This is the blog for Matt Hollingsworth. I'm from Ojai, California. I've worked in comics for 22 years as a color artist.

This blog will largely be used to show my daily life as I live in Samobor, Croatia and as I travel around the region. Lots and lots of photos! Leave me a comment, will you?

All content on this blog is copyright 2013 Matthew Dale Hollingsworth and cannot be copied or used for any purpose without my consent.

Monday, June 18, 2007

So, I went to the doctor for the first time in Zagreb yesterday. My friend Danijela really helped me out with getting in without any troubles of any kind, which was really great.

For the last couple of months, I've had a ganglion cyst which was not going away and was causing some aching.

I went in and the doctor stuck a needle in and drained it. And now I can't use my hand for a few days. So, typing all left handed for now. Glad it's not serious!

Ganglion Cyst on WikiPedia

13 comments:

Declan Shalvey said...

Christ on a bike! There's only place i like to see any part of my body i like to see swelling, and it ain't my hand i can tell you that.


That ain't the same thing Esad cut out of his forehead is it?

Of course, it had to be your right hand. You gonna fall behind on work cuz of it? At least you got it sorted.

Take it sleasy,

Dec

Matt Hollingsworth said...

I think Esad had some kind of cyst, but this one is specific to the wrist. Yeah, I'll be behind with work.

Chip said...

I've had one for over 10 years. I can't find a doctor in LA to drain it - I guess draining the cyst isn't in vogue since it has a 50/50 chance of coming back. But I am sure not getting surgery...

Marie Javins said...

Chip should obviously go to Zagreb for that draining.

Matt Hollingsworth said...

Or, he could also do it himself. Just sanitize a needle and cut a hole, and drain. There you go.

Declan Shalvey said...

That's your answer to everything Matt.

Matt Hollingsworth said...

Yes. Yes it is.

Chip said...

How expensive are flights? I have to get rid of this thing! :P

Matt Hollingsworth said...

Not cheap. I paid around $1100 from LA, roundtrip with a layover in Germany.

Chip said...

Hmmm. Must find doctor here.

What was the type of doctor you saw? I went to a rheumatologist and orthopedic surgeon and both wouldn't do a poke and drain. They wanted to cut me. Argh.

Matt Hollingsworth said...

Uh, you should just be able to go to a general practitioner. I went to a local hospital where a friend works, but it's different here.

This shouldn't require a specialist or anything. It's a basic thing and is very common.

Life as we know it said...

Just discovered your blog and I’m really enjoying it.
I love to hear an American’s take on life in Croatia.

Anyway about your cyst. I had one years ago and had it drained too, hurt like hell but was fine in a few days.
But I’ve known people who have removed it themselves. Not by draining but have someone slam a huge book down on it. I’m not joking.

Matt Hollingsworth said...

Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it. I'm really behind with it, but hope to catch up soon. Loads more pictures to put up. Just been hectic with work.

Yes, people also told me here that people usually hit it with a book to get rid of it. And when you look it up, they say it's also called a Bible Bump because people would use a Bible to do this. But, this is no longer recommended. And, it was free to visit the doctor anyway. It's a lot better now. No recurrence so far!