In our “Ask KidneyStoners.org” section, we field questions from stone formers or their family members. See previous questions and answers here.
January 13, 2012.
Question about residual pain after passing a stone from a stone former in England, UK:
” I am 61 years old and have never had a kidney stone before last Saturday (almost 1 week ago). I was hit with sudden, excruciating pain in my kidney area. I went to hospital and was treated with pain meds and kept in over night. The pain was so bad that I thought I would pass out with it. The following day the pain had subsided and I had a full bladder CT scan (no medium used). The scan showed a swelling below the kidney, indicating that I had had a stone but that it had passed. The doctor could not see any sign of any more stones although the CT scan had not yet been reported by a radiologist. The problem is that I seem to have some dull pain still around the same kidney and fear it being another stone. I wonder if there would be some residual pain after passing a stone for a week or so? Or could it be more trouble?”
Answer:
The experience that you described is consistent with a stone episode and although a stone was not seen on your CT scan, it is not uncommon for patients to have already passed a stone by the time a CT scan is obtained. It is also not uncommon to have residual discomfort after a stone has passed. We aren’t aware of good data on this phenomenon but we have seen patients complain of mild discomfort for up to several weeks after passing a stone. This discomfort may be due to remaining inflammation or swelling in the ureter and kidney area and should resolve on its own.
There are also some less likely reasons why someone may have persistent pain. Some of these include:
1) A stone was “missed” on the CT: While CT scans are highly accurate for detecting stones, there are a few scenarios where a stone can go undetected. A CT that does not include images of the entire length of the ureter but that instead stops before reaching the bladder can miss a stone that is further down. Also, a stone in the lowest part of the ureter near the bladder can sometimes be confused for calcifications known as phleboliths that can look similar on a CT scan.
2) There was another cause for your pain, unrelated to stones: Congenital obstructions of the ureter, known as ureteropelvic junction obstructions, can cause pain similar to a stone episode and will demonstrate swelling in the kidney on a CT scan. However, other clues on the CT scan will usually allow your physicians to determine whether this scenario is a possibility. Other uncommon causes for kidney swelling and pain that may not be easy to detect with a non-contrast CT scan can include passing a blood clot or piece of kidney tissue down the ureter, having a scar or other obstruction of the ureter, and very rarely, having a tumor involving the ureter.
It would be advisable for you to followup with your physician to review the radiologist’s report. Some physicians, including most urologists, may also review the actual CT scan images. You can consult with your physician to determine whether a followup ultrasound or CT scan is necessary to insure that the swelling in the kidney resolves. It should resolve if what you had was actually a successfully passed stone.
Please note that this information is not intended to represent medical advice or professional opinion. Each patient’s case is unique and we recommend that all patients seek care with a local medical professional who can thoroughly review the circumstances and details of their case.
I had kidney stone diagnosed November 2022, advised it would pass even at 6.7mm. eventually hadit removed as it was stuck in my eureta. Had it lasered and then the pieces of stone removed. Had pain for a couple of weeks , this went on for another month. Had another CT scan GP said no stone, all if this time I was on co-codamol. Eventually got to see consultant and he stated that stone was removed and anything else was not his field of expertise. Had another scan and he repeated his stance. I asked if anything had gone wrong , his answer was not my field of expertise. Here we are at the end of July and am waiting for another referal. Yesterday I was in that much pain I had to go to A & E and all they can do is try to provide alternative medication for pain relief and send me back to my GP. I had to have 3 months off work after kidney stone diagnosed due to pain and then returned to work for half days, time off work after removal and still having to have days off due to the pain. All of this time I have been taking pain relief of some sort of another.
The pain is from the kidney, through to my bladder and my left testicle.
I have yet to get this resolved
Three years ago I had operation to remove 4 mm this was scooped out and a 8mm they lazerd this every so often I pass blood in my urine I also had a stent that kept in for quite a few weeks now removed the trouble is I am getting pain in my left groin and seem to refuse to go this time I take strong pain killer’s that still don’t work what can I take
I am a 71 year old male
I had a kidney stone on the 6th. So why am I feeling less dramatic side pain as I did when I was having the kidney stone? I have passed it thanks to the Help from the ER, it was thankfully only 2mm. But why am I in so much limping pain, and it only started just last night? And my back is in need of being popped everyday and every minute. Discomfort follows if I do not pop my back. I just wanna be over this. (Doc said they only saw one kidney stone, Also spent a whole night at home in agony before I was taken to the ER)
Have you managed to get this resolved?
My kidney stone has been passed. But had to go to ER because peeing blood. Was given medication . But am feeling soreness in right side and back and still feel nauseous . Hate to go for a 5th time to the ER this week. I’m very tiny. Low BMI , 42 yrs old. My weight was 102 but I may have lost some weight here. Going to be fun to get it back, since I don’t know how I managed to get the 3 digits in the first place.
