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Pilonidal sinus

2456

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Ive been suffering on and off from this for about 2 years. The first time i didnt know what it was, thought i had done something to my back, went to GP, ended up in A+E, operation that evening, stayed in for 3 days, home and then had to attend the outpatients dressing clinic every morning for 8 weeks .

    It has flaired up on occasion, last Jan when i was in bed for 2 weeks, with broken ribs (now that was fun - NOT - couldnt lie on my back with the sinus or one of my sides with the ribs so was stuck lying one way, my hip was so sore afterwards) it burst again in June. Sept and now sunday, but i knew it was coming as the bump started to get big again,

    Ive been back to see the surgeon, he doesnt want to operate again as he said there is not a 100% guarantee that it will be sucessful and i could not handle another 8 weeks of dressing clinics,

    Ive just been treating it with anti-biotics and my mum has been dressing it for me! (im 24, quite embarrassing) id be lost without her. The area keeps getting sore on occasion and is really starting to get me down, its just so uncomfortable and embarrassing. I gave it every possible chance to heal properly the first time and it didnt work!

    Only found this board this evening! Nice(in a wierd way) to know there are other people who understand what they are like to have! Im sick of my boyfriends mother telling her friends that i have an ingrown hair in my ass and im a wierdo because its usually just hairy men that get it! (Just for the record the surgeon thinks mine was caused by an old injury and breakdown of scar tissue)
    Apologies for the rant! *hugs* for everyone out there recovering !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Hi all, i had my abcess about 7 years ago, which was treated with antibiotics and went away but left me with a few sinus'. So, 18 months ago i decided to get it operated on (excision/no stitches) i was left with a wound about 6cms in length and about 2.5cms deep. I carried on with trying to get it to heal for 16 months when i was accepted to have a Lumbar adipofascial turnover flap - mouthful, lol. This is basically when the original wound is re-excised, a 'flap' of skin from just above the crease of the bottom is taken then turned through 90 degrees, fills the wound and finally it is all sutured. Although i am told that it has a success rate much higher than ordinary excisions, i ended up with a heamotoma underneath the flap and had to have more surgery to remove it. The surgeon then sutured the excision she made and left a drain. Due to me 'fastening my laces one morning and tearing my sutures (DOH!) i am now waiting for the wound to heal on it's own. Ie dressing changes - basically i am in the same position as i was 18 months ago!! I was recently told by a surgeon that becuase my wound heals and breaks down that it could be a long road to full recovery, but he could not tell me why?? This disease really is most furiating!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,126 ✭✭✭✭calex71


    have this on and off over the last 6 or 7 years 28 now, originally went to doctor then to hospital on his referal, wouldnt operate , glad they didnt as it ranges from a minor annoyance to a real pain the in *** so bad it hurts to sit :mad: but from what ive read here i can cope with that for a few days once in a while compared to what ive read here.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Ive had an op done for this about 6 years ago. The couldnt find the in growing hair. So i still have trouble with it. If i sit for too long it really hurts, doesnt help when i work in an office. I find that keeping my weight under control really helps. Its in my family history:(


  • Registered Users Posts: 24 Mixomatosis


    Hi,

    I've been suffering this maladie for nearly 11 years now. It is painless for the most part, but once in a while it swells and the pain is quite unbearable. Strangely enough then, the swelling goes down and it will be painless for another few months... very strange one this.

    Thing is, I'm very loathe to go to a GP about this, as I have very bad memories of initially contracting the disease and the whole process involved in the operation, hospital stay, but moreso the healing period outside of the hospital. At that time I was visiting a GP (post op) who would clean up the wound with a caustic pen to burn the flesh that was growing out of proportion.

    I wonder if this is unusual? Has anyone else been treated like this for the same affliction? As a result of this I feel I will never develop the courage to have this problem addressed once and for all.

    I feel better about the situation after reading some of the other posts earlier in the thread, and can see that I am quite lucky as the pain I initially suffered is only at best 2 months of the year with some swelling and pain.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 200 ✭✭Neverwhere


    I had it once. An abcess on my lower back. I was 15 at the time and embarassed, so I left it for a couple weeks and never said anything. the pain was excruciating, I could barely walk or sit, I was just in constant pain.

    A family member noticed and finally took me to the doctor. I got rushed into hospital for surgery as my abcess was close to bursting. I was only waiting to be admitted for 20 minutes, but in that time the abcess burst and I almost died of blood poisoning.

    It's a simple surgery, so it shoudlnt be a problem.

    i had severe bleeding afterwards though, and was sick for a while.

    healing happens from the inside out. the wound is packed full and cleaned out every day for the first few weeks, and every other day after that.

    It can recur, but i've been fortunate and it has not happened yet.

