Perianal abscess

[jndt]

The nurse will do it everyday until it has healed. Thats the worst part - the pain was terrible. I was at university but my parents took me back home (100 miles away) and the district nurses there must have felt sorry for me and used a gel instead- not widely used as it was more expensive. The gel was great - I had to have a bath an hour before the nurse came to dissolve the gel and they squeezed more into the hole - didn't feel a thing. It was so much better - it might be worth asking about it - although I had it 21 years ago now!

[dippiedawnie]

We had to cancel our Disney cruise a few years ago as our son had the op 2 days before we flew. Took his wound 6 weeks to heal totally and to stop the packing. He was fine after about 2 weeks to be out and about. Interestingly the doctor said we could go if we wanted as the health centre on the ship would be able to pack the wound daily! That sounded a bit dodgy to me so we cancelled and the insurance paid out.

[soooexcited!]

The district nurse is the best person to ask once she sees the size of the wound. I've lost count how many of these painful dressings I've had to do in my career. Healing time sadly no two the same. Healing too quickly worries me because it's likely to have a problem later on with developing another one. Some heal in a couple of weeks some 2-3 months. Tell him to take pain killers before the nurse comes. I'm old school and a bit further down the dressing line a hot salt bath soak to clean and get the pack out before a new dressing is a good plan. The district nurse will tell you if and when that's a good idea. Dressings can be gel cavity rope or both. Here district nurses start off dking them and then hand over to the practice nurse. Top tip given to me by a pt get him to eat loads of pineapple it really helps with healing. Definitely no swimming in 4 weeks.

[Blue nose]

Originally Posted by soooexcited!

The district nurse is the best person to ask once she sees the size of the wound. I've lost count how many of these painful dressings I've had to do in my career. Healing time sadly no two the same. Healing too quickly worries me because it's likely to have a problem later on with developing another one. Some heal in a couple of weeks some 2-3 months. Tell him to take pain killers before the nurse comes. I'm old school and a bit further down the dressing line a hot salt bath soak to clean and get the pack out before a new dressing is a good plan. The district nurse will tell you if and when that's a good idea. Dressings can be gel cavity rope or both. Here district nurses start off dking them and then hand over to the practice nurse. Top tip given to me by a pt get him to eat loads of pineapple it really helps with healing. Definitely no swimming in 4 weeks.

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Thank you so much for the tips and to everyone who has replied.

He's had it packed today and the used 40... She said it was big ☹️

I think I've reached the decision to cancel, he wants me and kids to still go but I think I'd prefer to cancel and maybe try for a cancellation in August somewhere. We'll mention cancelling to kids next week and see how upset they get and take it from.

To add to it, he's pulled his back today trying to clean his teeth so can hardly walk and the antibiotics he's taking are definitely no alcohol - normally not an issue but Sunday is his 40th and we had a party planned at home.

As you can imagine he's feeling pretty low. Thanks again everyone.

[captain-codeye]

I had one the size of a large orange removed from the base of my spine, like another poster is was along time ago in my final year at uni.

It took 8 weeks of daily visits from the community nurse who changed the dressing and re packed it daily.

I was driving after about 5 weeks so I managed to get back to uni and the campus nurse changed dressings after that.

Again it all depends on the size of the hole, mine was huge so took along time.

[little_L]

My daughter had a pilonidal sinus 10 yrs ago and sadly, surgery to drain and then pack was unsuccessful, but shortly after she had a “Bascom Lift” which (touch wood) has done the trick.
You may find pilonidal.org forum helpful - lots of patient stories and tips, with a list of surgeons who specialise.
Good luck