I remember posting my story here about 8 years ago and figure it’s time for an update. I’m a 29 year old female and have been dealing with this since I was 19. My story is a lot like the others. One day when i was 19 I woke up in pain and realized I could not sit normally or lie on my back. Over the next 2 days it just got worse. I told my mom but she had no idea what it was. She did set up a Dr appointment for me, so that is when I found out i had a pilonidal cyst.
The Dr sent me to a colorectal surgeon who drained it and packed it, and it was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced and one of the most embarrassing. Over the next few years I had flare ups about 5 times, each time it was either drained or the surgeon gave me antibiotics (Bactrim) which killed the infection. The surgeon did not recommend surgery (other than draining it) because he said it had a very high fail rate. So I just had to learn to deal with it. For the last 6 years though, I have not had to have it drained or take antibiotics. I still can’t sit normally but by now I’m used to it. Here is what i do to deal with this:
1) shower every day, twice a day if I workout or sweat heavily during the day. I have not skipped a shower in 8 years! Make sure the pilonidal area is washed with soap and water in the shower.
2) Wipe very thoroughly after using the bathroom
3) Do not sit for long periods of time. If I have to sit for a long time (long car trips, etc) then I try to lean forward slightly and shift positions to take pressure off the area.
Finally I want to say that this is a horrible medical condition that is physically painful and very embarrassing. Reading these stories helped me and I hope my story helps someone too.