    All I can say, is if you start to abcess get to the the doctor as soon as you can. I never knew I could die over something that seemed so small!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    hey,just got told i should have an operation to remove the tract etc. and that i would either be stitched or left open.i was already worried as i have a very active job(blocklayer)and really could not afford to take time off as i'm lucky to still have work in this field.

    now i read this and wonder if i would not be better off just trying to live with it?i'm also very active outside of work and the thought of no exercise for weeks(months?)afterwards seems worse than the pain!

    just wondering what your opinions on this choice are?(bit of history:infected about 3-4 years,cleared up with anti-biotics twice but came back worse both times.surgeon says it's a bad case and would be big area excised).


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 200 ✭✭Neverwhere


    have the surgery. like i said in my post, i almost died from mine. its not worth the risk


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 40 metoyou


    Definitly get the surgery, its not worth taking the risk.

    You could only end up in a and e with it otherwise, and if its coming back worse each time, you may aswel have the surgery. At least if it comes back, which is likely, it mightn't be as hard to deal with then.


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  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 616 ✭✭✭pearljamfan


    ive got this affliction too, its nasty. i was 6 weeks pregnant in 2006 i was advised to have the operation under general anesthetic but i refused and had local instead.and went home straight after! crazy!!.. i just remember the pain of having the wound packed, and they told me it wud re occur, which it has, its getting sore again, tho not like before so ive been putting off going back to the docs as i kinda resent having to pay them 60quid to tell me about it! my mum had the same thing in her boob and was given belladonna cream to use-its poisonous, i use it and it really works, but u cant get it over here, also looked on some american sites and it seems alot of people can manage living with it and use an iodine cream which draws out the badstuff. i find that it always flares up with my hormones or if im stressed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,084 ✭✭✭dubtom


    Wow,didn't realise this was an actual disease. I had an operation two weeks to remove one from between my cheeks.I was referred by my doc to a+e,they took me in an operated that night. I've been attending the dressing clinic daily every day.I asked the nurse today how much longer did she think and she said probably a month:eek:needless to say that was a shock.They say the wound is very clean and tbh I haven't had any pain at all since the surgery,maybe a little tenderness sometimes which I think is more to do with how the dressing is applied.Funny thing is,I had a sinus at the base of back for years,very much as several posters described,it would flare up,burst and die down, but I hadn't had that in years.The nurse spotted it when doing my dressing and said I had track marks, she had a surgeon have a look and I have an appointment when my dressings are finished. I have to say though,given a choice of another operation I would decline. I've been out of work now for three weeks and reading this thread has me worried.I drive a taxi so sit all day,I was planning on going back next week and seeing how I got on, but hearing the difficulties some people have had has scared me,I certainly don't want to aggrivate it. I have to say though I've been lucky and have to applaud the staff in James Hospital who have really looked after me,especially little ellen,who does my dressing every day,she's a gem.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 40 metoyou


    awww i had ellan too, shes a dote alright. had my surgery april last year, cleared up by end of june, a little too quick! but come middle of july, it had re-opened, so went back to surgeon and he recommended going to ellan, had her until middle august before my holiday, said id be back to see her, but didnt :S oops! lost track of time and didnt feel i had too!

    alls ok now, not completely healed STILL.. only slight tenderness when walking for too long. cant sit for long periods at a time, gets major uncomfortable. Am such a figiter now! have a chat with ellan and ask her if its worth while you going back to work. Ill bet she says no!! :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 31 50hertz


    I had one on the top of the cleft of my buttocks for years and I always thought it was a boil. After much procrastination I went to a doctor who referred me to Clane hospital. I had the surgery and was home the next day...I did have to dress the wound myself ( it was stitched). 3 weeks out of work and very awkward to sit or get comfartable at all. But I seem to be lucky as I have not had any symptoms since, this was 5 years ago.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 113 ✭✭stantheman8


    Have been suffering with PS for the past 12 months.
    Initially my doctor told me that I might get away with a course of anti-biotics.
    I tried that (as a preferable option to surgery). It cleared but came back again just before Christmas. I had surgery in January and the surgeon stitched the wound. I was told by my consultant that it was ok to go back to work (office job) 10 days later but when I did it was agonising, ended up getting infected and I needed to go back in for follow up surgery.
    It's now 4.5 months since the initial surgery and it still hasn't cleared up. Went back to consultant again last week and he wants to bring me in for more surgery. That would be 3 operations in less than 5 months ...and 3 general anaesthetics.
    I'm really loosing confidence in the surgeon now and am wondering if he didn't get to the source the first 2 times, will going back in a 3rd time really make a mess of it and increase my recovery time even more. Also references to this being a "pain in the arse" especially for "a hairy gorilla" like me haven't done much for my confidence.
    Have gone for a 2nd opinion who said that the excision wasn't wide enough ....2nd doc has put me on antibiotics and a cream which I'm hoping will clear.
    If this doesn't work I really don't know where to go next. If I do need to go for surgery again, I REALLY want to get it right this time. Is there a recognised leader/expert in this? I've read that repeated infections and breakdowns can lead to cancer later in life.

    Sorry for the long post. It's been great (although more than a little scary!) to read posters experiences here .... I thought I was an exceptional case.

