Personal Stores Archive #9

Personal Stores Archive #9

Stories from June 1, 2002 to July 31, 2002

Date:: July 31, 2002

Story

Hi my name is Branden, and I would like to first of all thank the creator of this site. I will be going in for the third "open healing" sugery any time now. You can call me a veteran of this issue. It has been almost a year since the last surgery. Currently I have a cyst about the size of a golf ball. I have learned how to deal with the pain over the past few years. The only thing to seem to work is an eight day stay in the hospital, and for that matter it only works for a year.

Date:: July 29, 2002

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To Kathy, the person that just posted on July 26 (or whichever date it was!)... don't be fooled by your doc when he says that the 'cyst is gone' and he only lanced it. The cyst lining/cavity still remains. However, if this lancing helps and the thing doesn't bother you again, then you could put off having surgery. This is 'exactly' what gets me riled about a lot of these doctors: Telling their patients only 'part' of the facts. I had the same thing, so you're not alone. I must've had a lancing cause there was no way one of my former doctors could've removed a sinus and a cyst cavity in his office with only using Lidocaine..; I, too, was told, "It shouldn't come back," thus giving me a false hope. The main thing about pilonidal cysts is that lancings do NOT remove the cyst cavity, which is the 'culprit' in these things. Good luck in whatever you decide in the future, but I wanted to give a friendly reminder about the fact/vs. fiction on the pilonidal cyst front...

Date:: July 26, 2002

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Hi -- I just wanted to share what I've been going through as well. On Memorial Day I noticed that I was starting to get a big lump on the end of my tailbone. It didn't really hurt the first day, so I ignored it. By the end of the second day, it was very painful and on the third day I was running a fever of 101 and couldn't even tolerate sitting or laying on my back. It was excrusiating pain. So, I called my doctor and she had me come and said that it was an infected cyst and gave me a shot and scheduled an appointment with a general surgeon for the following week. She said that the antibiotics would reduce the swelling, but if it wasn't better by the end of the weekend to call her back. So, after 3 more days of suffering, I called back because it had only gotten worse and I could barely move without being in so much pain! She made an appointment for me with the surgeon for the very next day. My fiance took me and the surgeon knew right away that it was a pilonidal cyst and said he couldn't believe my doctor didn't send me right over the first time I went to see her. At this point, the swelling was so bad that it almost looked like I had a tiny tail. He said he needed to lance it immediately. It was horrible. They only gave me several local pain shots -- which were terribly painful themselves and they didn't really help much either. Then he cut a 3 inch slit in the area and cleaned out the infection. It was just awful. I don't want to scare anyone, but I think you should know that it is extremely painful. It took about 10 to 15 minutes and then they packed it with gauze and taught my fiance how to change it. He said we should change it two times a day using a "wet" packing method - he always got the gauze damp with saline before putting it in. It was painful at first, but the drugs helped. Then in the middle part of healing, it didn't hurt too much anymore to do the dressing changes. Now I'm almost at the end. The hole is too small to pack anymore. We had been using Nu Gauze and a sterile Q-tip because of how tiny it is. It started out the size of a raquet ball (no kidding!) and now it's only 1/2 an inch deep and no bigger than the stick part of a Q-tip. I talked to the nurse today and she said we could stop packing it and switch over to dry dressing -- just on top. Thank God because the twice daily packing has irritated the top of my would so much that it is again extremely painful. It's only from irritation though, not from any infection coming back. I'm just relieved that the packing is over. My surgeon also said that he believes we won't have to actually have surgery to remove the cyst - he believes it has left on its own, which I hope to God is true. I don't believe I have the strength to go through this another time. Again, I don't mean to scare anyone -- and it's definitely better that it's gone, but just know it's a long healing process and it does take patience and care. -Kathy

Date:: July 25, 2002

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Hey everyone. I first found out about my cyst when I was 12 (I'm 15 now!) Anyway I had this pain on my butt for a while and since it was in an embarassing spot I was too scared to tell my mom about it. Finally one day I did and when I went to the doctor he said that I would probably need surgery. Well I had my first surgery when I was 13. It went alright for a while and then it didn't heal right. So then I had my second surgery when I was about 14. that one didn't heal up right either. Well after my third surgery which I had this past Christmas, I am feeling pretty good. It is almost all the way healed up. I've had some problems since the third surgery but we are now fixing them! I'm having it cauterized on August 6th which should help it finish up healing all the way. There is only one little hole there. I just want to say that if you do have don't be embarassed about it and tell someone, it can only get worse. Plus if you have had a surgery or two b/4 don't give up hope. I haven't!!!

