When I wrote about my experiences with my Bartholin's gland cysts and recurrent abscesses, I didn't think it would become the #1 search term that results in hits to my blog. I decided that in my blog I was going to write about my all of my illness experiences, which primarily focus on the twenty-something years I've had ulcerative colitis. It's only been within the past year that I've developed problems with my Bartholin's glands.
So what is the difference between a Bartholin's gland cyst and an abscess? A cyst is simply a clogged duct of the gland. If it becomes infected with bacteria it then is called an abscess.
This type of cyst or abscess occurs in about 2% of all women. So if you have one, count yourself lucky! What isn't common is for the problem to reoccur. It's important to seek treatment if the cyst or abscess returns. It could mean a serious underlying condition if the problem comes back. Also, causes seem to point toward having an undetected sexually transmitted disease. However, people who suffer from chronic inflammatory conditions are also prone to having this cyst.
I've had a lot of experience with the medical profession. I have a lifelong history as a patient, and I spent my undergraduate college career studying biology and pre-medicine so that I could become a physician. While health problems detoured my goal to become a doctor, I still hold interest in health issues, especially the patient-doctor relationship.
The best defense for any person with a health problem is to take the time to educate yourself. Find out all that you can regarding your ailment or condition. Don't depend on the doctor to do this. How can they when the health insurance companies demand that they spend no more than 10-15 minutes per patient? As the old saying goes, "Knowlegde is Power," and this is so true when you arm yourself with an understanding about what is happening to your body.
I've also found that a doctor will treat you differently (usually with more respect) if you convey to them that you have taken the time to educate yourself about your problem. They tend to no longer see you as being down on some low level. We all know that they have a God-complex, so if you can momentarily step up and communicate in a way they understand, you'll be ahead of the game. Even if you don't pronounce the words right, if you try, they will usually respond with a more helping attitude.
Next, don't be afraid to go to different doctors. If you're stuck with an HMO, there should be some provision to allow you to have a second opinion. I've been seen only once by a few different doctors and swore as I left their office "never again" because I just didn't care for their personality or way in which they related to me.
If you live near a major city, chances are the phonebook is filled with a variety of gynecologists. Try to avoid the ones who specialize in infertility or obstetrics. Their time and energy is focused on reproductive issues and you may find yourself not given much regard because you aren't there on a matter of fertility or childbirth. Sometimes a friend or friend of a friend is a good resource for finding a doctor. Sometimes you just have to take a chance and just call around to see who will see you the quickest.
On June 3rd my Bartholin's gland abscessed again. I went to the local emergency room to have it treated. The doctor fully admitted to me that he had little experience with Bartholin's gland abscesses and had not placed a Ward catheter during his career. However, he said he would try it if I felt it would help. I had some experience with this doctor before and felt that he may as well give it a try since doing nothing was not an option. He did a fairly good job, however, I did need to see my gynecologist as the abscess hadn't reduced in size within 48 hours of my ER visit. The ER doc hadn't quite gotten at the heart of the cyst, so she had to remove the catheter and replace it. This was not a fun experience!
The new catheter was placed today, and if all goes well, it will remain in place for six weeks. I was informed that if I had kept the catheter in for six weeks with the first abscess that the subsequent reoccurences I've been having would not have been. I'm hoping that I can endure the catheter for six weeks.
As promised, I took a picture to show the swelling and the Ward catheter.
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