    I'm pretty physically exhausted and it's starting to wear me down emotionally so I'd really appreciate any advice people have here.

    Thanks!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 40 metoyou


    woah i didnt know it could lead to cancer :eek: man thats scary... maybe thats something else.. i hope

    well from reading here and from what i was told before, during and after my surgery... stitching the wound after surgery is quite possibly the worst that can be done to it

    Stitching it heals it from outside in, which isnt ideal. if it heals alone, it does take alot more time obv, and depending on the size it can take longer. But it is the far better option when having this procedure because the wound heals from inside out itself with no help except from the packing keeping it clean. Tissue grows back thicker and this can help stop it happening again. dont hold me to that cause ive read that it can come back even after healing without stitching.

    id say keep looking around for opinions from docs or other surgeons.. but if your going for more surgery ask him not to stitch it. It will take some getting used to after the surgery.. as in how you can sit and lie etc.. you cant go back to work for AGES.. daily visits from health nurse is a pain but theyre nice enough and help as much as they can. Just keep looking around and see whats best for you.. Better to get rid of it proper than dealing with it for longer
    best of luck

    man that was long :P


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,487 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    I haven't got this myself (thank god) but there was someone on the program "Embarrassing Bodies" on Channel 4 recently who did. He'd had one not too successful operation, but the doctor he saw on the program recommended he first get the area treated by laser to remove as many hairs as possible and then go back for the op again. I've no idea how he fared long term, but short-term he seemed fairly happy. He was a bit of a "hairy gorilla" too IIRC.

    Might be worth looking into. If you're dark haired too, it's a bonus, as laser hair removal works best with dark hair.

    As for the cancer thing, any long-term chronic soft tissue inflammation if it goes on long enough (we're talking years really) can increase the chances of cancerous cells forming. A Pilonidal Sinus isn't unique in this regard.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6 mishno5


    My son had his operation last August, was in hospital for a couple of weeks. He had the hoover dressing fitted. The hole was so big the nurses told me that they could have put their fist in it and you could see bone.
    When he came home he had a portable hoover dressing fitted so he could walk around. A nurse had to come everyday to change the dressing. The vac dressing was taken off in November the nurse still came everyday to dress the wound. She came every day until January this year when only a small hole about a inche was left. I dress this everyday but it doesn't seem to be getting any better. We've seen the plastic surgeon again and he has said if it hasn't healed by August my son is looking at another operation to plug the hole.
    I do recommed anyone who is suffering with this condition, long term, to try the hoover dressings. So far they seemed to have worked for my son . Good luck to everyone who's suffering with this condition my heart goes out to you. xx


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    Like the rest of you i have just had this operation last week. Have had the condition on and off for eight yrs. first time i had antibiotics to treat it. When it flaired up a few weeks ago i thought it would pass. five days later i had to go to hosp as the pain was bad and no amount of neurofen was helpin me. Had the op on the monday morn after being admitted on the sun eve. All went well thankfully. Left the hosp on the tue afternoon. Need dressing changed everyday by public health nurse. Wound has been left open as they need to heal from the inside out. Il admit the first day they cleaned it was so sore. I nearly bit through the metal bars on the hosp bed. Everyday after that has been painless(honestly)hopin to go on to alternative days nxt week. Nurse said it was healing up well. Should be back to full health in a few months.

    I have been drinkin cubatan protein drink everyday as it aids in the regrowth of muscle and tissue in wounds. Tastes like crap but worth it if it heals the wound quicker. It is not the end of the world either. your mobility will be back in a few days( i was walking about two hrs after surgery)and you dont feel so bad about sitting on the couch all day doing nothing although no surfing, running or anything like that are out of the question for a few months is a pain in the ar............il leave that pun out for now.

    So to anyone in a similar situation i would say go get the surgery done if required and all will be better after a few months. Hope this helps folks

    A


  • Registered Users Posts: 69 ✭✭dah


    I have had surgery 3 times in the last 5 years and sinus is back again. Sinus back for past 5 months without too much pain until the last week.

    I am deliberating whether worth going for 4th surgery or just to bare the pain when it pops itself up. For anyone gone through surgery and the subsequent 4 weeks recuperation will understand that my mindset of whether worthwhile going through it again.

    If anyone has any successful stories of multiple surgeries would be spot on.

    Cheers


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,158 ✭✭✭frag420


    Like the rest of you i have just had this operation last week. Have had the condition on and off for eight yrs. first time i had antibiotics to treat it. When it flaired up a few weeks ago i thought it would pass. five days later i had to go to hosp as the pain was bad and no amount of neurofen was helpin me. Had the op on the monday morn after being admitted on the sun eve. All went well thankfully. Left the hosp on the tue afternoon. Need dressing changed everyday by public health nurse. Wound has been left open as they need to heal from the inside out. Il admit the first day they cleaned it was so sore. I nearly bit through the metal bars on the hosp bed. Everyday after that has been painless(honestly)hopin to go on to alternative days nxt week. Nurse said it was healing up well. Should be back to full health in a few months.