Date:: July 24, 2002

Story

Hi, my name is Sarah, im on the discussion board as purplelava. Well, here goes my story. In Januaury of 2002 I started bleeding and having pain around my tailbone. I could feel nothing there and I could see nothing there. Being 20, somewhat young, I was embarrassed to tell my doctor about this problem. I only told my bestfriend and she kept telling me I needed to tell my doctor. I should have listened. Finally sometime in late May I was in so much pain that I went to the emergency room. The doctor told me I had draining pilonidal sinuses and needed to see a surgeon as soon as possible. So I went to a gastroenterologist surgeon and he scheduled surgery for the begining of June. But after talking to my regular MD and doing a lot of researching, we decided It would be best for me to have a closed surgical site. So my MD sent me to a plastic surgeon who said a flap procedure would be best for me. On July 12th I went to the hospital and had surgery. The only complication was with the anesthesia. I didnt wake up until 2 1/2 hours after the surgery. So they had to keep me on the respirator, which was not pleasant once I woke up. Anyway,everything went well and I stayed in the hospital untill the next evening. Then I went home with my pain pills. Right away that night I was in a lot of pain and I was bleeding on everything. My bandages were soaked within minutes of replacing them. But I didnt call my surgeon, just figured this was normal. By the 18th which was my followup appointment, I was in so much pain that I could barely get off the couch. Sitting was not an option and everything I have was covered in blood. So I saw my surgeon the morning of the 18th, and right away he admitted me to the hospital and scheduled emergency surgery for that night. It turned out that the entire empty wound, which was down to the bone, but not too long, had developed into an abcess. So my surgeon had to carefully cut that out and all remaining tissue around it, then packed the hole and left it open with one stitch in the middle holding it somewhat together. That went well and I was on IV antibiotics and a morphine pump machine for the next 5 days. I finally was discharged today, and im already feeling so much better. I have to go to the hospital every morning for physical therapy in the whirlpool to cleanse the wound and then they re-pack it. Then a home healthcare nurse comes to my house every night to repack it again. My surgeon sent me home with a bottle of Lortab, a bottle of Vioxx, and a Bottle of Darvocet, with one refill on each of them. So we've definetly got the pain issue delt with =) The only part I hate about this now is that im not allowed to shower or take baths until the wound is closed and treatment for it is over. My daily whirlpool treatment is supposed to be my bath, and I have to wash my hair in the sink. So im not very pleased about that. Other than that, im drugged, pain free, and happy. Anyway, if anyone is thinking about having a closed wound, I would really hope you think about it over and over again. The open healing is really the best method. My doctor told me I would have been dead within 3 days if I hadnt had that follow up appointment and gotten things taken care of. It's pretty scary when a simple operation almost takes your life. So go for the safest surgery. Sorry this is enormously long, but once I get going, I don't shut up. I want to thank the creator of this site, it has been so helpfull, and so have all the people. So thank you and good luck to everyone!!! ~Sarah~

Date:: July 22, 2002

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hi everyone, first of all thanks for the great site here, nice to see i'm not the only one with this. first noticed mine about 8 or 9 years ago as a swollen sore spot on the tail bone, was concerned but just thought i had bumped it somehow. well as u all know it just dosnt go away like i thought it would. It started to drain in february of 01, went to the doctor and was told to see a surgeon, i did see hin if june of 2001, i thought we would just remove it then and there. Man was i surprised when he told me what it was and the process it would take. Well i let it go and didn't go back for surgery, lived with sticking tissues in my briefs every morning after my shower for the drainage. On memorial weekend of 2002 did it ever flare up with infection. Enough is enough i said, couldn't stand it anymore called for a apt. had it lanced with no numbing shot.....ouch. Had my surgery on july 11 of 2002. today if july 22 2002. Am sick of packing and not sitting but if it heals properly it is worth it. Just wonder how long i have to pack and bandage it? Doc says being thin is a advantage for me ....i hope so... I had never heard of a pilonidal cyst before this, i felt like i was the lone ranger having this no one seemed to of ever heard of it..Glad i found this site i pray evryone heals well will get back and update of the healing man do i hope i don't have a re-occurance of this . good luck everyone....tx for the great site. curt

