I first noticed by abscess while on holidays in August 2009. It flared up (walnut size) about 3-4 days after the initial feeling of pain. I went to the doctor who diagnosed me with a pilonidal abscess, he also noticed a pit.
I was on antibiotics for one week which didn’t work so returned to the doctor and was prescribed different antibiotics which did work. The abscess burst spontaneously after 2-3 days of the second course. I was referred to a surgeon who discovered I had 3 pits and a cyst (which is just the abscess sack). She explained the surgery to me and told me the wound would be about 3.5 inches in length. It would be left open if signs of infection where discovered during surgery.
Knowing what I know now open wound healing is probably the best option in most circumstances. She gave me two options 1) leave it and maybe it will not reoccur (about a 50/50 chance from what I have read) or 2) Have the Surgery. I choose the first option partly because I never had surgery and was afraid. Looking back it was the wrong decision. The chances of it recurring are fairly high and if it does the resulting surgery may be more extensive then before. Plus you always have it in the back of your mind. What if I’m on holidays or getting on a long haul fight etc?
Anyway I decided not to have surgery and everything was ok for about 5-6 months. I then noticed some drainage from the area so went to the doc. Back on antibiotics. Didn’t work so went back again. This time he told me I really needed the surgery that it was now chronic and would probably not clear up. So I secluded the surgery for the 10th of June 2010. Up until that date I had a shit time with repeated abscess etc. I was nervous to say the least about the surgery as it was my first one (I’m 27). Having said that it was ok and really is nothing to worry about as it’s a quick surgery and you will be able to leave a few hours after.
The feeling after was like someone kicked you repeatedly in the lower back. Wound ended up being nearly 5 inches long. Some of it was left open to be packed while the rest was stitched. Packing went on for roughly 4 weeks before I was told it was nearly healed. However at about this point the wound opened one night (not pleasant, lots of exude). The reason given by the surgeon was that some hairs where not removed from the bottom of the wound which irritated it and also packing was stopped to early. So more packing for 3 weeks and then another opening! Packing again for about 3 weeks.
All in all from the date of surgery to being fully healed it was a long 3 months. I was expecting 4 weeks max. Tips for healing from my experience Remove all hair around the wound until 1 month after it fully heals. Seriously every 2-3 days pluck hairs if you have to. Expect some set backs with your wound. If every thing goes well they say 4 weeks however the is best case. Best not to be surprised by wound breakdowns as they do happen.
Don’t get discouraged. It will heal at some stage. Just keep doing the right things Rest, packing, hair removal and good diet. It is the 20th of Apr 2011 as I write this and my wound is 100% healed. There is still a chance that it can reoccur <5% and I am still very aware about checking the wound for openings etc. but I am glad it is treated and over.
I would encourage anyone who has this to Get Surgery a.s.a.p. Find a surgeon who completes a lot of these op’s Plan for your packing/recovery period.