Tmi ** Pilonidal Cyst/ Abcess **Please Help

STORMIEYES73 · 02-28-2005, 04:39 AM

Hi,
I have a pilonidal cyst or better yet a pilonidal abcess on my tailbone. It's left of the ahem..."crack". It showed up Saturday & has already doubled in size. I always thought it was a small pimple that never wanted to go away. I thought I had a boil twice before, but now I now it's the exact same space only worse. I want to go to the doctor, but my insurance ended since I've being unemployed since December 2004.
I was online seeking any kind of remedy that would help, looking for probiotics, vitamins, herbs, etc. Discovered from my online research that they are 4 types of boils. I have a pilonidal cyst which is really an abcess. I found this website: www.pilonidal.org. It's definitely not a hygiene problem; I have a wonderfully intimate relationship with soap and water. Wish more people did. Poor nutrition or an ingrown hair could be at fault.
If this does not rupture, drain, whatever soon, then I will have to go to the hospital. Do anybody know of any physicians, surgeons in Dallas, Tx area who have performed this type of removal? How much did it cost? Would insurance cover the cost of laser hair removal if ingrown hairs caused a pilonidal cyst or hidradenitis suppurativa? Thanks for listening and responding.
Ughhh, I don't even know what questions to ask. I'm in pain.

Pained in Dallas,
Linda S.

TiredofPCOS · 02-28-2005, 07:44 AM

there is this stuff at a drug store i found its drawing stuff. you put it on and it make the boil come to a head and break i would see if you can find it

Pamela · 02-28-2005, 09:58 AM

Sorry about your pilonidal cyst. I had one about 20 yrs ago and it's back now. I have to have surgery for it. The doc gave me a round of antibiotics that helped for a while. The thing with these is they generally have to open up the area and remove the cyst for it to go away. The first time I had it they did not remove the cyst, so now I have it back!! OUCH!!!
I can't help you about the hospital--sorry.
Good luck and keep us updated!!
Pam

STORMIEYES73 · 02-28-2005, 12:24 PM

Thanks for the speedy response.
I'm going to pray over it and soak in an epsom salt bath. Yesterday, I purchased vitamin c, enchinea and goldenseal root. Last week I seriously starting drinking lots of water * well lots compared to my usual water intake *, taking mulitvitamin, odorless garlic capsules, acidolphis( sp), grapeseed extract, and b compex capsules are a contributing factor. Maybe my body is detoxing some of the bad toxins and my skin is trying to expel all the harmful stuff???
I don't know; I'm rambling. Stayed up all night uncomfortable so I caught up on taped tv shows: Las Vegas, Csi Miami, Without a Trace, and live cnn headline news. Oh, and I watched the Oscars for the 1st time since the late 80's and read a book.
Restless and Can't Sleep,
Linda S.

Amink · 02-28-2005, 12:46 PM

my girlfriend had one last summer, she had it removed and was in some discomfort for about a week, she had a hard time sitting.

I don't know the financial end of it though.

good luck

STORMIEYES73 · 03-04-2005, 12:34 PM

Thank you for the reading and answering. I was trying to self- treat but it still hasn't came to a head. It's been almost 2 weeks. I don't have any insurance and are low on cash. I hope the doctor doesn't charge too much. If I can get a last minute appointment today. Please say a prayer.
Thanks,
Linda S.

Pamela · 03-04-2005, 12:46 PM

Self treating is a bit iffy for these things.
Good Luck and i will pray for you.
Pam

jojo24 · 03-04-2005, 01:04 PM

I have lived with pilonidal disease for 13 years now, my first big one was the worst.
It will burst on it's own...my first one took about 2 weeks, I can recommend you sitting on the loo and rocking yourself right forward and then back quickly(that sounds made but it works

). If you do this several times it will burst. Also sleeping on your side at night will help it on it's way as well as plenty of hot baths to soften the surface skin. (just dont do what I did the first time...get really annoyed with it and try and burst it with a needle!)

I warn you...when it bursts the smell alone will make you want to be sick! It is awful and if you are out in public when it happens the smell will linger! and it will soak through your clothes.
Move about as much as you can in the house and it will burst.

I can also tell you if you soap your butt crack it is probably why you have it. Any kind of interferance (sp?) in that area will grind in even the smallest of hairs/debri and that will make it flare up again. Just part your cheeks and flush with a shower head in the bath...dont rub or anything else. Make it the last thing you do before getting out of the bath/shower.

The best thing to use once it has burst, is plane old sterile Gauze. just fold it and slip it into place once it has burst, and change every few hours (maybe more often to begin with) It will eventualy clear up.

I have NEVER been treated for mine.... I am too embarrased, I just live with it, along with the one I get in my navel.

If you go to get treated for it, make sure your doctor knows what he is doing, as I have heard all sorts of stories about doctors trying to lance them and then stitch the hole up << big mistake!

That web site someone gave you above is very helpful check it out, I am a member but I havent been for a while.