Hi all, I’m dealing with a stubborn stone, though small, that doesn’t want to pass and is very painful. 10 or so years ago, I had a larger one that I was able to soften and effortlessly pee out by taking hydrangea root capsules. Like 10 a day for a month. It worked like a charm! I’m taking a smaller amount at the moment but I want to pass my stone to see what it’s made of/ what causes it. I’m 41 and think I have medullary sponge kidney.
Had eswl done 2 days ago for 11mm stone embedded in ureter near sacrum. Had uretal stent placed. Now it is unbearable if I walk or have any activity. I developed hives all over my trunk one day after surgery. Anyone experience this.
You shouldn’t say that, “once you get them you always will”, rude to say. One comment above said her last one was ten years ago, my dad had first one at 80 years old. So give people some hope. Would be nice if medical community knew more about what causes them and how to prevent.
Just to add my dad had one nearly 20 years ago and has never had an episode since.
I just had Lithotripsy for a 9mm stone stuck in my left ureter on Tuesday. A stent was put in. I was sore of course. Yesterday the Stent was taken out. Now when I try to stand up the pain is so intense I can’t stand up. I double over in pain if I try. No one mentioned a thing about this happening. Today is Saturday, so I can’t call my doctor, but if it doesn’t stop, back to the ER I go. This is worse than the Kidney Stone.
I had a 4 mm calculi in my kidney.On doing a ultrasound I found that the stone was stuck at the vesico ureter junction.Just kept on drinking lots of water.1 week later went in for an X-Ray.The stone was still stuck at the same place.After 4 days I again went for an X Ray and the stone had vanished.Just to be sure I underwent another ultrasound.The ultrasound indicated that there was no stone.Now here starts the problem.I still have discomfort in the lower left abdomen and lower right abdomen.Along with discomfort on both sides of the belly when I pass urine.I dont know whats going on .Is this normal after a stone has passed.
I am also a victim of kidney stones infact just went to the emergency last week I too still feel the pain
I read that DULL pain may stay up to 1 or 2 weeks
Am 31 year old female. Had kidney stones fragmentation in 2016 in my left kidney. Have being experiencing chronic pain ever since the procedure. Have seen my GP & surgical team severally, had multiple ultrasound scans and CT scans done still nothing has been detected and the pains won’t stop. Am really scared and worried of what it could be. Hope is not cancer.
Reply
I had shock wavr treatment for kidney stones and was told the big stone was crushed and that there was left a smaller stone but I should be able to pass it as well. Brought home a strainer and never saw the first image of a stone fragment. I am in so much pain and it has been 2 weeks today since surgery. I am so tired and also afraid of why this is more painful than before the surgery.
My name is Nadeem from India.
And I have same problem. My stone was 8mm and passed away in may 2017 but still I have pain left side.i went for treatment many times and ct , ultrasound but there are no any stone .
Hi my name is Debbie I’m 65. Just past a stone last week. Now they are telling me that I have a kidney problame. What foods did you eat afterwards.
Has anyone received answers for this yet? I had a 4.2 mm stone pass naturally in 2018 but still experience pain on my right side where my kidney is 🙁 I have been checked for cysts, hernias, gallstones, additional kidney stones, and nothing is there, but I still have minor pain every day (pain level 1-2) and every 2-3 months can get up to pain level 7-8 for a day or so. I am starting to feel like I am crazy. I also suffer and am being treated for severe anxiety and depression but something is telling me it’s not in my head. But 4-5 doctors/specialists later and being told by a urologist that “I will just have to learn to deal with the pain”, I am still seeking answers. Anything is appreciated! Thank you!
Did you ever find any answers? This is going to sound crazy but talk to your doctor about endometriosis. It isn’t just painful periods. I went through something similar to what you described and was diagnosed with endometriosis. I didn’t believe my own diagnosis for a long time but once I accepted it I was able to treat it and become healthy again.
I am in a similar situation, daily pain is 5/10 at best some days it is intolerable. All I get is pain relief from doctors. Waiting for another referal
I hope you are ok. I am in a similar predicament. How did you get on with resolving it?
Am 31 year old female. Had kidney stones fragmentation in 2016 in my left kidney. Have being experiencing chronic pain ever since the procedure. Have since my GP severally, had multiple ultrasound scans, CT scans and surgical team still nothing was detected and the pains won’t stop. Am really scared and worried of what it could be. Hope is not cancer.