Date:: July 22, 2002

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Hi, everyone. As a 25-year old, very hygienic female who was very embarassed when my problem emerged, I have to thank the author of this site and all others who have contributed their experiences for helping me feel much more comfortable in seeking treatment and realizing that this is NOT a "dirty" disease or uncommon occurrence. Noone in my family has a history of Pilonidal, but my doctor felt that my having had broken my tailbone in a car accident in 1995 may have had something to do with my developing the cyst. It first appeared about a year and a half ago - a small lump that I thought was just my tailbone swelling or bruising from doing too many ab excercises on the floor. About 3 months later, it actually became open at the surface level of my skin. I lived with it for almost a year afterwards since the pain and discomfort was mostly minor. I decided to do something about it about a month ago, realizing that I do NOT want to live my life constantly worried about my clothes staining, not being able to do floor excercises, and worried about what a potential partner might think of this absess. My surgery took place this past Thursday, July 19th. I had an "Excision with Primary Closure" performed - basically, my wound has been stitched closed, but a drain has been left in for a few days (maximum of 10) to minimize the risk of infection and to ensure that the fluid leaves my body as opposed to staying in and creating an infection. Aside from some discomfort and the inconvenience of having a small drain taped to my leg, I have had a great experience with this. No surgery is "fun" or attractive, but these minor inconveniences for two weeks beat a lifetime of infections and worry - at least for me. Also, by the time I start grad school in late August, I'll be completely healed and will no longer have to feel uncomfortable in hard chairs or in movie theatres. God willing, my healing will continue quickly and safely, and I'll have a normal, healthy life back very shortly. I recommend this to anyone who has this problem. I know it's a cliche, but seriously: better out than in.

Date:: July 21, 2002

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Hello, I am grateful for this site. It is my second time visiting and I plan on coming back to briefly tell my story. I did want to say that in my case, it is congenital. I am a 25 year old female who has had problems in the tailbone area for years. My mother had the same disease at my age and finally had to have surgery to remove the entire cyst. Only last year, one year ago, did my tailbone tenderness manifest itself into an actual Pilonidal cyst. One year ago, it is back and the most painful thing I have ever experienced. Although many cases are not congenital, some are like mine. It is nice to have a place to come to read about other's stories with Pilonidal Disease. And, it is embarrasing to tell to others because for us, it is not something we eagerly want to describe in detail! I couldn't believe the medical journals who still list this as the "Hairy-man butt disease"! Whitney

Date:: July 13, 2002

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i just wanted to say that maybe some of you who are complaining about relaps and pain are bringing it on yourself. you arent supposed to do any activity much beyond laying on your side in bed. playing a sport a week after surgery with an open wound is like sticking your hand into the wound and pushing as hard as you can. i would not recommend going back to work 2 or 3 days after surgery.

Date:: July 13, 2002

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I had my first exposure to the cyst 7 years ago. I woke up one morning with an uncomfortable lump, which in 3 days had swelled so much, walking became almost excruciating impossible. After the surgeon lanced and packed the cyst, it went into remission, even though the surgeon warned me that I should have it immediately removed...but what could he possibly know. One year went by, 2 years turned into 3.... 2 months ago while working out on a bench press, I mistakenly "rolled" back to begin my next set. I heard a crunch, felt a crunch and soon felt a warm feeling down there. Within 3 days, my cyst have re-emerged with the same vigor as before. My Primary care physician refused to treat it (treating means actually doing something, not writing a prescription) ands referred me to a surgeon...6 DAYS LATER!!! 2 days after taking my antibiotics, I felt a easing of the pain, which was every signal to me that the worst was over. Unfortunately I experienced what many girls experince at puberty. WHILE AT WORK...my female coworkers noticed red on my back side, "like blood or something" one of them remarked. As I rushed to the bathroom, I found my underwear full of this smelling pink fluid. After throwing my underwear away, cleaning up (as best I could), I went home and stayed there until I saw the surgeon. The surgeon, cleaned up the area and immediately scheduled a surgery date (thanks for asking doc!). And as is common with doctors who carry knives, he placed this large bandage (which was more tape than bandage) on my tail, absolutely clueless as to the painful waxing that awaited me the next day! Now, in no means am I a gorilla, but, in no means am I a beachball either... SO, on June 17, I had my surgery, and to alleviate the concerns of anyone reading this..it was so smooth, that I dont remember a dam thing, except I convinced a spanish speaking nurse that I deserved a sandwich for being well behaved. Day two. Not too much pain. Felt ok...thought it would be a piece of cake and I might be able to play basketball again the next sunday. Doctors post surgical directions were atrocious. I had to have my sister-in-law, a nurse, clean my dressing and repack. Day three. Went back to work. Big mistake! Got very little done. Felt clumsy from the vicaden. Cleaned external dressing myself in the bathroom. I still felt basketball was very possible on Sunday. Day four. Felt very good. Not tremendously painful, yet I didn't feel all drugged up. BUT even with dressing changes, a co-worker (the same one that pointed out my bloody mess earlier) now was pointing out a leak spot. I raced overto my sister-in laws house. She completely redressed me (excuse the puns) and repacked. I felt pretty good. Day five. More pain...I was worried about infection. My sister in law, changed the dressing again and she says my wound looks very clean...but why the pain? Day six. Even more pain. Sitting is almost impossible, Only laying down is comfortable. Thank god its Saturday...I cant do anything. Day seven. WORSE! I pulled out all the packing...that releived some of the pressure. The only way to describe the pain is as if the cyst was full blown. I have a hole in my back (that's what I tell prople at work..never my butt) yet it feels like the cyst is there. BTW..no basketball. I saw the surgeon the next day for post op. I told him I was in a lot of pain. He replied it was normal...HUH? He poked and prodded..said my wound was healing nicely and I was not infected...then why the pain? His expaination did not satisfy me and I wont bore you. He then spayed some AgNO3 (Silver Nitrate). What the ****! Why dont you just spray gasoline and light a match! So here I am. I refuse to put in any more packing...it hurts too much. I now just use a gauze pad and wedge it between my butt cheeks...it holds itself up no problem.I apply Hydrogen Peroxide every few hours...the fizz party I hear reminds me of when as a kid I would open a can of 7-UP and put my ear to the rim. The pain has lessened only slightly...and while I type this letter from work..I yearn for my bed, a full 10 days after surgery. I have read 2 terrrific novels in bed during that time...but would enjoy to go walking or something just to get back to normal. Would I do it again? Im not sure...if the cyst would only relapse every 7 years...I think i can live with that. All I know is if this thing EVER comes back...I will be pi$$ed off. I know people who have healed faster from brain surgery...regardless, I'm glad I was able to vent a bit. Nothing personal, but I hope I never have to come back to this page again! Thanks for listening Nick

