Dylan Conway Spent more than a year confined to his bed while fighting a debilitating illness.
A man found himself unable to move for over a year after being diagnosed with a painful condition that remains largely unknown to many.
Since the age of 19, Dylan Conway has undergone nine surgeries in an effort to combat his illness. His condition worsened to the point where he was bedridden for a staggering 14 months.
While serving as an infantry officer in the Australian Army, Dylan first began suffering from excruciating back pain, only to later discover that something was gravely wrong.
He recalled experiencing “immense pressure” in his lower spine, believing that after his initial surgery, he would heal and resume his military training.
However, things took a different turn. Dylan was diagnosed with pilonidal sinus disease—a condition that soon dominated his life.
The condition that Dylan has is more common in men than womenABC Science/YouTube
What Is Pilonidal Sinus Disease?
Pilonidal sinus disease (PNS) is a painful skin condition that occurs when loose hairs become embedded in the skin, typically near the tailbone. Over time, friction and pressure can cause these hairs to burrow into the skin, leading to infection, abscess formation, and chronic inflammation. If left untreated, it can result in severe pain, swelling, and even the need for surgical intervention.
“If you zoom in on a microscope with the hair, it looks similar to a screw. And eventually the friction from walking will end up embedding that hair follicle into your skin.”
Pilonidal sinus disease is known for its high recurrence rate, often necessitating multiple treatments. According to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 78% of individuals with this condition experience at least one relapse. Additionally, 19.2% endure two recurrences, while 2.6% suffer from three or more.
Unfortunately for Dylan, the condition wasn’t a one-time problem.
Throughout the years, he has gone through nine surgeries, with each recurrence forcing him to undergo yet another procedure.
As of 2022, Dylan had been operated on nine times
ABC Science/YouTube
Detailing his symptoms, Dylan explained: “Many people experience this without realizing what it is. They may feel tightness in their lower back or pain when sitting, but they don’t think to get it checked. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to an infection in the lower back.”
Following his first surgery, he awoke to discover that a “huge chunk of flesh” had been removed from his lower back.
Reflecting on the toll of undergoing multiple procedures, Dylan shared: “Each time I went in for another surgery, I had no idea what I’d wake up to or what I would see.”
“I went from being this really confident young man who was very confident in his body image to all of a sudden you can’t sit down, you can’t walk, I couldn’t socialise with my friends. I couldn’t see my family, couldn’t live life to be completely honest with you.”
Speaking in 2022, he looked back on his journey and shared how he’s now mentally prepared if another surgery becomes necessary.
“Most recently I have had the top of my butt completely cut off, and I have a large scar that runs from my lower back all the way down,” Dylan added.
“I’m uncaring about what it looks like, I’m just happy that I can get outside again and start walking and see my friends.”