Pilonidal Cyst Archives

Pilonidal wound splitting

Dr. Stoll,

I have read the posts on pilonidal cysts and have not found an answer to wound splitting. I had my first surgery during Christmas break in December 1999, when I was 19 years old. I went back to college, where I sat in a classroom for hours and never used a donut (advised to only use it for two weeks). I was only told to keep the 3"x3"x3" wound clean and it would heal properly. Of course it didn't. When I returned home in May, I went in for a follow-up and the surgeon said that since it had not healed properly (still completely open and rather deep) he would do another surgery (even though there was not another cyst). He created an even larger hole for my body to heal (he told me that if it didn't heal within 3 months to go back for another surgery because I could develop cancer!). After doing some research, I did the best I could with wound dressing, sitz baths, etc. My wound almost completely healed within a year, with a small hole at the top (about the size of the tip of a pinky). The hole never fully closed and would bleed in conjunction with my period from time to time (I figured due to the pain killers I would take for cramps). I spoke to my DO about this in December 2004 and he said that I should see a surgeon (I passed on the advice). In February 2005 I noticed it finally closed and felt I could put this all behind me.

So a few weeks ago I went on vacation with my husband and 2 year old and decided to wear thongs during my trip. When we got home we had to finish a remodeling project we began before the trip and I was painting baseboards on the hardwood floor in my house for 10 hours a day for 2 days straight. Apparently, I am not as invincible as I thought, as my wound has now split open (the part that took forever to close). It is bleeding and leaking. Walking at first felt like rubbing sandpaper on my wound and has now become excruiatingly painful. My donut is my best friend right now. So, what should my next step be in terms of self-healing and seeing physicians? I already know what my DO will say (he never saw it and wanted me to see a surgeon). I'm terrified of going through the process again (I'm a stay at home mom, so taking time off of work is not an option, plus it took years to get the weight off that I gained from having limited physical ability). I do plan to see my DO this week anyways, but I would love to go into the appointment armed with some knowledge of what to do at this point of my healing process. I realize how many people you have helped through this forum and greatly appreciate your advice.

Thank you,
Holly

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