Good luck, I do not envy you right now *(((((huggs)))))

Best wishes Jo
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Pamela · 03-04-2005, 01:17 PM

Jojo--That's what happened with my first one. They only lanced and drained it!!
Now, 20 yrs later, it's back.
Pam

jojo24 · 03-04-2005, 01:25 PM

Pamela
From what I understand thats fine...but you do run the risk of it coming back. You're lucky it has taken 20 years!

I think the way they treat it is by giving you surgery... they remove the pocket/pockets that are causing the flare up and then pack out the wound with gauze, which is changed daily until it begins to close on it own. Even then though, it is not guarenteed that it will have been cured, from what I understand it has no cure

although some people only ever get it once.

I find mine flares up if I sit on walls or cold metal benches for a prolonged period of time too.

I wouldnt use any kind of ointment or cream on it though, I have tried many and they only seem to make it worse.

(((Huggs))))
Jo
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STORMIEYES73 · 03-05-2005, 04:54 PM

Cysters Cysters,
Please pardon the rambling. I've only had 3 hours sleep, been awake since 3am cst. I must have shifted or something in my sleep and the pain woke me up. I tried to will it away, stick it with a needle, pressed against it, took a long soak with epsom salt and sundrenched berries bath foam. Then took a shower. Still pained and was red and growing bigger like a gremlin monster on my bum. Finally, I went back to googling for an answer. I then called a friend to take to the hospital's emergency room. I couldn't wait for next weeks appointment.
Long story continues ...with the doctor lanced, drained, packed with gauze, told me to start taking baths 3- 4 times a week, prescribed 500 mg levaquin and a painkiller, told me to return tomorrow to have the bandages changed, see a colon and rectory surgeon about having the pilonidal cyst exisied, removed because this is the 3rd time it has appeared, and something else. I don't recall everything right now. I'm out of sorts.

I told the doctor that I stopped the frequency of baths because of the negative effects of bubble baths. The doctor emphasized to take baths not bubble baths. I said just soap and water seems so blah. I want my berry bubble bath. She said my frequent showers still doesn't reap the benefits of a good bath, especially with my big butt. She said it in a nice way, especially since she said I kept clenching her fingers and tightening my buttocks and tensioning my whole body. I said I was sorry, but only soap and water goes back there and maybe I should be put to sleep for the lancing. The doctor disagreed. I drink alcoholic beverages about 6-7 times a year, but as I left the emergency room, I wanted a margarita. The medication cost $137. Thankfully and unexpectedly, a cousin who owes me money mailed $140 this week. God provided in due time. Thank you God. I don't know how much the emergency room visit will cost. I'm not going to worry about it. I'm going to enjoy a cup of hot tea, eat a good meal, take the medications, and have restorative sleep.
Okay, that's my drama. Pray that today and ensuing days proceed well and painlessly and that I don't embarrass anybody. God bless my friends. I pray that all is well with you and yours.
Trying to be well-behaved,
Linda S.

Juana Baby · 03-05-2005, 08:42 PM

Well, I had a pilonidal cyst. I have had it removed three times in the OR and twice in the office. What you have to remember with a pilonidal cyst is that it is not only a cyst, but is also has a sinus tract with it that needs to be cleaned and healed from the inside out. It is a very painful procedure afterwards, but let me tell you that after suffering with it for four years, yes, four years of stained panties, pain, and cysts, it is well worth having it taken care of properly. You can do a search here for pilonidal cysts.

Good luck to you - I truly understand your pain in the arse!

laural

Juana Baby · 03-05-2005, 08:44 PM

Polynoidal Cysts (prolly spelled wrong) but does anyone else have 'em???

STORMIEYES73 · 03-06-2005, 12:26 AM

Laural Laural,
Yes, you do feel my pain. Thank you for sharing. The link was very helpful. I'm so grateful and thankful that my Cysters will share their * tmi * :o experiences that benefit others. I expected maybe 1 or 2 replies of goodwill, but the fact that I'm not alone helps. I pray that this link helps others who may be too shy to ask. Anxiety caused my blood pressure to raise 18 points in the e.r. After tomorrow's e.r. visit, it will probably stablize back to normal. I'm tired. I need a personal massuese. Maybe one who looks like The Rock. A different type of blood pressure spike. The things I say in my head, but not in reality.
Double sigh....

Sweet dreams,
Linda S.

STORMIEYES73 · 03-07-2005, 03:59 PM

I returned to the e.r. yesterday. An intern changed the packing and then the doctor said that I had to change it 1- 2 times a day. Well, actually that a friend should change it or return to the e.r. daily for the next 5- 7 days until it closes. The packing should be removed and then sit in a bath for 15- 20 minutes. I showered twice since she lanced and drained the cyst. I don't want to return to the e.r. and I don't have anybody to change the packing. I don't think I can do it myself.
Is it just okay to firmly press the gauze to the opening? Lack of adequate food, sleep, pain, and anxiety increased the drowsy effect of the antibiotic and pain killer. I was at the e.r. for over 4 hours and only spent 35 minutes total with the doctor, nurses, checkin registration. I was exhausted. I turned off the phone and went to bed without showering, bathing. Just brushed my teeth. So not me. I love soap and water. I normally, would have taken several showers by now. I feel alien. UGHHHHHHhhhhhh.
Mama said they'll be days like this,
Linda S.