At the ripe age of only 19 was my very first encounter with this cyst they termed "Bartholins". First treatment was antibiotics and we all know how good that does for bartholins abscesses right!! So with a round of ten days on them, swelling seemed to go down somewhat and I put it out of my mind hoping as long as it wasn't hurting it would pass. Three months later, upon awaking one morning there it be once again. Feeling very terrified this time of the obvious feeling I think every women feels when finding a lump.. cancer?!?!
Off I went to yet another doctor where it was lanced (cut and drained) and once again put with good ol' antibiotics. Again, good for about three months and it explodes again! This time very scared I decided to try outpatient emergency department at my local hospital.
There I was seen by a gynecologist who told me the only way to deal with this problem correctly was a procedure called Marsupialization. So I was scheduled for emergency surgery that very next morning. Any of you who have had this know the unpleasant feeling of the entire process but none the less I was glad to have thought it was over and done with.. the past was behind me.
No, not yet. Now after just turning 22, I awake with it yet once again. At this point I can only say frustration and disappointment were my exact emotions. So onto my family doctor I go.. keep in mind a different doctor once again. Where I was treated with good ol' antibiotics AGAIN!! After I explained what I had already been through I was told to take the pills and as long as it didn't get sore to leave it be (I found this treatment of choice to be quite funny). Not even a month later I awake a few days before christmas in agony! The bartholins cyst abscessed yet.. once again!
Off to the emergency department I went to see a gynecologist there. Different one from last time but he did assure me he would take care of this problem. It was lanced once again and I was booked to see him in his office one month later to book for surgery. With two days short of the appointment I land on the steps of the emergency department yet once again! Amazing I thought, "its just never going to leave me!" Which brings me to last night actually, I arrived there and seen the gynecologist who did my Marsupialization last time. I was informed that I was his very first failure of a Marsupialization in his 15-20 years experience.. how lucky am I right!!
Half hour later I find myself in the OR for a repeat surgery procedure. I spent over night at the hospial and arrived home today. I can only pray and hope that this is my last time dealing with this little persistant cyst of mine.. "Bartholin please leave me be!" I only hope its the last of it. I can surely sympathize with all you ladies on this site sharing your stories with it.. thank god I'm not the only one dealing with this. I find comfort knowing I'm not the only one and it makes it alot less scary for me facing it. Take care everyone~~