of the cyst don't even bother me at all compared to the thought of having an IV!! Recently I had to get blood tests and those alone caused me such severe anxiety that I could not sleep for days and I literally freaked out!!

I dont know if anyone out there can help me get over this fear or just tell me what to do!! I know I need to get this removed, but I will deal w/ the pain so I dont have to have the surgery! My dr. even says he can give me pills so I am somewhat "out of it" for the IV, but still.. that scares me soo bad!!

thanks!

Date:

Monday, July 09, 2001

Story

I have just had surgery 2 weeks ago. (June 26, 2001) I have never really had any pain with my cyst it was always just uncomfortable. Every now and then it would drain but not anything too terrible, but on day while at the doctor for other reasons I happened to leave my telltale sign of a pilonidal cyst on the paper they put out for each new patient. I asked him to take a look, I had forgotten about it, and he told me what it was and referred me to a surgeon. I made an appointment and surgery was scheduled. After reading some of the stories I must be lucky! The surgery went well. The surgery was done on tuesday, He took the packing out on thursday and the two stitches( he used the partially open method) came out the following friday. At this point everything seems fine I shower twice a day as the doctor told me and have a check up in 3 weeks at which point I can resume all normal activity, hopefully. ONE THING i STRONGLY RECOMMEND IS DONT BOTHER WITH ALL THAT GAUZE AN SUCH WHILE THE WOUND OOZES AS IT HEALS. GO GET SOME DEPENDS OR ADULT DIAPERS. WEAR THEM AND THEN JUST THROW THEM OUT ITS BEEN SO EASY. NO WORRY ABOUT MESSES, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. Hope this has been some help

thecave

Date:

Monday, July 09, 2001

Story

Hi. My name is Symantha. I can't begin to tell you how good I feel right now to know that there are others out there who have the same complications such as myself. I first discovered this cyst when I was 17 y/o (I'm now 20 y/o). First it was painful sitting down and getting up and I thought I was having back problems. Then finally I was at the point where I was bedridden and couldn't walk straight so I went to the emergency room and luckily the triage nurse knew right away what it was just by me explaining my symptoms. At that point I began to start bawling when she told me that they have cut my open while I was awake!! As I laid "ass out" on the gurney, I felt the needle pierce my skin and I thought to myself that he can't be cutting me now because the Lidocaine hasn't kicked in yet!! But of course he did, and for all you first timers, you should know that when you go thru the first lancing, you hope and pray that it doesn't flare up again because that is the most painful thing in the world! It's probably more painful then childbirth! Well for me it flared up 3 more times and it seems like it waits a year to the date of the previous one to flare up again. The second time it happened I went to a general surgeon who, thank God, knew what it was and how to treat it. He told me that the surgery is about 30 minutes and the wound would have to heal from the inside out, whih freaked me out because I couldn't picture walking around with an open wound on my buttocks. So, I declined the surgery and opted for the usual slice and dice because I was going off to college in 3 weeks and I couldn't postpone my education. Well now, actually as I'm write this, it flared up again and it's been a week and I haven't had to go the hospital yet because I've gotten so used to it that when I feel the slightest pain, I start a 10-day course of antibiotics and Motrin (Ibuprofen). After reading all of these stories, I have changed my mind and I want take a chance at the surgery. However, instead of referring my questions to a surgeon, I would like anyone who is reading this to e-mail me with some advice on the surgery. For instance, how long will it take before I can perform regular duties, like working and going to school, and driving? Does it leave an enormous scar? Is it painful afterwards? etc... I really want to be prepped for this thing and I want to do it immedietly because I begin my junior year of college in August and do not want this dreadful thing to appear ever again. Both me and my sister have this nasty disease but she lucked out and only had one flare-up in 3 years. Shockingly enough, I never knew this thing was an actual disease; I always thought that it was just one of things that happened to some people and goes away. It scary to know that it is a disease but the relief comes from knowing that it be treated with the proper surgical procedure. I just want to say thanks for developing this website and I will continue to keep in touch with everyone before and after the surgery...I also heard it was a pain in the ass!! (No pun intended). Symantha, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Date:

Thursday, July 05, 2001

Story

HI, My name is Emily and I had a cyst that was diagnosed about a week and two days ago. Both my Aunt and my father had the same problem. I, like them, ignored the symptoms and the pain for almost a week. Finally, I called the doctor when I began crying in pain. It hurt to sit, stand, walk, lay down and move around. It was probably the most painful feeling in my life. No medicine helped, especially since I sit at a desk for 8 hours every day. The doctor saw me immediately and lanced the cyst. The smell was gross, but I felt better as soon as the pain of the lancing ended. I had an infection plus cellulitis, a skin and tissue infection due to the large size of the cyst. Luckily, the doctor got out the capsul and the sac which lessens the chance of reoccurance. I go to the doctor every other day to have it repacked but it is healing beautifully. Hopefully, within a month it will just be a scar! I am so glad that other people are talking about their cysts because it can be embarassing. Take care:)

Date:

Monday, July 02, 2001

Story

Hey all, I am a 26 year-old scottish/italian male with thisck dark hair. I self-diagnosed my pilonidal cyst using the information on this site. Thank you so much for creating these pages and filling it with such inspirational stories (if not inspiring success, then inspiring quick action and doctoral treatment!).

On Thursday I noticed a slightly painful pimple under the skin at the top of the crease of my butt. On Friday, it started leaking a clearish fluid that smelled terrible. On Sunday night, I started to worry since it was still draining and I found this site. This morning (Monday) I was at my dermatologist who confirmed it was a pilonidal cyst that was mildly infected. He filled the cyst with antibacterial injection and precribed some antibiotics for me to take twice a day. I see him again in 3 weeks, so we'll see how it goes.

He said chance of recurrence is high, but he never recommends surgery unless it's absolutely necessary. For anyone who thinks they may have this condition, SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY! It's worth the $150 (or $10 if you're insured), to find out if it is a pilonidal cyst and get immediate treament.

I'll post a follow-up if anything out of the ordinary happens ...

Date:

Thursday, June 28, 2001

Story

Hi, My name is Ron and I live in Delaware, I just celebrated my 25th birthday, in discomfort.. I went to the doctor last week, after about 2 months of pain in my tailbone area and was diagnosed with having a polynidal cyst, I had recently gotten married, June 2nd, and when away on my honeymoon had discomfort as well, I didnt tell my wife about the pain until we had returned from the honeymoon, that is when she looked at where I told her my pain was coming from and she said it looked like a big pimple, she popped it with a needle and it started to ooze, then she put ointment on it, thinking that it was a pimple, The next day it flared up again, and I was in more pain than I had been prior, so I went to the doctor at a local health care office, I told him of the pain I was having and how my entire back was in pain every time I moved, my neck was stiff, and I have numbness sometimes in my hands, he told me that it is a result of pressure coming from the cyst being at the nerve endings of the spine. he suggested that I contact a surgeon; I contacted the surgeon, and received a call today to go in and see them tomorrow afternoon at 1230, I am not sure what will happen tomorrow, whether they will actually do the surgery, or just analyze the situation and set up a surgery date. When I informed my boss at work, I work security at a credit card bank, that I needed off to see the surgeon tomorrow, he told me that I am in jeopardy because I have just returned from my honeymoon, I am not worried much about my job right now, all I am concerned with is getting this taken care of, there are times when i can barely move, walk, and I can not tolerate sitting for long periods of time (which is required at my job - 10 hour shifts seated in a chair). My sister had a similar cyst years ago, and her wound never healed properly that I am aware of, I fear that this will happen to me as well. My new brother-in-law, has also had the cyst previously and he said there is no problem, he was in and out, and healed in no time, so I am unsure at this point which way my circumstances will go, I am hoping for the best and that it wont come back. Right now I am on medication that was prescribed by the original doctor that had seen me on this situation, Augmentin, Naproxen, and Skelaxin, all of which are disgusting..I hate medicine, the Augmentin and Naproxen I can deal with, but the Skelaxin causes me to see things that arent really there, and to get major dizzy spells. Now, I am just waiting on the time to come, when I will be able to enjoy my life again, with my new wife. I will keep posted on the outcome of what happens in my upcoming battles with the disease.

