Understanding Pilonidal Cysts
Greetings, I am a 35-year-old woman who generally enjoys good health and has not previously encountered this type of issue. At the end of May, I visited the hospital due to severe pain and noticeable swelling. It was during this visit that I was diagnosed with a pilonidal cyst. A physician performed a drainage procedure, packed the area, and prescribed antibiotics. Two days later, I returned to have the packing removed. After cleaning the site, I believed it had healed over the following weeks. However, by late June, I noticed a fluid discharge that appeared to be pus. Although I’m not experiencing any pain, I have observed pus along with occasional slight bleeding. I have scheduled an appointment with a general surgeon this week and am curious about what to expect during the consultation. Will the doctor likely drain the cyst again? Is there a possibility that surgery may be necessary?
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 11:40:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some lingering issues with your pilonidal cyst following your initial treatment. It's understandable to be concerned about the fluid discharge and what steps may come next during your upcoming consultation.
Main Points:
- Pilonidal Cyst Recurrence: It’s common for pilonidal cysts to recur or not heal completely after an initial treatment.
- Consultation Expectations: During your appointment, the surgeon will assess the area, discuss your symptoms, and determine the best course of action.
- Potential Treatments: This may include another drainage procedure or possibly surgery, depending on the cyst's characteristics and any signs of infection.
Explanation:
Pilonidal cysts often occur near the tailbone and can refill with fluid after drainage, especially if they become infected or if there's remaining tissue that hasn't healed properly. The presence of pus and slight bleeding suggests that there may be an ongoing infection or that the cyst has not completely healed, which is why you're experiencing these symptoms.
During your consultation with the general surgeon, expect them to:
- Examine the site: The doctor will check the cyst, noting its size and any signs of infection.
- Discuss your symptoms: Be prepared to talk about how long you’ve noticed the discharge, any changes in pain levels, and your general health since the first treatment.
- Plan further treatment: Depending on the examination, they may recommend:
- Drainage again: If the cyst is full or infected, drainage might be necessary.
- Surgery: In some cases, especially if it’s a recurring issue, a more extensive surgical procedure to remove the cyst entirely might be recommended.
Next Steps:
- Prepare for Your Appointment: Write down your symptoms, including when you first noticed the pus and any other changes, to share with your doctor.
- Keep the Area Clean: Maintain good hygiene around the area. Gentle washing with mild soap and water can help prevent further irritation or infection.
- Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes like increased swelling, pain, or fever, and be ready to discuss these during your appointment.
It's good that you have already scheduled a consultation, as professional evaluation is important for this condition. You’re taking the right steps by seeking to understand what could happen next, and I hope you find relief soon. Let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification!
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
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!
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?