Assistance with Pilonidal Sinus
In October 2023, I underwent surgery for a pilonidal sinus that I had been dealing with for an extended period. After the surgery, my wound was reopened ten days later due to concerns of infection. It took me nearly three months to recover sufficiently to sit comfortably. Shortly after, in late December, I relocated to another country for educational purposes. While studying abroad, I occasionally experienced some irritation and discomfort in the area, and there were moments when I noticed blood stains, but these issues typically resolved after bathing and cleaning the site. Now that I am back home for a vacation, I decided to visit the same doctor for a follow-up about a month ago. Upon inspection of the area, they informed me that the pilonidal sinus had reoccurred. I was advised to undergo an MRI, which revealed swelling, and the doctor recommended immediate surgery. However, I sought a second opinion from two additional specialists in this field. The first doctor examined me and affirmed that the area appeared clear. He suggested that maintaining proper hygiene would suffice, but upon reviewing the MRI results, he proposed performing laser treatment to address the swelling. The second specialist asked if I was experiencing any pain or additional symptoms. Since I reported that I wasn’t, he advised against surgery for the time being but recommended laser treatment if symptoms arose, suggesting I use a powder to help manage the area and consider weight loss. To err on the side of caution, I scheduled a laser hair removal session and have been cleaning the area every day. However, since the laser treatment, I've noticed some moisture in the area, which I’m uncertain whether is sweat or discharge. Today, I experienced a slight pinch in that area, even though it appears normal at a glance. With my return flight scheduled in less than a month, I’m unsure of what steps to take next! (P.S. I apologize for the lengthy explanation, but I'm feeling quite anxious and uncertain about what to do next.) (P.P.S. I’m currently a 19-year-old male weighing approximately 286 pounds.)
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 10:50:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience regarding your pilonidal sinus. It's understandable to feel anxious, especially after multiple recommendations and treatments. Here’s a structured response to your concerns:
Main Points:
- You have a history of pilonidal sinus issues, including a recent MRI showing swelling.
- You have received mixed recommendations regarding surgery and laser treatment.
- Current symptoms include moisture and occasional discomfort.
Explanation:
Pilonidal sinuses can be complicated, especially after previous surgeries. The recurrence or swelling you're experiencing could be due to a variety of factors, including inflammation or irritation in the area. Proper hygiene is crucial, but sometimes additional treatment options, like laser therapy, may help in managing the symptoms effectively.
Your comfort is essential, and while some specialists advise against immediate surgery, the presence of moisture and discomfort may indicate that further management is required. It’s wise to consider all of your options given the varying opinions from the specialists.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on the area for any changes. Note any increases in discomfort, swelling, moisture, or any signs of infection (like increased redness or pus).
-
Hygiene Practices: Continue your routine of gentle cleaning daily, using mild soap and water. After cleaning, allow the area to dry completely, and consider using a soft towel or hair dryer on a low setting to avoid excess moisture.
-
Use of Powder: If recommended, an absorbent powder can help keep the area dry and reduce friction. Ensure it’s suitable for sensitive skin.
-
Pain Management: If you experience discomfort or pain, over-the-counter pain relief (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can be used as needed, following the dosage instructions.
-
Follow-Up Appointments: If symptoms worsen or if you have concerns before your return flight, schedule a follow-up with a dermatologist or surgeon familiar with pilonidal issues. They might give you tailored advice regarding the laser treatment's effectiveness or the need for further interventions.
-
Avoid Triggers: Try to minimize activities that could irritate the area, such as prolonged sitting, tight clothing, or excessive sweating.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments: If weight loss is feasible, even minor reductions may exert less pressure in the area and potentially assist with recovery.
Reassurance:
It’s completely natural to feel concerned about your health, especially with the complexities of pilonidal sinuses. By managing your hygiene and monitoring symptoms, you are taking positive steps to address the situation. Remember to trust your instincts; if something feels off or worsens, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional advice.
Wishing you the best with your recovery and upcoming travel! If you have further questions or updates, feel free to share.
Related Questions
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!