Date:

Sunday, June 24, 2001

Story

First, A big thank you to the thoughtful person who created this site! I too, had a hard time finding information online. I am a 45 year old female, and have been a PC sufferer, since I was 14yrs. old. As I write this, I am in the relief stage of my latest flare-up. I can walk again, sit again, and most of all, sleep again. ahhh! this last time, I actually got sick, and through up, from taking so many pain relievers, because of the intense pain. Like those who have shared there stories here, I am also amazed to learn so many others have experienced this painful dreaded thing. And somehow it is comforting to know, I am not the "only one" and someone else can relate to the excruciating, sometimes unbearable pain. My family, children, and boyfriend, are all to familiar with the words: "my cyst is back again". I've had so many "flare ups" over the years,(one about every 3 yrs.).. that today, I joked with my best friend, that like hurricanes, I should have named them, as each have stayed in my memory, always interupting something in my life. while I will spare you the story of each one, The first occured my last week of summer vacation when I was in Jr. High school. I had gone to a slumber party, and a few days later, I started feeling a soreness in my tail bone. I thought it was just from sitting on the floor. You all know the rest of the story. I missed the first day of school, but remember the tremendous relief, soaking in a hot bath as the cyst finally "broke". In one of the letters I read here, a man mentioned that a women told him the pain was worse than childbirth. I can attest to this, Labor lasts for hours and you have something to show for all that pain!...I had a cyst during my first pregnancy!!! Towards the last month, It flared up. and the day I went into labor, it was almost full blown. I believe the added pressure from the pregnancy had caused the flare up. So, during 36hrs. of labor, and pelvic exams I was also in great pain from the cyst. It wasn't until three days after the birth of my son ( by C-section, no less! ) that the dr's finally acknowledged the pain, they originally wrote off as back labor,checked it out, and finally took me down to have it lanced. Now thats pain! I had another occurance during the 8th month of pregnancy, with my second child as well. These painful PC's have caused me to miss up to a week of work in the past, and most recently, I missed a day of work at new job I've only been at 3wks. My new boss knew nothing about PC's, it's so hard to explain how incapacitating they are to someone who knows nothing about them. After it finally broke, I returned to work the next day, With the oh so familiar wad of gauze and tape, still sore but so much better. I felt as though she ( my boss) probably didn't believe me, how could I be in so much pain one day, and back to work the next. I also had to run home during lunch, as the damn thing leaked thru all the layers of gauze onto my pants. So In total, I have had my PC's lanced twice. and they have always returned. Like many of you, I have concidered surgery, everytime I got a PC.. laying in pain, swearing it would be the last time I'd go thru that again. And like many of you, when it's gone, so is the urgency of the surgery. My family, kids, and boyfriend, keep telling me to get it done, But they don't understand, It's not something I can just go and do, without concidering work, money, etc. Yes, the thought of never having to deal with this thing is wonderful, But it can't just happend without being well thought out. It is disheartening to also know, that surgery may not work. What I do know is that after reading these letters from other sufferers, I would choose a surgeon carefully, and be sure they were knowledgable about Pc's. I would probably seek out a Colorectal surgeon, Because having surgery so close to my spine would be a concern to me. In closing I also wanted to mention some things I do to seek relief during a flare up, that you may or may not have already done. I find a hot water bottle can be comforting, filled with very hot water. I place it between me and the couch. and try to find a comfortable position ( ha!).. I feel that it also aids in bringing it to the draining stage. ( maybe I just think thats true). A hot shower feels great too!, as sitting in a tub is pretty painful. When the pain peaks, and feels like fire, I resort to a cold cloth. One last thing. Though the PC may come back again, I am always careful of bumping my tailbone, as it seems I can always connect a flare up to something I may have done, such as bumping the area, or sitting funny, sitting on cold benches, or damp grass. I also learned, not to scratch when the familiar itchiness begins. The itch can be intense, and tempting to scratch.. but I have learned it aggrivates it, and seems to bring it on. Keeping the area as clean as possible. sometimes daily showering or bathing isn't enough. In the heat of summer, and sweating I pay more attention, and try to keep the area especially clean. In my history of PC's, I have noted most flared up in summer months. While all these tips may not prevent another flare up, they might help them become less frequent. These arejust my own personal observations. But maybe they may be of some help to other sufferers. I would be happy to correspond with anyone wishing to just talk about this awful thing.

