Ischial hygroma. Help!

[JessCycling]

Hi all.

I’ve developed an ischial hygroma. There doesn’t seem to be much info on the web, but I’ve heard they’re challenging to treat. 
 

I’ve been off the bike for 2 months, and it has definitely reduced in size, but still there. 
 

I would really appreciate any feedback on other people’s experiences with return to cycling. I’m worried I’ll be off indefinitely, considering how long it has taken to recover. 

Any recommended bike fitters based in Joburg also appreciated. 

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

Was it diagnosed by a doctor? 

I developed a perianal abscess which was surgically drained. At the time it was a lump, it was there, but not problematic. It was deep within the tissue of my butt cheek. Unfortunately the surgeon didn’t explain the recovery goals and I ended up developing a fistula a few months later, and was booked into same-day emergency surgery by another surgeon. I spent 3 days in hospital. It was pretty serious. Recovery was approximately 6 weeks with a focus on keeping the wound open and draining as it healed from the inside out. 

This was despite bike fit and no feelings of issues while riding. Some people get them, some don’t. These days I do use ridiculous amounts of shammy cream though, and saddles that literally can’t contribute to pressure points like spiderweb and honeycomb saddles. I also give my cheeks a fairly regular poke and squeeze. I absolutely will not “leave it” for any period of time ever again. 

[JessCycling]

Hi there! I went to a sports doctor and it was diagnosed on ultrasound. That sounds awful, sorry to hear. 

[Brakepad]

Rest it when needed, get a saddle that fits and with as little pressure on that spot as possible and a bib that has a padding with support and not that soft, thick foam stuff. Took me 3 years to get sorted...