Inverted hair at coccyx (Pilonidal Sinus)

[STAH]

I have a hair that has grown back into my skin near my coccyx. I am having this treated on Tuesday with a general anaesthetic.

Has anyone had this operation done before - if so was it okay? Or, do you know of anyone who has had this treatment in the past?

I am a wee bit nervous, and could do with a bit of reassurance! (I know - I am a big wuss!!)

Thanks in advance!

[OBonio]

I''ve had this done.

It's a little bit sore for a while after. Especially as they have to repack the wound regularly (they fill it with something or other so the wound heals from the inside out... otherwise it would heal over the top leaving the sinus in place!).

The operation is no problem, it's the post op care that's the pain in the butt (excuse the pun).

It's worth it though! Not had any problems with it since.

[OBonio]

Actually, the only real pain I suffered with it was the first removal of the packing after the op. They packed the wound whilst I was still under and it was packed very tightly! Getting it out stung like a very stingy thing.

Might be worth asking the consultant not to pack it too tightly before you go under.

All the best. Only natural to be nervous, but you'll be fine!

[STAH]

Cheers Obonio. I am dreading it to be honesty with you pal!

I am hoping that they will not have to pack it and the wound will be stitched. However, if they DO need to pack the little sod then I will request that it is not done too tightly. I am also hoping that it will not be an overnight stay. (And you are able to drink alcohol with any medication they may give me as a follow up).

You're a star - thanks for your quick response!

[Goodsoulette]

The best way to get the packing out is sitting in the bath, comes out easier then, you poor soul. Keep going to get it regularly packed as otherwise if it doesnt heal properly you are prone to another. Until then lie on ur front xxx

[gucciman]

my workmate had the same thing in the same place as you. was very nasty, he was off work for 10 weeks. a nurse had to come and re-pack his wound every day, and he wasn't allowed to sit on it or do any physical exertion for 6 weeks

[OBonio]

Just to confirm my post op care for you.

I was signed off for 4 weeks immediately. The consultant said depending on how it healed, I could be off for longer. Luckily it healed well.

I was given a dose of morphine when I was under so the following 24 hours was ... umm.. weird. I needed supervising and to be driven home obviously.

I was also given cocodamol for the pain which you aren't supposed to drink on (that's what my girlfriend told me anyway.... ). I lost a stone in a month because of that! The cocodamol may stop you going to number 2 so some Lactulose might be an idea... also, I think I took Ibuprofen too for the pain, though only occasionally. The cocodamol was quite spacey...

For having the wound packed, I had visits everyday from a nurse for the first week. Then I was down the local surgery every morning except weekends. Luckily my girlfriend is a nurse so she done it when the surgery was closed. After a couple of weeks it went to every other day then less frequent until it was shallow enough to heal properly on its own. I was off work for 5 weeks in the end.

Again, don't worry too much but don't plan on any partying in the next month!

[STAH]

Thank you so very much for your words of advice and reassurance.

I will let you know how I get on when I have had the surgery completed. Obonio, you have been especially helpful with all this, if I knew you a pint or two would have your name on it!! :)

I am hoping that it will be stitched up as there is no infection there at all - it is not even red! Fingers crossed, and massive thanks to you all folks!

[STAH]

Hi there folks.

I had the surgery yesterday, and due to no infection and no abscess etc I was able to have the wound stitched up.

I feel great this morning, and it is such a relief that it is all done and dusted.

I have my stitches out the day I am due back at work - so I have the first few hours of the morning off - BONUS!!

Thanks for your advice. Was greatly received. If anyone is reading this who is about to have the op done - then there really is nothing to worry about.

Cheers guys!

Scott :)

[OBonio]

Glad it went well! Also glad you didn't have to go through the rigmarole I did.

I forgot to mention mine was very infected at the time of the operation which meant them carving a fair chunk of buttock out... I remember one of the nurses, upon seeing my wound, saying 'that's a big one'. I could only say thank you ;o)

[STAH]

Yeah, there was a couple of other people that were in having the same thing done - and they had to have an overnight stay due to infection.

Fortunately, mine had not got this stage, so I am counting my blessings! Just gotta take it easy now!

Cheers again, mate!