Date:

Thursday, June 21, 2001

Story

Well am I glad that I have found this wonderful web site. I am a 28 year old female that has had this annoying lump on the end of my tail bone for over 7 years but had initially been too embarassed about it to go and see the Dr.

Two years ago my mum got really ill and I had to pack up and relocate to Melbourne from Adelaide (by the way I'm from Australia) so that I could become a carer for her. She had to have a heart transplant. So for six months I was unemployed and my whole world just revolved around a hospital.

Yes during my time over there I had flare ups. I generally get them once a month, but only cause pain they have never seeped anything out. This led me to believe I had cancer or something equally as heinus and I had the attitude that I didn't really want to know. Very stupid, I know!!! So nothing was done.

Well just three weeks ago I was in agony!! Yes it had flared up so bad that sitting was very difficult and the seeping stunk, really bad.

So I went to my Dr, hoping he would just stick a needle in and drain my boil. He took one look and said that he wouldn't touch it and I had to go to a surgeon. By the time I saw the surgeon it had healed and he didn't know what all of the fuss was about. He said he could feel something there and he said it was best to just get it surgically removed and he could stitch me up and send me on my way with less healing/pain time.

After speaking to my Netball coach, she said that I am crazy for sewing it up as it will get infected, hence that is why I went searching for any type of info I could get on the subject. After reading everyone's stories, I don't know what to do.

My problem is my partner have been in business for six months and the last thing we need is for me to be at home lying on my stomach for the next 3 weeks. It is impossible. So I am now toying with the idea of just going back to ignoring it until it flare's up like it did before and deal with it then.

To be quite honest, I am glad that I found this site but it has totally put me off of wanting to deal with this, other than once again sticking my head up my butt and pretending that there is nothing wrong!!

Anyone with happy success stories or encouragement, please e-mail me as I feel totally alone and confused about the whole thing.

kristyb

Date:

Monday, June 18, 2001

Story

my child's experience with a pilondal cyst- a mother's view............the cyst was found after it became painful- when my son was 18 yrs old- had just graduated from high school- he had never been diagnosed with this- the first we knew about it was when it turned red, became swollen, then began draining- we visited an e.r.- had to see a surgeon and he immediately said he needed surgery to remove the cyst- it had abcessed and was too bad to simply lance and drain- we went to day surgery the next day- meds were augmentin and percocette- he was in a great deal of pain- the dr recommended a spinal for the surgery- so that is what my son went with- the surgery was only half an hour or so- the recovery room stay was about the same- we were able to leave the hospital about 4 hours after the surgery- our orders were to take the meds, take 2-6 showers or baths daily- using dial soap- get back to normal activity in 48 hrs- work, driving, etc.- i was shocked by this- the wound was left open- not packed- we did use gauze to absorb the drainage- it has been one week today- he is back at work- driving-swimming-no more meds- but, he is being very cautious around people and taking it easy in regard to the physical aspects of his job- the pain is now minimal- it is sore and he is a bit stiff- the leaking and draining are bothering him a great deal- his follow up appt. will be 2 wks after the surgery- hopefully all will be as it should....... we appreciate this site as we were totally ignorant regarding this medical problem- thanks-

Date:

Thursday, June 14, 2001

Story

Hello...I origanally posted my story on 5-2-01...Now I am sad to say my pain is back.I am calling the doctors tomorrow to see why.I guess he was wrong when he said that everything was fine.I will keep everyone posted as to what happens..and to the person who made this website.I want to say thank you.