Date:: July 13, 2002

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i am 18 years old. i had my cyst for a couple of years. i don't really know when it first showed up. i had my surgery on july 11. it was my first surgery. the most painfull part of the surgery is when they put the iv in. when i got home my mom told me the doctor had removed a section of my tailbone. it had apparently formed into the shape of a hook. the day after the sergery wasn't too bad either. a sore throught and my hipps are sorrer than my open wound is. the pain killers arent too bad however they where off about an hour before you can take the next one. i will try to update my story in a week or so.

Date:: July 02, 2002

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I have just had my first flare up two weeks ago. I wanted to DIE all of you that have had a crippling, can't walk type of flare up like I did know what I mean! It was worse than having both of my kids. I landed in the ER getting mine lanced, and thankfully for my step mom, she had them give me Morphine in my IV before they came in there and started talking about scalpels. The only thing I really remember about it was an intense burning and lots of pressure, then stuff running down my rump. I also remember him saying, "Nurse number 15 scalpel, please." Then two more shots of Morphine in my IV and off we go! Home I went. Boy, little did I know, more pain to come! The packing was the worst I left fingernail marks in the leather on the bed in my doctor's office. It did get better everytime I had it unpacked and repacked. I am getting surgey. My aunt had it done 30 years ago, open wound method, and my mom packed her wound for her. She said it was as big as a fist! But, it healed in 3 months completely, and has NEVER come back!! And get this, I am using the SAME surgeon. He is good.

Date:: July 02, 2002

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Hi there to all fellow-sufferers ; I wrote my story on 27 June 2002, from Athens, Greece. I would just like to reply to the latest addition to the stories, from July 1, to the 30-yr. old female, who gave her experience of living with pilo cyst for a long time..: I fully understand your anxiety about surgery, packing, open wounds, pain, etc; if you read my story, you will understand what I'm talking about... BUT...Living with the cyst and learning to deal with it, is NOT really an option people should go for, according to my humble opinion. By definition, a cyst is a foreign body inside of you, an infection really, which although does not affect your everyday operations, is not part of your body structure; living with a cyst, is like saying that when you realise you have a bad tooth, you keep taking pain-killers, bec. you r afraid to go to the dentist !!! If you consult your doctor, or any doctor, you will find out, that there are several benefits from getting rid of the infectious cyst, as sono as you discover it (the inconvenience of draining, is a minor one). Don't worry about the horror stories you've heard about the open-wound method...trust me - I can't stand pain myself, either and already I am on my 4th week of healing - my experience ? : Just discomfort.... Much better, than carrying a cyst full of puss,hair and other debris inside your body, for the rest of your life, which could affect you long-term...No thanks..!

