I'm having a cyst removed today

and I'm scared. I have never had stitches or been cut on at all. Are stitches that bad? The cyst is in a very bad location for me and let us just say that it is going to be hard for me to walk.

don't worry, just follow doctors orders and you will be fine.

it should be just fine. They numb it - that's the worst part mainly because you are so nervous. After that you shouldn't feel anything other than tugging. The stitches may itch as the healing progresses. They may tell you to take sponge baths for a few days, depending on number of stitches. It's a pain to wash hair by kitchen or bath faucet, but you can do it.

If they have already told you it is a cyst, not to worry it is something worse. May send it for testing anyway, but that is routine.

I am a cystic person - have had lots removed.

Think of those who don't.

It is totally shitty and I have to pay for this out of pocket because I don't have my $600 deductible paid.

Advice on dealing with pain:

Have some favorite soothing music ready to listen to.

Try not to react emotionally to the pain, if there is any. Stoicism is your friend in this instance.

If you do, we can commiserate. At least you can get stitches with your surgery..I had to keep the wound open after surgery to let it drain and heal from the inside-out.

I'll just come out and say it-my sebaceous cyst is right by my urethral opening and my clitoris. It has been growing and picking up nerves from the surrounding area, so it is very sensitive. Ugh. I am not looking forward to peeing for the next few days.

When the Air Force removed mine they stitched it closed. When it didn't heal 'right', they ripped it open and left it like yours.
That was 30 years ago...
I commiserate...

a bit sore, but thats what pain meds are for. ;) Hope you are soon up and about. Take care, Laura

I feel a lot better and I'm not as worried. Everyone here is so supportive! Thanks again.

I had one removed when it got infected. I was on a business trip when it got infected and started hurting like hell. Doc took one look at it and said to the nurse "prep the operating room."

I was scared to death. I'm a complete wuss. But the actual removal was pain-free. Unpleasant, but painless.

Mine was on my back -- not exactly as sensitive an area as what you're dealing with, but I still couldn't sit back in a chair for a while.

I got some killer pain meds out of the deal. Fortunately, they ran out before I could turn into Rush Limbaugh.

Bottom line -- you will be MUCH happier when it's gone. You'll wonder why you waited so long to have it removed.

I just don't know how I'm going to sit down without pain. Maybe I could buy one of those inflatable donuts that people with 'roids use.

It really is good stuff. And you deserve it. In my book enduring pain when you don't have to is not a virtue.

After a couple of pain free days courtesy of modern chemistry things should be healing nicely.

I don't have any advice on the donut things since I'm not built the same as you, but trust me on the opiates. Worth every penny.

There's a war on, and I'm sure he wants his ass covered. LOL! I just made myself laugh! :D

As stitches heal, they can be itchy... other than that, you should be ok.

My sister had a couple on her elbow. It took a while for them to heal because any time she bent her arm, the skin tugged. They were only a little sore.

If you put it under your pillow the Cyst Fairy will make sure that you are compensated.

Speedy recovery! Keep us up to date, and treat yourself to something nice if you can after the procedure- may I recommend ice cream or a nice CD?

Sorry, just kidding and you do have my sympathies. I had one removed when in Jr High and it sucked bad, but not as much as hving the damn thing. Painful. The removal was nearly instant relief. A little discomfort after the procedure, stitch removal is no big deal.

Good luck, it'll be better soon.