billt
02-15-2011, 10:16 PM
I have had a Sebaceous Cyst on my back for a while. About 3 weeks ago it started to get quite large and red. I went to my primary care doctor who said he couldn't drain or lance it because it was infected, so he sent me to a surgeon.
After the surgeon examined it last week Monday, (2/7/11), he said it would require surgery and scheduled it for 2/14/11, yesterday. By this time it was very large, painful, and draining. I would say it appeared to be about the size of half a golf ball under the skin.
He told me upon examination of it right before surgery he was going to have to remove the skin over it. The surgery was outpatient, and went well. Today I removed the dressing to change the bandage, AND I WAS IN TOTAL SHOCK AT WHAT I SAW! I have a hole in my back over 3/8" deep and over 2 full inches across! I cannot believe the amount of skin he removed! I was in no way prepared for this.
I cannot even imagine how long this is going to take to heal, or how large of a scar this is going to leave. I don't have an appointment with him for 2 weeks. I have to shower and return to work. I'm a machinist and do not work in the cleanest of environments. I can't see how this thing isn't going to get infected, it is HUGE!
He did not prescribe any antibiotics and mentioned something about a "wound vacuum". I investigated and found out my insurance does not cover any such machine, and it would cost over $100.00 a day out of pocket. They are also very cumbersome and bulky. This is not something I can afford, and even if I could I would not be able to wear at work. I work 12 hour shifts.
I don't even know how I am supposed to dress this huge wound? The drug stores sell nothing this size. Am I supposed to pack the hole with gauze? Should it be covered with plastic when I shower? This surgeon talked to my wife by phone after the surgery, but not to me. Very little information was exchanged. I can't imagine how this is going to heal because there is so much tissue missing. All I left the hospital with was a prescription for 40 Vicodin. Has anyone else ever experienced something like this? Any information would be helpful. I'm very worried about this. I never thought so much tissue would have to be removed. If posting a picture would help, I could do that. Thank you in advance, Bill T.
After the surgeon examined it last week Monday, (2/7/11), he said it would require surgery and scheduled it for 2/14/11, yesterday. By this time it was very large, painful, and draining. I would say it appeared to be about the size of half a golf ball under the skin.
He told me upon examination of it right before surgery he was going to have to remove the skin over it. The surgery was outpatient, and went well. Today I removed the dressing to change the bandage, AND I WAS IN TOTAL SHOCK AT WHAT I SAW! I have a hole in my back over 3/8" deep and over 2 full inches across! I cannot believe the amount of skin he removed! I was in no way prepared for this.
I cannot even imagine how long this is going to take to heal, or how large of a scar this is going to leave. I don't have an appointment with him for 2 weeks. I have to shower and return to work. I'm a machinist and do not work in the cleanest of environments. I can't see how this thing isn't going to get infected, it is HUGE!
He did not prescribe any antibiotics and mentioned something about a "wound vacuum". I investigated and found out my insurance does not cover any such machine, and it would cost over $100.00 a day out of pocket. They are also very cumbersome and bulky. This is not something I can afford, and even if I could I would not be able to wear at work. I work 12 hour shifts.
I don't even know how I am supposed to dress this huge wound? The drug stores sell nothing this size. Am I supposed to pack the hole with gauze? Should it be covered with plastic when I shower? This surgeon talked to my wife by phone after the surgery, but not to me. Very little information was exchanged. I can't imagine how this is going to heal because there is so much tissue missing. All I left the hospital with was a prescription for 40 Vicodin. Has anyone else ever experienced something like this? Any information would be helpful. I'm very worried about this. I never thought so much tissue would have to be removed. If posting a picture would help, I could do that. Thank you in advance, Bill T.