I just past a medium kidney stone and my husband counted at least 18 broken small pieces. I passed a couple of kidney stones 5 months ago and the ER Dr told us it was from the Topamax that I take. I told my Dr and he said wait and see if it happens again then we will have analyzed. I am still hurting in my back ! I feel that I am going to pass some more.
I’m on topamax also and my urologist put me on potassium citrate for kidney stones, after sending one to the labs to determine what it’s made of. I was getting them often also. Once they know what kind of stone it is, they can put you on a supplement.
Julia, did you stop taking topamax?
I just passed a medium kidney stone and my husband counted at least 18 broken small stones! I am in pain and I have a hearing pad on my lower back. I passed kidney stones four months ago the ER Dr told us that the Topamax that I take is a factor for kidney stones. I told my Dr and he said wait and see if you pass anymore and he will have them measured. Then he will take me off of Topamax.
I am still having back pain horrible!!
I just had a 4 mm kidney stone on March 18th 2021.
Passed 2 days after. But lingering pain every day in my lower back was told to take T3 but they make me sick. So now on Naproxen and they don’t help. I am seeing specialist in April. I am using a heating pad as I cannot sit in my office chair for very long and cannot exercise or do yoga yet. So frustrating. Ordered kidney health vitamins hopefully this will keep my kidney’s healthy it has great reviews. Will keep you posted on what specialist says. Worried 😦.
I also had a 4 mm stone that was lodged inside me. For some stupid reason, Dr. decided to put a stent in my kidney. It caused more pain then the tiny stone that shattered when removed.
I find when I go out walking my right hip still starts to ache.
I hope they find out what is causing your pain; do not let them put a stent in your kidney/bladder.
You will not be able to walk.
Hurting like a motor rotor….what ever that means …just had It lithotripsy and it was a
7.5 and I have been hurting bad ever since. It’s actually been about 20 hours and I’m debating on going to the er .. pain is a ten I have been pee peeing pebbles all day …
Just be prepared for hours of waiting. There will be a few older uncompassionate nurse Ratchets behind the desk waiting to retire and get their pension. You may end up on the floor and manage an inaudible help. A fellow citizen will be the one to attempt to get you some help.
They will parrot ” Dr. Frankenstein will,be with you asap.
At this point, all expectations of receiving care from an emergency room will have a profound effect on you 4 ever. I survived five runs to the interrogation room. They let me like and suffer for eight hours. By the time they ran tests, appendix had ruptured. They got moving in a swift manner.
Not enough for the gruesome details but I had to go under the knife three surgeries. They managed to screw up everyone til the last. Luckily I received care from a true surgeon. This one had to succeed because the infection had my had speed with the intent to put an end to all of my pain, permanently.
My last trip and final trip involved a car accident. I couldn’t move from the waist dowm and was sufferingbwith shingles beforehand.
The first question from a previous jail guard nurse was you need to tell us now if you are on crystal meth, echoed by little short mean doctor.
I managed a smart ads reply” no but if it will help me to walk again, then hit me up!” I am walking now but only by the grace of God. This began in 2010.
I assume they make a bonus on how little the hospital administers relieving patients pain. I am a seasoned citizen and plan on never going again.
They look at every single patient as a junkie.
Fyi you can order antibiotics online. Google it. A doctor will call the pharmacy of your choice. I swallowed my first antibiotic a few hours later. I passed a stone that same day. I am still week but saved myself from DA. Dead after arrival.
I would expect this treatment in a communist country.
In have come to the conclusion the well intentioned decided to pursue a different career because they felt helpless and unable to fight the machines wanting to control every aspect of our lives. The IRS has too much on their plates to run regulate and run the country’s health care. There have been several committees in DC overseeing this issue. I have lost loved ones from lack of insurance.
Sorry for my gloomy reply but I can’t stand by while people are dying needlessly.
I suggest if you go, have someone with you and record the staff.
Take care
I went thru same had a kidney stone last monday.Dr dickweed gave me antibiotics said it was a uti .I passed about a 7cm stone yesterday 5 days later.Id like to go in and throw it at him or stone his car .I feel your pain,aggravation and frustration.
I have had this same situation happen, they sent me home with 3 day antibiotics and muscle relaxerss. I had nothing but blood in my urin. They wouldn’t do a CT scan either. Next day I went back they gave me different antibiotics and sent me home called me later to tell me I had no infection! Went back the again the next day with unbearable pain on both sides and still peeing blood. This doctor was pissed. Turned out I had a kidney infection and was passing 3 kidney stones. My kidney’s were completely backed up. he wanted to admit me but I refused Because I had work. Crazy how some doctors will just push you out the door. I couldn’t believe that one doctor told I had no infection at all! I had to be injected with morphine twice to get my pain under control! Never wouldve gotten that bad had they listened to me the first time
That’s a little….or rather extreme. I have been to the ER 3x now for kidney stones and I have never waited longer than 15 minutes to be taken to a room. Guess, I would hate to live in the same state as you!