Date:

Tuesday, June 12, 2001

Story

hi, my name is julie, and i recently found out that i had a pilonidal cyst. like many other of the stories on this site, i too thought i had a bruised tailbone, or something to that effect. I thought it was a little strange though because i fell on my tailbone almost 4 years ago and i didn't get the cyst until a month ago. i went to the doc and after 2 weeks of excruciating pain and high doses of antibiotics, i felt better. however, that dull pain is starting to come back and i am really scared. i have decided to get surgery, but i am not sure where to go, or who is the best. i don't want it to ever come back. if anyone has any advice for me before i go through with it, i would apppreciate it very much. i would really like to thank you for this website. i feel so much better knowing that i am not the only person going through this embarassing situation. reading the stories are like reading my thoughts. thank you again. My email is jasphar@hotmail.com if anyone would like to give me some advice.

Date:

Monday, June 11, 2001

Story

I'm a 44 yr old male and I posted my PC story a few weeks ago. I'm having the surgery this Friday in B'ham and am still pretty nervous (scared) about it. I'm trying to focus on the positive stories here and tune out the negatives. I saw a post somewhere about a certain type of gauze to use for packing the wound that comes out easier and now I can't find it. Any info on this or anything else I should be thinking of before Friday will be greatly appreciated. I have two books to read and a list of movies I'd like to see. The surgeon said I may be out of work until July 16th. Does that sound right? I will post again as soon as possible after Friday.

Thanks,

Dave in Alabama

Date:

Sunday, June 10, 2001

Story

Hey fellow sufferers.. I am a twenty two year old female in winnipeg and learned about my condition in December '99. If you can believe it, it was my chiropractor who discovered it. It was one morning a few weeks later when I woke up and could barely walk. Pain killers did not work and I found no comfort in lying down or trying to ice the area. I went to the ER where they lanced the area without giving me anesthetic! The doctor who lanced the cyst told me she couldn't give me anything for the pain. I assumed she meant after the lancing of the cyst. I don't want to include this to scare anyone,.. if I had known more about this condition, I would have insisted on a local. I did have the cyst sugically removed on March 17, 2000 and it took 2 months to heal. Unfortanetly, I am alergic to codeine, so all they could give me was extra strength tylenol. For people who are about to have surgery.. fret not, the pain after surgery is not nearly as awful as what you've had to put up with so far. It's been a year since my surgery, I do occaisonly still experience pain near my tailbone, but it doesn't seem to have come back (fingers crossed). I do find sites like this comforting, I don't know a single person who has had to go through this!! For people going in for surgery... rent some good flicks, eat well, stay in silly spirits. Stay well y'all:)

Date:

Friday, June 08, 2001

Story

May 28 2001:

My name is Frank, 21 from Toronto Ontario Canada. This all started with a lil painfull pimple of my butt september 2000, i showed it to various doctors but no one paid real interest to it, till it got worst and formed up TWO small holes, which bleeded and had very foul odour to it, everytime i sit somewhere for more then 10 mins. I was soo embarassed to go near people, i was afraid to go near my friends. I had to change my underwear and take shower 3 times a day. Due to some business circumstances i didnt take surgery date i was given for january and kept on post-poning it till may28 2001. I learned from getting this disese, that i shouldve taken serious actions as soon as these holes developed. I will also encourage ppl who think they have this disease to take serious actions before it gets worst. Well, read in bottom about my story now.

I finally made up my mind to go for sugery after post poning it for about almost a year now, they called me in for sugery at 12pm on may 28. I was really nervous, i knew that it will be painfull, but i am not going to die, cuz its not that serious. Well, i woke up 1 hour after my surgery and tried moving around in the bed and i was just feeling little sleepy because of the drugs, but i was able to move around without a touch of pain. That same day, i was given notice to leave after 3 hrs at the hospital. I really didint feel that much of a pain the first day, just a bit heavy feeling around my but (cuz i guess it was frozen). Well the next day i woke up, and thas when i finally felt pain. I was given Tylenol 3 as pain killers. Nurse came over next day to change the packing for the wound, as soon as she removed it, man, i cant explain the pain i felt.