    I have been drinkin cubatan protein drink everyday as it aids in the regrowth of muscle and tissue in wounds. Tastes like crap but worth it if it heals the wound quicker. It is not the end of the world either. your mobility will be back in a few days( i was walking about two hrs after surgery)and you dont feel so bad about sitting on the couch all day doing nothing although no surfing, running or anything like that are out of the question for a few months is a pain in the ar............il leave that pun out for now.

    So to anyone in a similar situation i would say go get the surgery done if required and all will be better after a few months. Hope this helps folks

    A

    Update

    Just realised my last post above went in as unreg. Anyways its been four weeks since the op. No more daily dressings thankfully. Still cant get in the sea for another week but happy i had the surgery as all is good now. Have final check up with surgeon in two weeks but frm talking to the nurse it should b all ok as the surgeon in sligo htat did it(dr cauldwell) did a great job on me. Apparently i heal very well too. must be all the milk i drink.

    Frag (A)


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  • Registered Users Posts: 69 ✭✭dah


    frag420 wrote: »
    Update

    Just realised my last post above went in as unreg. Anyways its been four weeks since the op. No more daily dressings thankfully. Still cant get in the sea for another week but happy i had the surgery as all is good now. Have final check up with surgeon in two weeks but frm talking to the nurse it should b all ok as the surgeon in sligo htat did it(dr cauldwell) did a great job on me. Apparently i heal very well too. must be all the milk i drink.

    Frag (A)

    Great your making full recovery. Process from daily torment/ pain, to surgery, to boredom on hospital, to dressing changing is so hard to take. Its crazy amount of people who suffer from this sinus yet when you explain it to someone they dont realise what you have to go through. Looks like my condition is chronic, 3 surgeries and still an issue, ment to be 10% chance of reoccurence, 10% again and 10% again. Odds are clearly on a successful conclussion with yourself. Anyhow best of luck, enjoy the waves.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,892 ✭✭✭spank_inferno


    So for my 3rd time, my Pilonidal Sins has reared its ugly head again.

    First time I had the excised in Louglinstown hospital (st columchills)
    I dont think they did a great job and recovery took a long time.

    The 2nd time was 3.5 years ago, the waiting list was long enough that it was done in Marter Private through the National treatment purchase fund.

    This went much better and the care was far better and recovery was much quicker.

    My 3rd one has come with a thanksgiving trip to the in-laws in November on the horizon.

    So as I'm no expert on the health system. I'm wondering whats the quickets & cheapest way of getting it treated.?

    The pain is pretty intolerable and I cant even bend down(typing this standing up)


    Thanks guys!

    ** edit ** - I was speaking with beacon private and they priced the procedure at €1750 cash, so I'm wondering if this is a good price?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,048 ✭✭✭thehamo


    Its kind of bitter sweet that I found this forum really!

    I have had this problem for years now and its in the past couple of years that it has been, wel.... secreating. Like some have said already, mine flairs up for about 2 days and then goes away, this happens about 3 times every 5 or 6 months or so. I went to the doctor and told her I have this lump on my coxyx and that i could feel it when I lay down etc, but she told me it was something totally different and there was nothing I could do about it! The pain is fairly bareable for me though I have to say, its noticable and can be uncomfortable, but I can easily deal with it.

    Im just hoping I dont have to go through the operation. My sister had one of these a few years back and she was in agony for days with the thing. Thats the last thing I need to be honest, with neither the money or the time to recover! but at least I know what it is!


  • Registered Users Posts: 69 ✭✭dah


    I was speaking with beacon private and they priced the procedure at €1750 cash, so I'm wondering if this is a good price?

    Presume you don't have Healthcare with VHI/Quinn/ Hibernian then? €1750 on the basis of Bills I've had showing how much VHI paid for my Pilonidol Surgery *3 in Bons Private is relatively cheap, providing that the figure is all in on nights stay and procedure.
    thehamo wrote: »
    Im just hoping I dont have to go through the operation. My sister had one of these a few years back and she was in agony for days with the thing. Thats the last thing I need to be honest, with neither the money or the time to recover! but at least I know what it is!
    Surgery is recommended but as for myself and many others you could be in the 10% that this procedure doesn't work out. Waiting list is poxy going public thanks to the HSE but if you have healthcare not long at all but 3-4 weeks recovery time eats into money if you don't get paid for leave.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,770 ✭✭✭youngblood


    Sorry to hijack this thread but hoping some of you guys can help me.
    Male guy, late 20's, who has had this thing for the last 8/9 years. It flares up bad every now and again. Often I forget its there till I see the markings left on my boxers where there is pus/blood.
    Have been to the doctor twice for anti-biotics etc. The antibiotics usually work but it comes back again. Surgery was/has been mentioned. Thing is, it's constantly there, always weeping slightly, sometimes more, sometimes less andto be honest is very embarrassing especially when you want to get intimate with someone-Anyone else find this?