Date:: July 01, 2002

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Hi all. I'm a female in my 30's, and my story's a little different than the surgery stories. It's more about how I live with my Pilonidal Cyst, and have been living with it for almost 20 years. Many people out there with this "inconvenience" seriously do not want to have surgery, and I was one of them. Now, I don't feel I need surgery because I've learned to manage my cyst. Don't get me wrong. We're all different, and I'm glad surgery has worked out for many of you. But for those who definitely do NOT want to go through surgery and recovery - pain, packing (that really creeps me out), and weeks/months of "recovery", and for those who feel that they shouldn't have to, I want you to know that keeping your cyst doesnt mean it will rule or destroy your life. Your body is yours. You can get to know your body and your cyst - watch it, accept it, deal with it as and when it happens, anticipate its return, and even avoid some flare-ups. I've had countless flare-ups. Many were quite painful and a few were even embarrassing. For the 20 years I've had my cyst, I'd say approximately 90% of the inflammations I've had came and went in a day, filling, opening, draining slowly (sometimes a little "push" on an unopened cyst will allow it to pop and drain), and be practically all gone by the next morning. The other 10% were flare-ups that stuck around for a couple/few days and were a little more painful, a little more stubborn - meaning I would have to lean to the side when I sat and they didn't drain when I wanted them to. When this was all new to me, I thought it was the worst, most disgusting thing about my body. I hated it and I was wondering when it would recur. When I chose to learn to live with it, my whole attitude changed. Living with it now is not hard at all. I've never had a lancing, although I am sure I "needed to" in the opinions of many, based on some stories I've read. I've gotten to know mine and if they're not draining when they should, I do a little "self-help" work back there. NO, I don't cut it. That's not a good idea. Don't ever self-lance! But if you push at it a little, it'll find its way out the sinus and probably drain down your crack. Take it easy at first. But, you know, things you do to yourself are not even half as painful as things others do to you (lancing, packing, etc.) I stand in front of the mirror and "work it" for a few minutes, maybe after a tub soak, and it always opens for me. I massage it as it drains, absorbing pus and blood in a tissue. When it seems to be "finished", I wash up in the shower and slide a small strip of sterile gauze between my crack and over my cyst - sometimes I put antibacterial ointment on it (purchase that in any drug store - it comes in a tube), and it heals on its own. Like I said, usually by the next morning it's not giving me any problems. Doing this speeds things up and it's over and done with until next time. If I didn't do the "push", my cyst would stick around and "grow" for days and could get big and uncomfortable. If I feel one coming on but it's not painful and not ready to want to drain yet, I put an big of gauze back there in case I miss my opportunity and it opens itself. That's not a big deal. Doing these things is by FAR much better (to me) than surgery, giant open wounds, packing and repacking (ick!), pain and discomfort for weeks and months. Plus, it could recur anyway. A day of discomfort and self-treatment, for me, has been easy to deal with and I just don't really notice it anymore. It's me, and it's easy now. Thanks for listening. Best of luck to you all! lancing a day or two

Date:: July 01, 2002

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Success story to add to this forum in case anyone is interested. My husband first noticed that I had a "dimple" many years ago. I do not know if this condition was aggravated by an accident, but in January of about 1996 my husband and I had a sled accident where I came down on my tailbone on the front metal part of the sled. In November of 1998 or so, I ended up at a hospital emergency room because I had 2 cysts (or 1 that had "traveled"). At that point, their advice was to (quote) "have it removed". As mine were not giving me pain (that I hear so many talk about), I just ignored it until I saw a dermatologist about 6 months later...same answer from him. About that point, the huge remaining cyst had started to periodically drain (or explode, as I called it)and bleed profusely, two times I had to leave work and buy clothes because it had bled so much! At that point, again, with little pain, it had become such a pain in the neck that I decided to see someone. Fortunately one of our local surgeons happens to be a colo/rectal surgeon as well, and when I saw him I was more than surprised when he said the word "surgery". I had no idea it could be that serious and imagined removal taking place in his office. We scheduled outpatient surgery for May of 2000. To make a long story shorter, I had the surgery, where he completely stitched me shut, having basically had reconstruction of a new "butt crack". His idea of closing the wound was that it was much less painful that way. After the stitches were removed, my very patient husband was to swab and disinfect the area twice a day and change my dressings. It healed well, with very little to no pain, with the exception of a small spot which FINALLY completely closed in about October of 2002. I am still seeing him for follow-up visits, but at this point everything looks very good and I am hoping for no more outbreaks. I hope this story helps someone make a decision as I could not imagine living with the drainage and unpredictability of the sudden problems that it caused me.