Four days later i had severe pain when changing the packing of the wound. I was rushed to the hospital in ER for loosing blood. That day i can never forget, it was very painfull. I lost about a litre of Blood in my tear away's. Later on i found out, it was because of the strecting i did, by picking up something off the floor, which teard up the wound a lil more. I also found out that my found was about 2.5in Depp and 4 inch in lenght.

2nd Week

I finally started taking my sits bath(however u spell it). The day i took my first bath, when the nurse came over to change the bandage, there was this puss with brownish blood that was inside my wound, which the nurse took out by sticking a long Q TIP in my wound. Honestly, that pain was just worst then i ever felt, i started crying, the pain was for about 30 seconds till the nurse took out all the puss. I was told by the nurse to be seen by a Doctor. So on monday june 13 i got a doc's appointment, i will keep you guys posted on more info.

Date:

Tuesday, June 05, 2001

Story

IM AM SCHEDULE TO HAVE MY PILONIDAL CYST REMOVE ON JUNE 11,2001 THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IM GOING FOR SURGERY. I HAD ONE DONE IN THE SAME SPOT 2 YEARS AGO BUT THE DOCTOR NEVER TOLD ME IT WAS A TWO PART SURGERY. HE DIDNT TELL ME I HAD TO COME BACK, I HAD NO VISITING NURSE. NOW I HAVE A VERY GOOD SURGEON AND IT IS ONLY A ONE PART SURGERY. IS ANYONE AWARE THAT IS 2 PART SURGERY. I AM REALLY SCARED ABOUT THE SURGEON. HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY USUALLY LAST. HOPSON IN NEW YORK

Date:

Saturday, May 19, 2001

Story

To all of you who have recently had surgery or have upcoming surgery for pilonidal cysts: I first had symptoms of my cyst in April, 1973 (sharp pain at my tailbone area) It became unbearable after a few months, so I went to the Dr. He scheduled me immediately for surgery. It took about 9 weeks to completely heal, but it was all worth it. I have never had a problem since!!! Advice: have the surgery, take care of yourself, and by all means do as the Dr. says.

Date:

Thursday, May 17, 2001

Story

Unfortunately, my story comes from a severe lack of information on my part at the time I had my first surgery. When this started, I was 23. I first noticed that I was having a problem in May 1997, but did not have any insurance so I was forced to wait until I had a new job in September of 1997. I was not properly diagnosed and sent to a surgeon until August 1998, with the surgery in October 1998. The large cyst was removed and i was stitched up. The healing did not go well, but I had a terrible surgeon, who did not care at all about post-surgery procedures, he gave me antibiotics and brought in a chronic wound specialist. But to no avail could they get the cavity wound to close by March 1999 I went to a plastic surgeon and he operated again to make sure that all the cyst was removed, it was but he could not get the would to heal either. I went to another plastic surgeon and he got the wound to heal for about a 4 months. But till this day in May 2001, the wound will close for awhile and then reopen, it does not seem to be due to a cyst, but just the inability of the cavity wound to stay closed. Though this is not a life-threatening problem, I still find it hard to deal with a wound that I have to think about everyday for almost 3 years.