    Now, I'm wonndering should I go and see about the surgery finally (lot of good and bad stories here)
    -
    Where is best?
    Can anyone recommend any good clinics etc.

    If thats not allowed here, could you PM me.

    It really has started to get me down. I've thought about the laser option as something to do possibly before any surgery, but what Beautician is comfortable doing this sorta thing??

    Any help appreciated


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,316 ✭✭✭Reginald P. DuM


    Hello all,

    I have just noticed this thread and decided to add my experience of PL S in the hope of someone benefiting. While I don't claim to have the answer to this recurring problem I have it controlled to such a degree that I can banish the pain/lump within 24 hours of it appearing. I have only speed read through the posts so I am presuming I won't be the first to mention the word SALT, good old fashioned sodium chloride.

    I first experienced this terrible discomfort in my early 20's, and not knowing what it was headed straight for the GP. Like many others it was located just at the tailbone, left side. The hasp of the ass if you will. GP recommended surgery and becuase the pain was so bad I jumped at the chance to be rid of the problem. Had the procedure done, docs seemed happy that they had dealt with it. That made me happy too, life goes back to normal for 18 months or so, then it rears its ugly head again. So I jump through the same hoops again, back to the same GP, back to the same hospital, only this time under a different surgeon. He told me that the original surgeon hadnt gotten all the offending hair out and he'd fix it. Who was I to question this.

    He didn't fix it, it re-appeared about 2 years after the second op and I was damned if I was going through the same rigmarole again. I did a little research and it turns out the PL S hates salt. I have a shot glass I use for the purpose. Everytime I feel the onset of pain (twice yearly average) I put half teaspoon of salt into the glass, fill it up with warm water and stir it up. Press and hold the glass around the spot, hold for a minute or so. If it starts to sting and hurt more it means you are doing it right. No pain no gain. Repeat few times daily if necessary but generally once is enough. It works without fail in my experience, providing instant relief and within 24 hours you can sit on whatever the hell you like!

    TO anyone who hasnt used this method I urge you to take control of your problem and do it. You'll be as surprised as I was. The less time and money you donate to GP's and pharmacists the better I reckon. We'll never be rid of the problem but we can tackle it as best we can without their intervention. Never did a health professional mention this method to me in my dealings with them. It's cheap, fast and effective and IMO the best option open to us. Ask me if you have any concerns or report back if you try it.

    If this is old news sorry the thread was to large to read in detail.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    God, it seems to be becoming an epidemic. I thought I was alone. I developed one 3 years ago on the left cleft near the tailbone. In the days leading up I had been sitting a lot and putting pressure directly on that area so I assume that was a factor. It was pretty badly swollen but there was no pain at all. The doctor gave me a course of strong antibiotics and it seemed to disappear. It came back a few months later though and has been reoccurring on around a monthly basis since. The first few times I saw the doctor again but I just got more courses of antibiotics. Sometimes I would just leave it and it eventually burst and drained itself. One time when it didn't seem to be disappearing I saw the doctor who waited until it was ready to burst and lanced it. He suggested having surgery if it reoccurred but I read about the high rate of re-occurrence and decided since it wasn't painful there was no point inconveniencing myself. Still a major nuisance though.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 50 ✭✭the_cat_is_back


    Hello all,

    I have just noticed this thread and decided to add my experience of PL S in the hope of someone benefiting. While I don't claim to have the answer to this recurring problem I have it controlled to such a degree that I can banish the pain/lump within 24 hours of it appearing. I have only speed read through the posts so I am presuming I won't be the first to mention the word SALT, good old fashioned sodium chloride.

    I first experienced this terrible discomfort in my early 20's, and not knowing what it was headed straight for the GP. Like many others it was located just at the tailbone, left side. The hasp of the ass if you will. GP recommended surgery and becuase the pain was so bad I jumped at the chance to be rid of the problem. Had the procedure done, docs seemed happy that they had dealt with it. That made me happy too, life goes back to normal for 18 months or so, then it rears its ugly head again. So I jump through the same hoops again, back to the same GP, back to the same hospital, only this time under a different surgeon. He told me that the original surgeon hadnt gotten all the offending hair out and he'd fix it. Who was I to question this.

    He didn't fix it, it re-appeared about 2 years after the second op and I was damned if I was going through the same rigmarole again. I did a little research and it turns out the PL S hates salt. I have a shot glass I use for the purpose. Everytime I feel the onset of pain (twice yearly average) I put half teaspoon of salt into the glass, fill it up with warm water and stir it up. Press and hold the glass around the spot, hold for a minute or so. If it starts to sting and hurt more it means you are doing it right. No pain no gain. Repeat few times daily if necessary but generally once is enough. It works without fail in my experience, providing instant relief and within 24 hours you can sit on whatever the hell you like!