Date:: June 14, 2002

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June 16, 2002 I am a 38 y/o male and had my cyst removed on April 26th of this year. I have read some of the stories and would like to share mine as well. My surgeon is a colo-rectal surgeon and has done many procedures. The best way is for a primary closure with a JP drain. I spent one night in the hospital for pain control. I will admit the first week was pretty painfull. If I was lying on my side or stomach there was no pain or discomfort. The pain comes into play when you have to sit down or bend over to pick up something. After 3 days in went back to the doctors office to have the drain removed. That was probably the most painfull part of the whole procedure. After one week I had my stitches removed. Once that was done, about 1 1/2 inches of the incision came open and wasn't healed. That kind of bothered me a little. My doctor informed me that that area (right near the anus) is commmon to do that. What I had to do was keep a 2x2 gauze pad in the incision and change it often. The key to my healing was my doctors persitance on seeing me on follow up visits. Every 4 days I went to the office and he or his nurse would take a stick of Silver nitrate and clean the would of any granulation tissue that forms. The first few times this was done it stung quite a bit, but lessed each time. He states that this granulation tissue formation keeps the would from healing. It was also VERY IMPORTANT that he shave all the hair near the incision because any hair inside of it would prevent healing and could cause recurrence. One other tip that worked wonders for me was his recomendation of using a water pick on the incision. Sounds strange but a solution of 1/3 water, 1/2 hydrogen peroxide ands 1/3 betadine help the wound heal faster. I can tell you now that the wound is completly healed with no infection and I feel great. Sorry for the length of the story but I think it was all relevant.

Date:: June 14, 2002

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Hi again, its me, the one who had surgery on the 3rd of june.. it is thursday night now, and my stitches come out tomorrow... still havent used any vicodin.. im in no pain unless i sit wrong.. so to all of you thinking about having the surgery, go for it, its quick, (relatively) painless and its worth it to be rid of the cyst once and for good.. if given an opertunity to do it again, i would... in fact to keep this cyst away, i'd gladly do this once a year for the rest of my life (hopefully that wont have to happen =)

Date:: June 14, 2002

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Hi, My name is Nikki. I've had piloniday cyst since i was 14 and 21 years of age. At age 14 was my first flareup. They doctors told me to soak it in a hot bath with epson salts 2 times a day. I have to agree, It did work. it kept it away for 4 years. Then it began again. this time i did get surgery for it. they removed the cyst and i was so relieved to not be in as much pain. I was looking forward to returning to work and to start my life with out this painful desease. But from there it did go down hill... NOw it does flare up every month and the pain a greal deal! Every time i go to the doctor they give me other methods to try and clear it up! I've been to 10 different doctors and they will not help me or even tell me what i can do. I did have surgery for the second time just today.. I don't believe it will be much help but we will see if it works this time. I hope all others have success stories with there fight! I don't wish this sort of problem on to anyone else!! I recommend kicking it in the butt before it gets out of hand and find your self an excellent doctor that will do all he can to help!

Date:: June 11, 2002

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We'll i had it done. today is june 10 i think monday at least that i know..had my surgery friday june 7 @ southwest general in middleburg hts. ohio. so far so good i guess got a hole in my butt 2cm x 4cm x 6cm deep..doc told wife there was a hole colony of those pilodinal cysts down there..gonna be off a while from work, 6-8 weeks pending...doin the Vicodin every 3 hours and keeping track very carefully so i don't forget and die in agony at 4 am..lol the mass he took out was about the size of a small hardball..thats what i get for waiting 20= years to have it removed, it grew so don't wait is my opinion.. thanks for listening Brian out for now

Date:: June 09, 2002

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hi, its nick again. i had my cyst operated on 27 may, and i am almost recovered!!! the nurse can no longer get any packing in, so hopefully i can start living again. ive been told that it s taken so long because i got infected 3 times!! yes, 3 lots of antibiotics(not fun). mine was a weird one because ihad 2 holes that linked up to each other inside me, i am very impressed with the docters handiwork. i just would like to say that the whole experience was not too bad, the worst bit was the infection, it hurt like hell, but i am glad it eas done. if youre condsidering surgery, just do it, its better than the alternative. i gather a lot of you people on here live in the states, and i know they do things differntly here in england, so go for the one were they leave you with a huge hole in your arse, at the time its none toopleasent, but its the best way. good luck everyone, im off to live again!!!

