Cancelling laser treatment?
I could use some advice please...
Has anyone ever cancelled a scheduled procedure? And what was the reason for that? Did you regret it or was it a good thing to do?
I (F50, NL) have been suffering from... something for over 2.5 years now. It wasn't until two years later, when I went to a different hospital, that I was told it was a pilonidal sinus (this was at the end of November 2025), but I actually still have my doubts about that. It doesn't look anything like the photos I see online, it isn't on the midline (just next to it), and I never have pain.
Yes, the first time, when it opened by itself, but otherwise just some itching, a bruised feeling, and after a few days it opens up and is gone again for a while. Sometimes a few weeks, sometimes a few months.
Because I had 'trouble' with it three times in five weeks recently (probably due to stress, as it was fine for four months before that), I made an appointment for laser treatment, but I wonder if that is really a good choice. Laser treatment (and any other treatment) is intended to improve the quality of life, but it is not as if my quality of life is so poor right now. I'm a little 'bothered' by it now and then, but that's all.
It's never warm or red, just a bit swollen visible and a bump under the skin.
And I am actually afraid that laser treatment might do more harm than good, especially since I can always solve it myself (a gauze pad with drawing ointment for a few days and then it stays away for a while).
The appointment is now scheduled for three weeks from now, and I think I have been doubting for three weeks whether I should go ahead with it...
This doubt is partly due to the doctor at the first hospital as well. Between the consultation with doctor 1 (I had a large, painful lump under the skin, but not warm or red) and the treatment with doctor 2, the inflammation opened up and there was nothing left of it, apart from a tiny subcutaneous bump. I knew that, but when I contacted them they said I still needed to come to the hospital. When I was there, doctor 2 was very rude and said in an unpleasant tone that he wasn't going to cut into that.
The doctor who is going to perform the laser treatment now hasn't seen me yet either; I went for a consultation with another doctor.
Doctor 2 was very rude and said in an unpleasant tone that he wasn't going to cut into that (I already knew that, but I had to come anyway).
The doctor who is going to perform the laser treatment now hasn't seen me yet either; I went for a consultation with another doctor. So that plays a part in my doubts too, but it isn't the most important factor. My biggest concern is therefore that it might actually do more harm than good.
So yeah, what should I do? 🤔