    TO anyone who hasnt used this method I urge you to take control of your problem and do it. You'll be as surprised as I was. The less time and money you donate to GP's and pharmacists the better I reckon. We'll never be rid of the problem but we can tackle it as best we can without their intervention. Never did a health professional mention this method to me in my dealings with them. It's cheap, fast and effective and IMO the best option open to us. Ask me if you have any concerns or report back if you try it.

    If this is old news sorry the thread was to large to read in detail.

    +1 on this

    What I do is have a bath once/twice a week with some salt in it (roughly a shot glass full). It's not painful and keeps the PS at bay!


  • Registered Users Posts: 3 oceanfree


    I was first diagnosed with this annoying, embarrassing little critter 15 years ago. I had about 4 ops in 4 years and it still came back. The surgeons took the decision to just remove all the tissue in the area and let my body start from scratch. Huge gaping wound for weeks was the result, but it worked. It didn't come back. Ten years free of the pilonidal sinus I was. I've had over a dozen other surgeries for perianal abcess and am being treated for hidradenitis suppurativa as well. But the pilonidal was gone. Today I was told it is back and I will need the op again. So sick that I'm back at the start again. I'm hoping that if they repeat the procedure they did in 1999 that I'll be free of it for another ten years. Nothing anybody can do, just needed to rant!!! Thanks.:mad:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,260 ✭✭✭Mink


    I'm due to get surgery on this at the end of December. I think the consultant said something about the channel/sinus being about an inch long.

    I'm told it has to be done under general & I'm going in at 7.45am.
    Is this a reasonably short thing, will I be discharged within a few hours? I've never been to hospital apart from when I was born so I'm not clued into these things.

    Is it very painful afterwards to sit or lie on your back?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,316 ✭✭✭Reginald P. DuM


    Mink wrote: »
    I'm due to get surgery on this at the end of December. I think the consultant said something about the channel/sinus being about an inch long.

    I'm told it has to be done under general & I'm going in at 7.45am.
    Is this a reasonably short thing, will I be discharged within a few hours? I've never been to hospital apart from when I was born so I'm not clued into these things.

    Is it very painful afterwards to sit or lie on your back?


    Yo Mink, I'm sure if ya have read the thread you'll be aware that many people affected by this have undergone multiple surgeries. Make sure you find out if this will be conclusive, in so far as they can say. Personally I had two ops, and neither of them did the job long term. Yes the immediate pain was dealt with but it came back again numerous times since. Now I don't even bother with medical types when it comes back I just dose it with warm water and salt.

    I think I spent 2 nights in hospital after each time under the knife. The have to pack and dress the wound daily so ya won't be getting out on the day of the op I'd imagine. The pain is pretty intense I won't lie. I found when they were packing the wound it was the worst, searing pain would be a good word to describe it. Unpleasant another!!! Make sure you get lots of painlkillers, I spent a lot of the time after the op out of my head but it's the only way to go I reckon. You'll be spending all of the time on your side too, moving about is not really an option. Best of luck.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,260 ✭✭✭Mink


    Thanks for that. My brother-in-law had it done 9yrs ago & hasn't come back so I'm hoping I'll be lucky like him.

    I wish I wasn't booked in so close to Christmas, they seemed to think I'd be out the same day. I better make sure I have all my shopping & cleaning done before the op as I have a load of family arriving 2 days later.

    If you don't mind me asking, prior to you going in for these ops, was your PS quite bad - ie; were the tunnels longer than an inch?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,316 ✭✭✭Reginald P. DuM


    Mink wrote: »
    Thanks for that. My brother-in-law had it done 9yrs ago & hasn't come back so I'm hoping I'll be lucky like him.

    I wish I wasn't booked in so close to Christmas, they seemed to think I'd be out the same day. I better make sure I have all my shopping & cleaning done before the op as I have a load of family arriving 2 days later.

    If you don't mind me asking, prior to you going in for these ops, was your PS quite bad - ie; were the tunnels longer than an inch?

    No I had quite a small one now, just at the top of the ass crack, on the bone. Not sure of the size details but to be honest but not near the inch mark thankfully. It was ten years ago when I had the first op, about 2 later then when I went for the second. So a lot could have changed in terms of surgical procedures and recovery times so you may well get out the same day. I didn't.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,260 ✭✭✭Mink


    Well I'll see how I get on. Thanks!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34,298 ✭✭✭✭Penn


    Hello all,

    I have just noticed this thread and decided to add my experience of PL S in the hope of someone benefiting. While I don't claim to have the answer to this recurring problem I have it controlled to such a degree that I can banish the pain/lump within 24 hours of it appearing. I have only speed read through the posts so I am presuming I won't be the first to mention the word SALT, good old fashioned sodium chloride.