Date:: June 06, 2002

Story

I may be the oldest person (on this website) to have had surgery for a Pilonidal Cyst. I am 57. When I was 12 (1957) I fell out of a moving car and landed on my tailbone. It was fractured or cracked and it was very painful for months. When I was 21 (1966) I had my first baby in Waterloo, Iowa. I had gained a great deal of weight and my baby boy weighed 9 pounds 4 ounces. His birth took 24 painful hours. A month after his birth I tried to do sit-ups. I had developed that painful lump at my coccyx area. I went to a doctor who thought the accident at 12 and the difficult birth of my baby contributed to the problem. He said he could lance the cyst but that it would be very painful and would not eliminate the cyst. He said I would face having repeated lancings in the future. He explained the surgical procedure and recommended it. I took that advice and it turned out to be 100% correct. I immediately went to the hospital for surgery. My mom came to help at home and my recovery went perfectly and soon I was able to take care of my baby. That was 36 years ago and I have NEVER had any pain or problems. Each time I go to a new doctor they make me fill out forms stating what surgeries I've had in the past. If it weren't for this, I would never give that operation another thought. But I MARVEL over, and am so thankful for, the skill of that surgeon whose name I don't even know. If there can be a perfect success story in a town such as Waterloo, Iowa back in 1966 - Surely there is hope and promise of full recovery and a pain free life for everyone who suffers "Jeep Seat!"

Date:: June 05, 2002

Story

Hello there! I was going to post before my surgery, but my computer was broken. Well, I am a 21 year old male (prime age as i understand it =) and I have had a pilonidal cyst for about 7 or 8 months. I had the surgery to remove it yesterday. I was in the hospital for 12 hours, but that was only because the hospital kepts rescheduling me. I opted for the spinal anesthesia which is very similar to an epidural. Thankfully, they gave me a shot of lidocaine before they gave me the spinal. Right after i went numb, they game me a shot of morphine in my iv and i passed out. When i woke up about 3 hours later, the surgery was done and i felt nothing. Turns out my cyst was about the size of a beer can!!! somehow they managed to use the primary closure surgery. It is now almost exactly 24 hours after i left the hospital and i have no pain except my back where they inserted the needle. My rear doesnt hurt unless i sit on it. The most painful part of the surgery was when they pulled the electrodes off my chest right before i left. I still have a full bottle of vicodin that i dont need... All in all, i am very happy... we'll see what happens from here on out.

Cheers!! Ben

Date:: June 05, 2002

Story

I'm an 18 year old female and have been dealing with a Pilonidal Cyst for about a year or so (mine wasn't that bad, they said it was small and the drainage wasn't much didn't even have to bandage it but it was enough to be annoying), now being a sophmore in college I decided there was no time like the present to get it taken care of. First of all, I just wanted to say that this site helped me a lot. I had no idea what was going on until I did a search on the internet and found this site. It covers all the bases and goes over every aspect thoroughly. I have to say I am kind of shocked at some of the horror stories on here. I myself am doing very well (knock on wood), it is only a month after my surgery and all is going good. I had the closed procedure done, which I am very happy about, and thus far no infection. My doc told me at this point, I shouldn't even think about it as infection usually occurs in the first week. I'm not even going to be able to see my scar. The surgery went much better than I anticipated, I was at the hospital for about 4-5 hours and was out cold for probably 2 of it. I opted for the General Anestisia which I highly recommend. The thought of someone working down there on me while I was still awake didn't settle well with me. I went home with only minor discomfort and only took the pain medication for 3 days. For those of you who are planning to have this procedure done, take at least two weeks off. The first week is pretty rough, not so much painful just uncomfortable. The second week is much better but in my experience I couldn't have worked. I couldn't sit for 12 days and slowly worked my way into it. And don't even think about going back until you get your stitches out, that was my big problem they pulled when I tried to sit. And getting the stitches out is not biggie, it only takes 2 minutes. As far as cleaning it went, I had my mom help me. She also had this procedure done at my age. I showered and cleaned it gently with dial antibacterial soap, when I got out my mom checked it for any hair that may have gotten caught in it during my shower. She put peroxide on it and neosporin. We also bought antibacterial wipies from a local drug store, like the little squares you get in a resteraunt to wipe your hands off. So not all experiences at having these removed are bad, I have to admit this site did freak me out, as much as it calmed me to know what it was and how it could be treated. I had all these idea's in my head of how bad it was going to be, none of which was true. 4 weeks and I'm still uncomfortable at times but am doing very well. Not back to normal obviously, if you read the site you know it can take over a year to fully heal. I just wanted to add another good story to the board to calm some of you who are freaked out about reading the bad ones. To anyone who is debating whether or not to have the procedure done, DO IT!! Just knowing I don't have to deal with that anymore is such a relief, its not that bad, and good luck! Anonymous

