Swollen Gland - Embarrassing Location

[catwoman]

Okay, so this is a little embarrassing to discuss. I have a swollen gland (actually, the doctor called it a "Bartholin's Gland Cyst") in the female nether region, if you know what I mean. First of all, I think I know how I got it (my hubby and I took advantage of a coupon and bought some of that Cottonelle aloe vera toilet paper - I think I had a bad reaction, which then caused a blocked pore, which then caused a cyst to form as my lymph nodes tried to fight the back-up of bacteria). For two months, the silly thing fluctuated between large and painful to almost healed. I thought it would go away on its own, but when it didn't, I went to the doctor. I'm now on antibiotics and a few other things, one of which was neosporin ointment, which caused an allergic reaction. POOF - the gland swelled back up.

Okay, now that I've told the back story, here's where I am today and what I'm searching: My allergic reaction is clearing up, but the gland is taking its sweet time clearing up. I was told to stop walking because it irritates and worsens the gland, which I've done. I was told to use a hot compress to help draw out the bacteria, which I'm doing. And I was told to flush the area with warm water, which I'm also doing. I've stopped doing aerobics, as well, in an effort to speed up the healing. But I can no longer use the Neosporin, (which was working great) due to the allergic reaction I had after two days of using it. I'm trying to find an alternative or home remedy to use but don't want to make things worse. I've thought about dabbing on a little olive oil a couple of times a day. Does anybody have any other suggestions? Has anybody else had to deal with this?

I'M NEVER USING T.P. WITH LOTION IN IT EVER AGAIN! x( This sucks!

 

[ejostling]

I used to get infected "ingrown hairs" in my bikini area that my OB-GYN would have to drain, and I'd have to take antibiotics and stuff. EEWW!! Real nasty stuff. So I kind of know what you are going though. Mine were caused by shaving, wrong kind of elastic in my undies and pantyhose. It can be really painful to have a "boo boo" down there, but my best advise is to wear thin undies that breathe, no large elastics. And be patient. It's going to take some time.

Sally

 

[nancy156]

I had to have surgery to correct this problem about 10 years ago. You think the cyst is painful? Try surgery. I chose to have it done outpatient but I did have the choice to stay. The doctor warned me it would be painful but I really thought I could handle it. I cried for three days straight.

Having said that, I'm really glad that I had it done. I had the same problem you're going through. It would come and go all of the time and when I had it.....well, you know. You're living with it.

I believe it's actually a lubicating gland that's located there and I thought I would have a problem in that area - if you know what I mean. I don't though so I guess that the other side took over, lol.

I also had a Pilonidal cyst removed. That's on your tailbone and flares in the exact same way making it hard to sit, lie down, bend over, etc. They say it's caused by excess spinal fluid looking for a place to "leak" from so there was no guarantee with that surgery. However, it seems to have been a success for me, thank God, because that also was extremely painful to live with and have surgery for.

I guess I'm prone to cysts although I haven't had any others. I would say I had my share.

Hope that helps. I don't know if I could actually bring myself to have surgery again but I'm really glad I did it, if that makes sense. It required something like 13 stitches in that very sensitive area so, well, you can imagine.

Nancy

 

[nancy156]

sorry...double post.

 

[ElaineP]

I also had a pilonidal cyst.
When it would flare up I would soak in a warm bath tub with a couple of cups of Epsom salt.

The epsom salt helped it drain and helped the inflamation go down.
I did eventually have to have the pilonidal cyst removed, but the epsom salt certainly helped me feel more comfortable.

Elaine