    I first experienced this terrible discomfort in my early 20's, and not knowing what it was headed straight for the GP. Like many others it was located just at the tailbone, left side. The hasp of the ass if you will. GP recommended surgery and becuase the pain was so bad I jumped at the chance to be rid of the problem. Had the procedure done, docs seemed happy that they had dealt with it. That made me happy too, life goes back to normal for 18 months or so, then it rears its ugly head again. So I jump through the same hoops again, back to the same GP, back to the same hospital, only this time under a different surgeon. He told me that the original surgeon hadnt gotten all the offending hair out and he'd fix it. Who was I to question this.

    He didn't fix it, it re-appeared about 2 years after the second op and I was damned if I was going through the same rigmarole again. I did a little research and it turns out the PL S hates salt. I have a shot glass I use for the purpose. Everytime I feel the onset of pain (twice yearly average) I put half teaspoon of salt into the glass, fill it up with warm water and stir it up. Press and hold the glass around the spot, hold for a minute or so. If it starts to sting and hurt more it means you are doing it right. No pain no gain. Repeat few times daily if necessary but generally once is enough. It works without fail in my experience, providing instant relief and within 24 hours you can sit on whatever the hell you like!

    TO anyone who hasnt used this method I urge you to take control of your problem and do it. You'll be as surprised as I was. The less time and money you donate to GP's and pharmacists the better I reckon. We'll never be rid of the problem but we can tackle it as best we can without their intervention. Never did a health professional mention this method to me in my dealings with them. It's cheap, fast and effective and IMO the best option open to us. Ask me if you have any concerns or report back if you try it.

    If this is old news sorry the thread was to large to read in detail.

    Damn, wish I read this earlier. Had another case of it 2 weeks ago. Wasn't actually as painful as other times, and it burst before it got too bad. Thats the last 3 that have burst. I'll definitely try your way next time it starts up


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,316 ✭✭✭Reginald P. DuM


    Damn, wish I read this earlier. Had another case of it 2 weeks ago. Wasn't actually as painful as other times, and it burst before it got too bad. Thats the last 3 that have burst. I'll definitely try your way next time it starts up

    Do Paddy, give it a whirl. I was skeptical when I first tried it but was amazed how quickly it retreated. It's like the sinus is a snake and the salt a mongoose! Makes a big difference to your attitude when it works. It's controllable ya know.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1 KKilleen


    Just joining in on this one - I had the procedure carried out in May 2007 in St Michael's DunLaoghaire but was booked in through a consultant and was in and out on the same day - horrific recovery procedure though - daily visits for dressings as the wound is left open


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,260 ✭✭✭Mink


    I really hope I the wound stitched up rather than left open. I know there is a higher recurrence rate with stitching it up but I'd be willing to give it a go so faster healing time.

    Most of the stories here seem to be where it's left open. Anyone have it stitched up? What state was it in before the op?

    If I'm going in for 7.45am, when can I expect to be waking up from the General & then heading home?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 56 ✭✭Skittlers


    Mink wrote: »
    I really hope I the wound stitched up rather than left open. I know there is a higher recurrence rate with stitching it up but I'd be willing to give it a go so faster healing time.

    Most of the stories here seem to be where it's left open. Anyone have it stitched up? What state was it in before the op?

    If I'm going in for 7.45am, when can I expect to be waking up from the General & then heading home?


    Hi mink.i had it done january 08 i had it stitched up after op.Spent 1 night in hospital after op.
    If i were u i would ask if they would defer op till january because u will be very sore an uncomfortable after op and would spoil ur xmas.
    As u said u have family comming round 2days after i dont think u will be in best mood to be in xmas spirit..
    Sitting down is goin to be very unconfortable u will have to lay down sideways so that means taking over sofa or laying on the bed..
    Sorry but i have to be honest with u its best u know whats ahead of u.
    Skittlers.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,260 ✭✭✭Mink


    Thanks Skittlers... oh dear, is all I can say!

    I don't have much of a choice as the consultant put it down as urgent 1-4 weeks & the 21st will be just over 4 weeks since he wrote that. Also I can't afford to take a week off work so I'm sort of forced to do it over xmas/new years break.

    I'll just expect & prepare for the worst & maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 56 ✭✭Skittlers


    Mink wrote: »
    Thanks Skittlers... oh dear, is all I can say!

    I don't have much of a choice as the consultant put it down as urgent 1-4 weeks & the 21st will be just over 4 weeks since he wrote that. Also I can't afford to take a week off work so I'm sort of forced to do it over xmas/new years break.

    I'll just expect & prepare for the worst & maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones.



    Hope you ar one of the lucky ones..Hope you are a quick healer even if
    it is Stitch up after op..I live on out skirts of town and had to drive my
    car a few days after op it was very sore and very uncomfortable i used
    a pillow but nures sugested a plastic ring that kids use in swimming pool
    but i stuck with pillow..Dont drive if you dont have to..You will need
    regular dressings at 1st after op so that might be difficult over xmas so
    make sure you have that arranged before op..Hope that helps some bit more..


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 56 ✭✭Skittlers


    Mink wrote: »
    Thanks Skittlers... oh dear, is all I can say!