Date:

Monday, May 14, 2001

Story

I am a 44 yr old male and just had my PC drained (2nd time) by a surgeon about 2 weeks ago. I think I've had this thing for many years, but it used to come and go pretty much on its own. Sometimes I would have to "help it along" by applying some pressure and soaking in hot water to get it to drain. About 4 years ago it flared up to the point where it was painful to sit (I'm a programmer and sit all day), so I went to Pri-Med and first heard the words Pilonidal Cyst. The Dr. there prescribed antibiotics and referred me to a surgeon who gave me a local and made an incision to drain it. He mentioned surgery, but I was too chicken. In the 4 yrs since then it seems like it has flared up every 2-3 mos., but always (eventually) gone away. When it came back a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't get it to drain I finally went to a different Dr. who sent me to a different surgeon. He too gave me a local, made another incision to drain it, and gave me Cephalexin? and a pain killer. This surgeon never really asked if I wanted the surgery to "remove" the cyst, he just asked me when I wanted to schedule it. Right now, I'm scheduled to have the surgery June 15th, and I'm scared to death. The surgeon says he would prefer to stitch it up, but won't know if he can do it that way until he opens it up. He also said that I will get something IV to make me drowsy and then a local for the actual cutting. I'm a big baby when it comes to needles or anything medical, and the image of myself laying there with my buns taped open is making me feel evene worse about the whole thing. I'm reading all I can about others' experiences and I'm not sure yet if I'll go through with the surgery or take my chances with recurrence.

I saw a web site somewhere with some kind of herbal treatment for PCs, but can't remember where. Is there anoyone out there who has tried this or might know where it is?

The Friday before my last big flareup (first noticed it on Sunday) I shot a brad through my finger with a compressed air nail gun and had to get a tetanus shot, which hurt a lot worse and a lot longer than the nail did. I read somewhere else that stress and especially any strain on the immune system may trigger a PC flare up. Anyone else heard this or had similar experience? I can understand a fall on the tail bone, but injury in another area causing a PC flare up may be a stretch.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences with this embarrassing and painful condition, and a big hug to the person who started this site. God bless us all, and especially those who can keep a sense of humor while dealing with this.

Dave

Date:

Monday, May 14, 2001

Story

Well an update to my Feb 05th posting. I have scheduled my pilonidal surgery and am actually looking forward to getting it over with. I am a bit nervous though, I hope the recovery time doesn't take too long. I am a dance teacher and have to move around quite a bit. I have come to terms with the fact that I will need to be completly out of commission for a few weeks but I am wondering... what the heck am I supposed to do during the recovery time. I can only read so many books you know? I fear that I will become so bored and agitated that I might try to get up. How have the rest of the surgery survivors been able to cope, what have you done to keep yourselves amused during this recovery period.

Date:

Monday, May 14, 2001

Story

I had my surgery a little over six months ago. Since then, I've been FINE! Please know that surgery CAN rid you of this thing! Although I remember the fear I had when I relaized that the lancing didn't "cure" me... (ie: it came back, worse than ever and I had to have the surgery) I am so glad that i decided to go through wit it! I check back here every once in a while and yes, I am still scared that the cyst could come back, but I have had a great 6 months and I (and my surgeon)think that I am DONE with this mess. Best wishes to you all!

Date:

Friday, May 11, 2001

Story

GOOD STORY (So far...)

In 1994, as college first semester finals approached, I began to notice a pain around my tailbone when I sat. Like everyone else, I just let it drag out until I started to notice stains on my underwear. Upon further inspection, a small hole leaking fluid in the same location as everyone else.

I had a 300 mile drive home after finals, and by that time I could barely sit, so the drive was the most painful thing I'd ever done in my life.

When I arrived home (small town), I went to see the doctor. By this time, the fluid had become very smelly. He sliced near the opening and the fluid began to drain. He then pulled out a little ball of hair. I don't remember him calling it anything, other than a cyst.

Then he put a piece of cotton/gauze in my crack and taped across my butt to hold it in place. I went immediately from the doctor to the local ice rink to go skating with some friends. There was no more pain, nothing...

A week later or so I saw a specialist who said it had healed fine and I could just wait and see if anything ever happened again.

Well, until this week it was a faded memory. Four days ago my tailbone was a little sore, but I spotted a stain again. Upon further examination, sure enough, a new hole with minor draining. This draining was pink and odorless. I made a doctor's appt and was told I had to wait a week. Knowing my past history, I said I'd see any doctor ASAP. That doctor just gave me 10 days of Keflex and I'm 3 days into it with no more staining, but still some pain.

