What is a stent?
Ureteral stents are soft, hollow, plastic tubes placed temporarily into the ureter to allow drainage around a stone or to speed healing after a stone surgery
When are they needed?
Stents are used for various reasons in patients with kidney stones. They may be placed in patients to help reduce pain from a stone, when infection is present to allow drainage, or when a stone is preventing a kidney from working adequately. Stents are also commonly placed after surgeries for stones, as in ureteroscopy, to allow healing and prevent swelling of the ureter.
How is a stent placed?
Stents are placed during surgery by sliding them over a soft “guidewire” which is placed up the ureter, which is the tube draining the kidney. See a video below of a stent being placed.
How is a stent removed?
Stents can be removed in two different ways. Sometimes, a string is left attached to the end of the stent. This string is allowed to come out of the patient’s urethra, the tube where he or she urinates. The string can be used to pull on the stent and remove it. In cases where a string is not left attached, a small camera called a cystoscope is inserted into the patient’s urethra after numbing medication has usually been administered. The cystoscope is then advanced into the bladder and the stent is grasped with an instrument and removed. See our post on stent removal for a video and more details.
How long can a stent stay in?
In general, most stents should only remain in for no longer than 3 or so months. If a stent is left in too long, it can form stones directly on it, making removal difficult.
What are the symptoms of having a stent?
While some patients with stents have minimal discomfort related to them, other patients will report symptoms that can range from being annoying to being severe enough that the stent has to be removed. These symptoms can include:
- Sensation of needing to urinate
- Seeing blood in the urine
- Bladder spasms
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain in the back during urination or when moving
- Pain in the bladder
Is there anything that can help reduce the discomfort of a stent?
Different medications may be given to help reduce the discomfort of a stent. The most effective appears to be those from the alpha blocker class of medications including tamsulosin (Flomax) and Alfuzosin (Uroxatral). Other types of medications commonly given for stent discomfort, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan) or phenazopyridine (Pyridium), do not appear to be successful at reducing stent related discomfort in placebo controlled studies. Traditional pain medications are also less successful at reducing stent discomfort.
Hasn’t anyone come up with a better stent?
Research into improving stent designs will hopefully reduce the discomfort associated with them. Innovative stent designs currently being tested include stents embedded with medications to reduce discomfort and stents that dissolve by themselves.
I’m here to give a “POSITIVE” story about my experience with a ureteral stent and the excellent care I received from a phenomenal urologist who performed my laser lithotripsy.
I could not disagree more with a recent post I read about stenting being easier on the doctor because it’s a time saver. In my opinion from all the research I’ve done as well as my own personal experience, nothing could be further from the truth. Many many patients that are not stented return to the emergency room for emergency pain
relief because they have fragments that are stuck/collecting in their ureter. I personally know two people who this happened to and I have read countless other stories as well. If anything the stent is used to ensure any residual pieces pass with as little pain as possible, reduce risk of blockage and protect the very fragile ureter from damage. Also Laser lithotripsy is often more successful the first time around where as shockwave therapy sometimes has to be done multiple times and often has patients returning soon after in extreme pain because they’re trying to pass large fragments of a broken stone. There are also risks with shockwave such as hematoma to the kidney and bleeding. With laser litho there is risk of general anesthesia and ureter damage but it’s rare – just be sure you have an experienced surgeon.
I just had laser lithotripsy for a 7mm stone located in the middle of my kidney. I currently have a double j stent which will be removed next week. I have never had a kidney stone stuck in my ureter however I did go to the ER 9 months ago with severe flank and abdominal pain. And blood in urine. They saw the stone but my kidney was not inflamed and there was no ureter blockage. Therefore no emergency surgery required. I was sent home with pain meds.
Due to the size of the stone (I’m also a small framed woman) I was told I’d never be able to pass that stone on my own and someday it would likely start to travel and get stuck and cause the telltale excruciating pain that all experience. Not only that but I would not know when this would happen, where I’d be and who would be the one to ultimately remove it. I don’t like those odds.
I would experience some discomfort off and on in that left kidney over the last nine months as I met with various urologists for opinions on what it is I should do. There are many who are in a similar dilemma and have a kidney stone knowing that they can’t pass it on their own and nervous that someday it will begin it’s dissent. Others choose to ignore it and will deal with it when and if the time comes. To each his own!