Date:: June 03, 2002

Story

Thank you for this wonderful site. I was first diagnosed in early May. But my case was different because I didn't know what I had. You see it never bothered me and all of a sudden I began to notice I was bleeding and draining a horribly smelling fluid from my rear end. After some decision making I went to the hospital and was diagnosed and on May 24 I was operated. I feel a lot better now and thanks to your site I know how to take care of myself. I wasn't aware of the long healing process. Thanks a lot. Armando Javier Soto Puerto Rico

Date:: June 02, 2002

Story

Hi..All theses stories I am hearing are making me realize more and more that this is something I am going to have to live with for the rest of my life. I am 22 years old and I had my first surgery December 21st 2001 in my surgeon's office. He used local anesthesia and I was out of his clinic within minutes. It was very painful but I would've done anything to be relieved from the previous pain. Two weeks went by with the gauze packing twice a day and I was at work still though cleaning the area everyday very carefully, also going to my surgeon every month from then on. Now 6 months has gone by and the acute discomfort on my tailbone is back. I am back on antibiotics and the pain is just getting worse. I have to see my surgeon first thing tomorrow morning but I am so scared to know that I would be cut open again to drain the cyst. I know I've been told over and over again that there is nothing that can be done which would help this cyst from returning, but how can one live with this, missing so many days at work, how do you explain this rationale to yourself, there must be a way out. As upset and depressed I have been getting, I don't want to give up and accept the fact that this is how my life is going to be from here on. Can someone please reassure me that something has worked from having this pilondial cyst reoccur. thanks, upset and depressed

Date:: June 01, 2002

Story

To the person who posted just below me--you had the cyst lanced in the doctor's office---awful stench, your mother had to leave the room---yes, you! I want to let you know that you obviously had the thing lanced, not fully excised. The cyst is still there--I don't think family docs totally excise pilonidal cysts in their offices, even though an 'old' family doc of mine 'supposedly' did in his office, not knowing that it WAS a pilonidal cyst--not a dermoid, like he told me to my face. At any rate, I, too hope that the thing doesn't rear its ugly head. You may be looking at the surgical route that most of us fellow sufferers have taken. Take care!!

Date:: June 01, 2002

Story

P.S. (From 16 F below) This is a great informative site, I had no clue about this disease and now I feel like an expert on it. I am glad I have some people to tell my story who have been through the same things as me!

sami54

Date:: June 01, 2002

Story

I am a sixteen year old female. I have had the cyst on my rear for at least a year, and I never really thought that much of it. Every once in a while when I sat down I felt some pain, but I never imagined it was anything serious. Well within the last week, I was sitting in the movies watching Spiderman and I suddenly felt dizzy, cold, my body ached, and I could not walk without feeling like I was going to pass out. I had to leave the movie, I went straight home and got under the covers and shivered, even though it was 85 degrees outside. The next day I woke up and what I oh so cleverly deemed "that thing on my butt" was aching like you-know-what. I walked around hunched over because standing up straight brought about far too much pain. I waddled around and tried fruitlessly to find a comfortable position on the couch. I found soaking in a hot tub made it feel better but I just found out after the fact that that probably made it worse. That night in bed the pain was so excruciating and annoying that I cried all night praying for a wink of sleep. Finally, after two days of agonizing pain, my mother got tired of me moping around and asked me what was wrong. I broke down crying and said "THAT THING ON MY BUTT!!!" Well, being a sixteen year old girl I am slightly self conscious about my butt, so I wasn't to keen on the idea of having 30 medical staffers staring at my big white rear, hence the reason I kept my pain a secret from my mother. I broke down and showed "that thing" to my mother, and she goes "OH MY GOD", not only because it was GARGANTUAN but because she had had one herself when she was my age. She called the doctor and we went ASAP. I was still apprehensive about dropping my drawers, and I had a million questions for my mother like "did it hurt when you got it lanced?" or "Did the doctor laugh at your butt?" But overall I was relieved that the pain would be over soon. Little did I know the procedure itself was only 100 TIMES MORE PAIN THAN "THAT THING" ever thought of being. It took a solid hour of anesthesia and squeezing to get that sucker drained. The stench was unbelievable, so bad in fact my mother had to leave the room. But when I got off that table, I could walk upright without wanting to punch a hole in the wall. When I got home my pants and underwear had big ol' blood stains on them, but it was a small price to pay. The pain afterwards has been minimal, though it has gotten slightly worse with time. It was worth it!! I have yet to get my packing removed, and it still hasn't quit bleeding after 2 days. The first night I had to put a feminine pad around the butt part of my panties incase I leaked during the night. I feel sorry for my mom because she gets the privilege of changing my bandage every few hours and looking at my lovely derriere. I pray to GOD that I don't get another one. If I do, I will definitely demand to be under general anesthesia!!