I just went to the ER with my first Pilonidal Cyst! Drainage was painful!

You actually had your first pilonidal abcess, not a “cyst.” Incorrectly labeling an abscess a “cyst” leads the non specialized surgeon to try to cut out the “cyst” when it again becomes inflamed, which it generally does. It is an abscess, a collection of pus under the tailbone skin, associated with tailbone-area pilonidal disease.  Getting the terminology right is your first step in self-advocating and owning your course with this tricky disease. While drainage can provide temporary relief, it does not always address the underlying condition. Recurrence is common, which is why evaluation by a provider experienced in pilonidal disease can make a significant difference in longterm outcome.