    I don't have much of a choice as the consultant put it down as urgent 1-4 weeks & the 21st will be just over 4 weeks since he wrote that. Also I can't afford to take a week off work so I'm sort of forced to do it over xmas/new years break.

    I'll just expect & prepare for the worst & maybe I'll be one of the lucky ones.




    Mink im just wondering if you had opperation.??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,260 ✭✭✭Mink


    No they postponed it to the 11th. They had actually changed my date to earlier than 21st but decided not to let me know. I got a call one morning in work & they were wondering why I hadn't shown up!
    I'm actually glad it's for after Christmas so I can enjoy the festivities pain free.

    Will post what happens when I get home & anaesthetic wears off :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 56 ✭✭Skittlers


    Mink wrote: »
    No they postponed it to the 11th. They had actually changed my date to earlier than 21st but decided not to let me know. I got a call one morning in work & they were wondering why I hadn't shown up!
    I'm actually glad it's for after Christmas so I can enjoy the festivities pain free.

    Will post what happens when I get home & anaesthetic wears off :D


    It was probly for the best..Have a good xmas and build yourself up for
    when you go in..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,217 ✭✭✭pookie82


    Mink wrote: »
    I really hope I the wound stitched up rather than left open. I know there is a higher recurrence rate with stitching it up but I'd be willing to give it a go so faster healing time.

    Most of the stories here seem to be where it's left open. Anyone have it stitched up? What state was it in before the op?

    If I'm going in for 7.45am, when can I expect to be waking up from the General & then heading home?

    Hey Mink,

    I had mine operated on 5 times before it went on its merry way. Have a lot of scar tissue left and the skin on this is pretty irritated at times but couldn't give a damn as long as it never comes back. Mine was apparently four inches deep and about six inches long. I was stitched, stitched, left open, left open and then in the end the wound was so deep they stitched it up layer by layer. My surgeon said it was the worst case he had ever seen and tried everything he could with it - the last one worked.

    The pain will be pretty bad afterwards but not much worse than the agonising pain of having it in the first place and in many cases you will only need one surgery, so it's easier to deal with the excruciating agony of the problem if you feel you'll soon be rid of it. Plus they dose you up on pain killers.

    Stitching leads to a much quicker recovery - as you have probably guessed, leaving the wound open requires daily dressings and a much longer healing period. I really hope it goes well for you and that you're rid of it after this! Do let us know how you're doing :)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,260 ✭✭✭Mink


    Thanks Pookie.
    I just confirmed with the hospital & still going ahead for Monday morning.

    Luckily I'm not in any pain & haven't had a flare up since Oct/Nov. Even when it did flare up, it never got bad, just hurt if leaned on it (ie; sit ups or lying on my back). It's just a mark now, no bump. So I'm hoping it's not too deep & wide so it will heal a bit faster.

    I'm going for getting back to work by the end of that week but we'll see how it goes. I don't think I'd be able to go back if it's an open wound.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,316 ✭✭✭Reginald P. DuM


    Hope it all goes well for you on Monday Mink.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,260 ✭✭✭Mink


    Well, turns out it's healed & I don't need the surgery. I only wish I knew that beforehand. I've stocked the fridge & arranged everything to be home. Been in hospital since 7.45, got all prepped for surgery, just waiting to be wheeled in at 11.30 & the consultant checked it & said it's probably better not to operate as could cause more problems. He said he's seen it where it healed & never came back again. The little sinus hole is closed up & there doesn't seem to be any infection.

    Well although annoyed at only finding that out after all the rigmarol, I'm glad I was so lucky. I hope this luck rubs off on others on this thread & they heal up too without having to go through surgery!

    Thanks to all for the support & keep your fingers crossed it doesn't actually come back. If it does, I'll let you know.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,316 ✭✭✭Reginald P. DuM


    Jebus that'd annoy me now, all the messing with scheduling and preparation, mentally and otherwise for nowt. I suppose its logical that they would not touch it if you have been having no discomfort of late, let sleeping sinuses lie so to speak.

    On the plus side, life can resume to normal now without having to go through the painful recovery procedure. All you can hope for is that it doesn't return, as you say. In my experience the surgeons are only guessing at best however. He just might be right this time. Alas not to be sounding overly negative, but rather realistic, I wouldn't bet against it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,260 ✭✭✭Mink


    I'm definitely not ruling out having to get it done in future, especially as the sinus is still there & could get filled up again. At least it will be somewhat fasttracked as he said they'd put me straight in for surgery if comes back.

    I think the other thing on my side is that when I had it, I was able to burst it out, as in it formed a head. So I was able to drain it myself a bit. I remember the last time I drained it I did the trick mentioned somewhere above of getting a shot glass with dissolved rock salt & boiled (& cooled) water & then putting it over the area.

    I think that helped in drawing out anything else & disinfecting it safely.

    It was a nightmare yesterday trying to get home from the hospital (no car with me obviously) & then having to wash & dry all my work clothes last night to get back to work today!


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