Hey! I used to get PC every now and then but assumed I had always just bruised my tailbone somehow as it would never go past a slight discomfort, I believe the last time it came up (before now) was around late December However last week it flared up with a tender lump and after a bit of self-diagnosis (love you google) I knew I had to see a doctor. I popped down to the next day and was seen by a Nurse, she instantly diagnosed me after having a look and just put me on some antibiotics (Flucloxacillin) and advised me to pick up so CoCodamol for the pain. That was Weds-9th and yesterday I discovered some drainage (brown-red), I rang 111 who advised me to just keep and eye on it and make sure its clean. Drainage noticed again this morning when I woke up, after cleaning & getting out of the shower it seems to be slowly weeping (Anxious and keep checking for drainage as feels strange - like water running over it) Due to the location I find it hard to deal with myself - The best I can do is jump in the shower, rinse and wash thoroughly and assume I've cleaned it as I honestly can't view the damn thing using a mirror. I live with a couple other students and am massively uncomfortable with asking them to have a look I honestly just don't know where to go from here, I've read that I shouldn't have been put on antibiotics with no draining being done at the time. I should add that on one side is the tender lump and next to it on the other side of the cleft is where the draining occurs. Where should I go from here? I have my final exam on the 16th and will be moving home not long afterwards (18/19th) so my plan is to go straight to the doctor then and request a surgery with minimal disruption / requires no packing - Hopefully Cleft-Lift or Pit Picking? I am comfortable with the Doctor I would see when back 'home' as he has been my go-to GP for as long as I can remember so I would feel confident in his hands if he's up for the task and does the research. I'm opting for surgery on the basis that I've had this recurring for years but never this bad. I currently live in Derbyshire(Uni)/Leicestershire(Home), wouldn't be an understatement to say I'm a massive hypochondriac and really don't want this to get any worse Cheers Edit: I managed to get an out-of-hours appointment at the Walk-In-Centre, the nurse took one look and then drained it as best she could, I'm to go back daily for check ups and re-bandaging, I brought up the idea of surgery but she waved the idea away though I think she was not aware of methods that didn't involve packing
Many doctors aren't that worried if it's draining -because at least the infection is being let out of your body & its not tunnelling further in. That said, I've been living with that kind of thing for a year now, and am just about to go in for Cleft Lift (as this will be my second operation). It can be really miserable and I can certainly understand wanting rid! If you can, then I'd wait until you get home- a support system like Mum and Dad is priceless. A cleft lift may be a bit aggressive for a first surgery, but a consultant should be able to discuss your best options with you. My first was a closed excision which I'm told is "standard"- there's also a lot to be said for the packing method- the recurrence rates are much lower! A good surgeon will talk through the various options with you- check out the UK Hall of Fame to find someone in your area.
I have to aggree with Tish- the surgeon may not want to perform a cleft lift as there is obviously infection so will most likely have excision and drainage to begin with near enough all excision and drainage u need a follow up op. If the wound is draining that's a good sign. Last year I was dealing with my PS whilst studying and I know how draining it can be. Just remember ur not alone, speak to your consultant first and good luck with your final exam.
