Is the Pain from this Cyst Normal?
Yesterday, I visited the hospital due to an intense pain and what appeared to be an infected blister located on my coccyx area (upper cleft). The attending physician diagnosed it as a pilonidal cyst, prescribed clarithromycin, and advised me to wait for four days before reassessing the situation. However, since that appointment, the discomfort has escalated to a level that is almost intolerable. I find it challenging to lie in any position other than on my right side, with any other movement inciting sharp pain. I have been relying on painkillers every two to three hours, which raises concerns regarding the possibility of exceeding the recommended dosage. Is this level of pain typical? It feels as though I am experiencing a stabbing sensation at the base of my spine with every slight adjustment in position, which has left me increasingly anxious. I am not sure I can manage this for several more days. Should I consider going to the emergency room and insist on having it drained?
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 12:40:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort from the pilonidal cyst, and your concerns are completely valid. Pain that intensifies and affects your daily activities can be distressing. While some discomfort is common with this type of cyst, the level of pain you're describing, especially if it feels intolerable and sharp, may indicate that further evaluation is necessary.
Explanation
A pilonidal cyst is an abnormal pocket of tissue that can become infected, leading to pain and swelling in the area. In many cases, cysts can cause discomfort but should improve with appropriate treatment. However, if the infection is severe, or if pressure is causing increased pain, interventions like drainage might be warranted.
Actionable Next Steps
-
Reassess Pain Levels: If the current pain interferes significantly with your ability to function or sleep, that is concerning.
-
Use Pain Medications Cautiously: Continue taking your pain medication but be mindful not to exceed the recommended dose. If you find that pain relief isn't sufficient, you may need to consult a healthcare professional sooner.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Watch for signs of systemic infection, such as fever, chills, or increased redness and swelling around the cyst.
-
Consider Emergency Care: If pain continues to escalate, or if you notice any of the above symptoms, visiting the emergency room is a justified step. It’s important to advocate for yourself; if you feel drainage might be necessary, communicate that clearly with the healthcare team.
-
Position Changes for Comfort: Keep lying on your side if that's the only comfortable position, and consider using soft padding to ease pressure on the affected area when you need to change positions.
Remember, your comfort and well-being are the priority. Don't hesitate to seek further medical attention if your pain persists or worsens.
Related Questions
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.
Challenges with Appetite and Discomfort While Eating — Difficulty in Gaining Weight
As an 18-year-old male, I find that I become satisfied after consuming rather minimal amounts of food. This situation presents a considerable challenge, particularly since I only need to have a standard breakfast, lunch, or dinner to feel completely satiated for the remainder of the day. My goal of increasing my weight has made this issue even more complicated. When I limit myself to one meal per day, I often face weight loss or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness that leaves me feeling sluggish. Opting for two meals makes me feel excessively bloated, distracting me from my daily responsibilities. Moreover, I suffer from an unusual issue with my throat, where almost any food I consume causes discomfort, as detailed in the list below. I have contemplated focusing on having just lunch while continuing my weightlifting regimen to maintain my current weight and gradually build muscle. What advice could you offer? Could there be an underlying cause for these symptoms? Lastly, would it be wise for me to consult a healthcare professional? Foods That Cause Discomfort: Bread, flour, pizza, fruits, sugary or starchy items, seed oils, chips, and essentially everything else. Foods That Are Tolerable: Rice, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Overall Symptoms Include: * Quick satiety after normal meals * Challenges in gaining weight * Bloated and lethargic sensations when consuming more than one meal * Persistent throat sensitivity to a wide variety of foods
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.