I was in emergency for blood in my urine
I went to Kaiser in OC at San Canyon and I couldn’t have asked for better treatment from the time I checked in till I left
One piece of advice
Always go to an emergency room at a hospital and NOT Urgent Care as emergency rooms do have CT scans etc
My name is Rahul recently I removed my kidney stones with surgery..after 13th will start the back side and front belly very pain..and sometimes I feel vamting,urine comes with blood,urine smells,
Sir please tell me how to decrease my backside and belly pain….
My wife was operated for removal of right lower ureteric calculi(8.5 mm) on 26/10/2007 by eswl theraphy.And she was ok.
Again after gap of 10.5 years, on 24/04/18(present age 67 years), she complained about pain due to left lower ureteric calculi(7 mm) problem,though she was not operated but hydro theraphy was applied. Still calculi(around 3mm,after hydro theraphy) is within body,is it harmful?Also whether her body has become calculi generator(though after 10.5 years) or it is natural process of calculi getting formatted inside body?
Rgds
Girish
Thyroid could cause calcium build up causing kidney stones – I am having Ct scans ti check this J jerk getting kidney stones every 3 yrs and can not find thyroid wrong for a 4D ct scan now ???
l am 38 years old i have kidney stones in my left side it is measured 7.4mm i have never experienced or knowing anything like that in my life.I tried to remove it naturally by using lemon juice,olive oil and water the stones come in pieces for two days and i felt relieved from the pain but the third day the pain comes back i mean sharp pain now i am seeing blood small small once in a day.Now I’m confused i don’t know the next step to take pls ur advice is needed.Thanks
If you know how big the stone is then you must have seen a urologist. What did he or she say to do? Usually, a stone getting that large will not pass well on it’s own. MY Doctor does Lithotripsy with stones that big.
By the time it it that painful it is trying to pass…usually Kidney Stones do not cuase pain until they try to fit through the ureter and urethra. I am NOT a Doctor nor is this medical advice but as a long time KS sufferer (and I DO mean suffer) it sometimes happens that the stone passes through the ureter from your Kidney to the bladder. This hurts like blazes. Then it takes a break in the bladder. This is usually pain free. THEN when it starts moving down the urethra well. there you have that pain and possibly blood.
I mean, a jagged rock bigger than those tubes is going to hurt!
I personally have NEVER passed a stone without seeing ER or my Doctor and being put on pain meds and Flomax.
The last time I had Lithotripsy because the stone was large.
My sympathy for any KS brothers and sisters. It is brutal.
I get kidney stone rather frequently. Last year around this time I had a 7mm stone in my left kidney I could not pass on my own and they surgically removed it. I’ve had a smaller stone in my right kidney that has been lodged there since 2014. About 4 nights ago, it decided it wanted to come out. I drank a cup of Chanca Piedra which caused the stone to start moving. Unbelievable pain. So my mother drove me up to the ER. By the time we got there the stone had passed. That is how fast that stuff works! But now I feel as if I have a UTI or bladder infection or something. It just doesn’t feel right. I’ve never had problems AFTER passing a stone. Is there a possibility of getting some type of UTI after passing a stone? I had to take AZO to make the pain go away long enough for me to get some sleep but today, it still feels like I have one.
When I had my second kidney stone, it came with a UTI. So its possible that’s what you have one, but I would go see a doctor soon so it doesn’t get worse
if you get them alot you should have your parathyriod checked this goea for anyone that get stones all the time blood cal 24 hr urine and parathyriod hormone also
After and during passing a stone the bladder can get irritated. My doctor calls it sanding where small particles cleanse as well. The bladder or lower stomach area has a burning sensation. Hang in there and stay hydrated. It will pass. Always follow up with your primary care doctor.
Hi Jess. I am 66 and just passed a stone end of September. Your sanding comment and burning is exactly what I am feeling. Finally someone who makes sense. Thank you. Did your doctor give you any advice on foods to eat of not eat, or any advice on how to soothe the burning.? I will email my doctor soon, but will be a few days. Blessings to you. Jeanne.
My first kidney stone was a 9mm passed at home and another 13mm I was hospitalized for but passed it there. Both were in my left kidney. I just found out my left ureter is damaged. No wonder! I feel they should have done the Lithotripsy to bust them up so that there was no damage. I still have pain too. It was a year ago. I drink a lot of regular water and Lemon water to try to prevent more stones. The Worst pain is when they move through the ureters going to the bladder. Stopping and starting the urine stream does help to push it out. Hope I never have another one!
Oh you will. Once you get them you always will.