Don't ignore a bump

[busybee]

I spent the other morning in the emergency room with the worst pain I have ever experienced and found that I had a pilonidal cyst by my tailbone. I had the bump there for a week but thought it was due to a recent fall on my bum. I figured I had hurt my tailbone and it would go away eventually. The doctors had to drain it and even local anesthesia didn't cover the pain as they pressed down to get all the ickiness out. Don't self-diagnose and don't ignore - it hurts way more than it would have if I'd gone right away.

[Steven]

Very good advice. I remember when I first had the condition, I also went about a week before having the operation. During that time, the abscess got much larger and was really painful. I think the difference between us was that I did have it seen straight away and was on antibiotics, although they didn't seem to help at all. I can't imagine how you coped with only local anaesthetic. I asked my doctor prior to the operation whether he thought it would be local or general and he said if it isn't general, I should refuse to have it done! I think it's different in the USA though (I'm assuming that's where you're from).

[busybee]

It very well could be different in the UK, I don't know. I did not actually have surgery - the doctor lanced and drained the abscess and that's it. I'm not sure what the surgery entails as that possibility has not come up at this point and I hope it doesnt.

[Steven]

Ah okay, I'm not very familiar with the lancing technique so I just guessed it was surgery that you had. The surgery option isn't too bad and it often works, but I also hope it doesn't get to that stage.

[pgsahm]

Good advice. I hope that you have a full recovery and do not have to have surgery. Did your doctor give you an idea as to recovery time?

[busybee]

I dealt with two doctors in the emergency room and that's it. They gave me very little information at all and nothing at all about what comes after. I have a follow up visit scheduled with my regular doctor in the beginning of January and I expect to get more details then.

[SaltPepper]

Very true this condition can start as a bump and not a sinus well done for bringing attention to this!

[Alex]

Yeah, definately don't ignore a bump!

I noticed one in Feb 2003 and ignored it for ages. I had my first operation Easter 2004 and then another Christmas 2008 (different ones each time).

My latest op cleared up quite well...until now. The area around my scar has flared up again and I am currently taking the same old tablets (having been to the Doctor) and am hoping it clears up.

I'd be very interested to hear what other people had been prescribed...I have only ever been given Flucloxacillin.

All the best to everyone!

[Antmank]

yeah man iv had about 15 courses of Flucloxacillin and had my abcess fot nearly a year now iv jus come of a treatment called the V.A.C in 6 days i healed 4cm its only half a cm now

good luck wid ure pal

(26-06-2009 12:16 PM)Alex Wrote:  Yeah, definately don't ignore a bump!

I noticed one in Feb 2003 and ignored it for ages. I had my first operation Easter 2004 and then another Christmas 2008 (different ones each time).

My latest op cleared up quite well...until now. The area around my scar has flared up again and I am currently taking the same old tablets (having been to the Doctor) and am hoping it clears up.

I'd be very interested to hear what other people had been prescribed...I have only ever been given Flucloxacillin.

All the best to everyone!