I am really shocked to read some of the stories on here, it has made me very thankful to have had the care I have received. I am 20 years old and have been suffering from Pilonidals for the past 5 years.
When I first noticed the pain I ignored it hoping it would go away. It would hurt for a week or two then go down for about a month. Finally after about 2 years of ignoring the problem it came back with vengeance. It was thanksgiving so first I went to a clinic where to doctor said he would just make a quick cut and drain it. I thought this sounded a little sketchy so I left and went to the hospital. Thank go I did, the doctor said I could have gotten a very bad infection. He froze the area cut and drained it then packed the sinus with gauze. I then had a nurse come to my house daily to repack the wound which was the most painful thing I have ever endured.
However after 2 months the wound healed and I began to forget it ever happened, keeping the area clean and exfoliated. 2 years later the pain had returned. Obviously remember the painful event that happened earlier from leaving it so long I went to the hospital right away. He said he would operate right there, as I started to cry he told me of other options. He put me on an antibiotic and I took epsom salt baths everyday as I waited an appointment with a specialist. I met an amazing surgeon who sympathized with my completely. And explained the previous drainage was a quick fix to rid me of the pain and prevent infection. She was going to clear the whole are out.
So instead of a 2 cm hole that was very deep. I now have a 4 inch wide and 4 inch deep hole. It is covered with gauze and it is impossible to sit down. They got me a nurse who come to my home everyday and is very gentle. The hole is much larger so the packing barely hurts. I am on my second week of recovery and am able to have daily showers. and next week the nurse will only be coming every other day. I wouldn’t even wish this upon my worst enemies. It is painful and clearly an ongoing problem.
Just keep your chin up and make sure you do all your research. Never let a doctor or surgeon brush you off. They may be busy and think you aren’t important but it is your body and they owe you their time.