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Step 1
CON: There is a reason for a coccyx. The tailbone acts as a shock absorbent and protects your sacrum.
PRO: The bones above your coccyx do not get aggravated unless you are slouching, or land hard on the ground.
MY EXPERIENCE: The removal of my coccyx has drastically improved my pain. No sitting position was comfortable before the surgery. Now I can find comfort spots. However, I do feel pain in my sacrum when slouching, or sitting too abruptly. Soft cushions also form to my body, pushing on and irritating that bone. -
Step 2
CON: There is the possibility of nerves being damaged when the tailbone is removed.
MY EXPERIENCE: I have muscle spasms that come and go down the back of my left leg due to nerve damage caused by the coccygectomy. -
Step 3
CON: Their is the possibility of infection at the surgical site. This is because of the site's closeness to the anus and colon.
PRO: With careful attention to your actions and wound, this can be prevented.
MY EXPERIENCE: I did not suffer from any infections when undergoing or recuperating from the coccygectomy. -
Step 4
CON: There have been complaints of individuals having a perineal hernia or coccygeal hernia resulting from the surgery.
PRO: Very few individuals suffer from either of these.
MY EXPERIENCE: I did not experience any type of hernia as a result of the coccygectomy. -
Step 5
CON: Another complication individuals experience is long-lasting pain at the surgical site.
PRO: Most individuals who complain of this say that it goes away within 1 year from the date of the coccygectomy.
MY EXPERIENCE: I was able to walk comfortably 2 weeks after the coccygectomy. I experienced no long-lasting pain from the surgery. -
Step 6
CON: Some individuals fail to feel any relieve from the pain they experienced prior to the coccygectomy.
PRO: If properly diagnosed by an experienced doctor, the chances of success increase.
MY EXPERIENCE: Although I still suffer from pain, the surgery was a success. The amount of pain I experience daily has greatly minimized from before the coccygectomy.
Comments
meganturner said
on 9/8/2009 You have every right to think you shouldn't live with that pain! GPs are usually incompetent when it comes to dealing with chronic pain. My GP did the same thing. GPs don't know what to do and so they feed off your depression and throw pills at you. Of course you're depressed; you're living in pain! The good news is that we know the pain came before the depression. Therefore, solving the depression, isn't going to solve the pain. (However, it is still wise to take depression pills if needed.)
If your tailbone is too long and is curving inward, I would HIGHLY recommend you see a Colorectal Surgeon ASAP. My tailbone was curving inward. My surgeon performed a coccygectomy. 80% of my pain is now gone.
When meeting with the surgeon, bring copies of the x-rays taken of your tailbone (you can pick these up at the center that took the x-rays). Furthermore, ask the doctor what type of spe...
chroberts0411 said
on 8/28/2009 For the last three years I've had terrible tailbone pain. After extensive testing, my GP finally x-rayed my tailbone, and it actually curves under (I think it is too long for my body)so far that I sit on it. I have major bladder problems, two c-sections. My GP gave me an anti-depressant and told me to live with the pain. That was in April. I'm not sure I can live with this pain. Please help!
meganturner said
on 8/27/2009 I did not have any numbing symptoms. This makes me wonder if there is something else wrong in addition to the tailbone being injured. My doctor was great! Perhaps you can call him and ask for a reference to a doctor in your state and talk to him a little about your symptoms. I have found that Doctors who rank with the great know their peers all over the nation. Doctors aren't usually willing to speak w/out an appointment; however, explain your situation, that you're out of state and lost as to what to do. Just be nice and persistent. I will be surprised if his office turns you away. He's been ranked best in WA for reasons beyond simply his knowledge. The office is professional, yet personable. They really want to help their clients.
Dr. Steven Medwell
Colorectal Surgery (formerly Proctology)
515 Minor Ave
Minor & James Medical Group PLL
Seattle, WA
206) 386-9500
515 Minor Ave, #20...
sfranks1492 said
on 8/27/2009 I am having serious tailbone pain since my gastric bypass. I'm one year post op and have lost 165lbs. I weight 140lbs now. The more weight I lose, the more pain I experience. I use pillows ans support to no avail. My tailbone area frequently goes numb and I fear the pain will continue to worse. I need some advise. Please help.