saddle "issue"

[dreadpirate]

Oh wow.

OK. so, will the doc just go in there and drain that puppy? there's no open sores, just a lump. An unfriendly lump. How is a sitzbath supposed to help a lump?

Could it be related to other issues I seem to be having (discharge, weight I can't shake)? Is it hormonal?

Gaa! I know I'm asking way too many questions...

[CycleTherapy]

I can only relay my experience. I went to my Ob/Gyn and he diagnosed the bartholin's cyst. We opted to do nothing unless it became a problem ie. painful or showed signs of infection/abcess. I had it for a REALLY long time. Last Dec. or so, without any new symptoms, I opted to have it drained. I was just tired of it being there and worrying what it would eventually do.

The draining procedure was no big deal, in-office and completed in just a few minutes. It did not require "numbing" or anything...there was an initial prick and then nothing. I did opt to have the fluid sent to the lab, just to make sure everything was a-okay.

I was very happy that I had it drained, it gave me back some "peace of mind". There is no guarantee that it will not return again, but so far so good.

If I were you, I'd just have it checked out to be certain that is what it is.

[dreadpirate]

Yes, I have a doc's appointment tomorrow to eliminate all scary things.

I think if that's what it is, I'm ready to have it drained myself. It's in an unfriendly spot, and it's not going away on its own.

I've tried a lot of things - new shorts help a little, chamois butter helps a little. Applying cold seems to help a little, heat does not. Long rides just bruise all the tissues around it. Not riding does not make it go away.

Thanks for sharing your experience with me. it's taken awhile for me to even talk about it, it's so weird and uh, personal.

[CycleTherapy]

Good for you for getting it checked out. I'd hate for you to use my experience as a diagnosis. And yes, I hear you, it is weird and personal and a bit scary. Anytime a lump appears where it once was not is concerning. I think you'll feel a ton better just getting the reassurance that all is okay. (not to mention, getting back on the saddle in comfort !).

[dreadpirate]

OK - so I just got back from the docs. i said, is this a bartholin's cyst? and he said why of course it is!

(is anyone surprised that I had to suggest it?)

So he's given me a scrip for antibiotics (in case there is an infection), and suggested sitzbaths. I'll go see an OB/GYN next week and see what they say too - probably everyone is going to be reluctant to drain it, since hole = wound = infection, bad.

Does anyone have a recommendation on a saddle I can try next - I currently ride a specialized Jett, but it's a tri bike (so I'm riding on the nose a lot - which could be the problem).

[CycleTherapy]

Hi Dreadpirate,

I've been checking on the thread to see if you would check in after your Dr. appointment.....I was glad to read that it was what you had suspected (the bartholin's cyst) and nothing more.

I'm not sure that I can help with any saddle advice....I ride a Terry Damselfly which has a cut-out. I can only say that the saddle has never aggravated the condition (bartholins's).

[dreadpirate]

Yeah, the Jett has a huge cutout - vast improvement from other saddles I have ridden, the lady parts are happier than they used to be.

The cyst, however, is to the side of the actual parts, and I suspect the poor gland gets blocked when I go aero. I'll pay more attention to this, but I think a padded nose may be in order.

The doc was unhelpful in this regard. He recommended a more upright riding position.