I've been trying to do research on the Internet, and found this page.

I'm giving it a few more days before I decide to see a specialist.

I just wanted to share my story so people know that sometimes you can get lucky and go years without a reoccurance.

I'll post again if there's any major update.

Date:

Wednesday, May 02, 2001

Story

DEAR FELLOW SUFFERERS; I AM PUSHING 50 YRS OF AGE AND HAVE PUT UP WITH THIS ANNOYING, PAINFUL DISEASE SINCE I WAS 14. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MORE THAN ONE WOMAN THAT THE PAIN SUFFERED WITH THESE CYSTS,IS MORE PAINFUL THAN CHILDBIRTH(THAT I WILL NEVER KNOW).I'VE HAD SURGERY AFTER SURGERY,IN-PATIENT AND OUT-PATIENT, AND AS MUCH AS I HATE TO BE THE BEARER OF BAD NEWS, I THINK WE ALL WILL JUST HAVE TO LEARN TO LIVE WITH IT. I AM CURRENTLY SUFFERING WITH A FLAIR UP AS WE SPEAK. I WILL SAY HOWEVER THAT OUR GRACIOUS HOSTESS AND DEVELOPER OF THIS SIGHT IS DEAD ON WITH HER ASSESSMENT AS FAR AS THE HYGIENE AND HAIR REMOVAL AROUND THIS VULNERABLE AREA. I KNOW THAT IT'S A PAIN IN THE BUTT, BUT THEN AGAIN SO IS NOT DOING IT. GARY

Date:

Wednesday, May 02, 2001

Story

My doc performed surgery on my P-sinus in his office using a local anesthetic. Opened it up and cleaned it out and sewed it back up. The sinus made a fresh appearance about 2-3 months later. He then recommended injecting hydrogen peroxide into the sinus tract using a plastic tipped hypodermic. Much fizzing, foaming and stinging but not terribly uncomfortable. A little shot of your own favorite anesthetic before hand would probably be advised. The sinus closed up shortly there after and has remained that way going on 3 months now. His explanation is the HP breaks down the walls of the abcess enough that your own white blood cells can get to the infection and do their thing. My explanation is an over simplification to be sure, nonetheless seems to have worked for me. Maybe others will have good results as well. Best -DS

Date:

Wednesday, May 02, 2001

Story

I want to start by saying the worst thing I did before I had my surgery was read horror stories of other people. I wanted to learn more about it but ended up making myself sick to my stomach. I am a 22 year old female. I first started feeling a pain as I was sitting approximately a year ago. About 2 months ago is when it got really bad. I sit at my job all day and that took a toll. I finally went to see my doctor who tried meds but that didnt work, so I ended up getting the surgery. My surgery occurred on April 25, 2001. I had to arrive at 11:00am. As I walked back with the nurse, I ended up losing it. They began to prep me and put my iv in they gave me a medicine to calm my nerves. My doctor was 45 minutes late for my surgery which didnt help my nerves. Once I was taken back, I was put under General Anestesia. My surgery only lasted about 30 minutes. My doctor closed me with stitches. This also scared me with all the stories about how you shouldnt be closed, but my doctor said this is how he did the surgery. I was then taken to recovery where I stayed for about 2 1/2 hours. The doctor said my surgery went great. The Pilonidal Cyst was smaller then they had expected. I spent the rest of that day and the next sleeping mostly. On Friday, I watched lots of movies. On sunday morning, I had a panic attack and ended up at the emergency room. The surgery has taken a real toll on my emotions. I am in the process of fighting to get it back together. As for the pain, it wasnt so bad. On the scale of one to ten, I would put it at a 5 for the first day, other than that its been good. I took my pain meds for 2 days. I am writing this story 6 days after my surgery. I am sitting here at my computer writing this story on my butt. my hips hurt from laying on those so much but other then that I think I am in good shape. I guess I will really see when i go to the doctors on thursday. I wish everyone luck that has to go through it.