I had one doctor tell me if he were me he would just watch and wait. I had several doctors tell me I could try ESWL (one even said he would avoid a stent at all costs if he was me) but none opted to determine the chances of success with such a procedure, that is determine the density of the actual stone! Harder stones do not break up easily with ESWL. Or they break into smaller stones that are very hard to pass.
I had two other doctors tell me they would not bother with ESWL – as it likely would not work however there was the potential that they may not even be able to access the stone in my kidney and they wouldn’t know until they got in there. I asked one of those doctors – why did the other doctors recommend shockwave if he didn’t think it would work? He rubbed his fingers together indicating money — essentially saying that they knew shockwave could fail and they would just have to go back in with a laser anyway a second time to break up the stone that they left behind.
After meeting with the number of doctors I did, I still did not feel confident in the answers I was receiving or the difference of opinions so I decided to head into one of the best hospitals in the country located in New York City and met with a doctor who
is the Professor of Urology and Director of Endourology and Stone Disease, within the hospital’s Department of Urology. His clinical interests include surgical and metabolic treatments of kidney stone disease, minimally invasive urologic surgery, upper tract transitional cell carcinoma/urothelial carcinoma, ureteral strictures, and a few other conditions.
He took a great deal of time with me as we exchanged information and various scenarios, risks and benefits to my options. He also determined the density of my stone on my catscan with a calculation and it was indeed too hard for ESWL.
He he was open and honest with me about ureteral stents and the likelihood that I’d experienced post surgery pain and discomfort. Number one because I never passed a stone so the pain after may mimic pain similar to passing a stone, number two because the instruments used would cause inflammation and third the pain and or discomfort of the stent which was a necessity. I left his office and called him 2 days later to schedule my surgery.
I had the surgery done under general anesthesia in the hospital – came home that night. The surgeon broke up the stone, grabbed a few pieces for analysis which was sent to the lab and he blasted the rest to dust. He said it was a very hard stone and shockwave therapy never would’ve worked. He is almost positive it was a calcium oxalate monohydrate stone.
I take a strong extended release NSAID once a day. Because narcotics like Percocet and Vicodin make me very sick to my stomach, I was so worried about pain control. I opted to use Tramadol taken with Zofran. I only needed 3 doses. One the night I got home and 2 doses the following day and then I decided to try and go without. I have had no need for pyridium or Flomax or detrol/ditropan.
Yes there is discomfort upon each urination. Yes there is a lot of blood in the beginning which slowly subsides but the blood is not an indication of anything other than stent irritation. The sensation when urinating in the kidney is very uncomfortable but it subsides once you stop urinating. At least for me it does.
I found lying in a recliner the first few days worked well and I have two heating pads one for my back and one for my stomach. And I rest. I don’t know if I have a high pain tolerance or not or why there is such a high variability between patient experiences. I will say that I think some of it can be surgical skill and experience, choice of stent as well as anxiety. Also some people don’t follow doctors orders, take their meds, rest and keep drinking water.
After reading so many horror stories about the surgery as well as stents I was so terrified. But I can tell you that I am one of the people (one of the 50% at least!) that did NOT have a horrible experience. And I would not hesitate to do it again if I have another stone I needed removed.
I would never try ESWL – shockwave therapy.
Now I will work on prevention to be sure I never get one again!! 🙂
Good luck to all.
What was the name of your surgeon?
Hi I am GLAD you had a wonderful experience with your stent. I am a little confused did your doctor go internal to bust the stone at the time of stent placement? I feel this is what you said?? If so going about it that way can create scar tissue in your urethra & ureter tubes, I know firsthand having & expericencing that pain too! I have had over 250 stones that have been over 7mm in size. I actually had 32 stones at 1 time and that was NO fun!
My stones are protein stones and I had 1 Urologist (the 1 that created the scar tissue) tell me he couldn’t bust my stones because they were too hard. He also placed my stent and within 24 hours I had grown a half cup of stones on it. (By the way the stent removal was pure agony, but I felt much better once it was gone)!
My current Urologist is SUPERB! He taught and was the head of Urology at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital & University. Upon meeting with him we discussed what I had been told that my stones were too HARD TO BUST & HIS REPLY WAS IF AN UROLOGIST KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING THEY CAN PULVERIZE ANY STONE(S)! I have never had to have a stent and never been back to the ER for kidney colic, spasms or any fragments lodged.
I currently have 4 stones sizes 7, 9, 14, & 17 mm at the top of my kidney and through the tube, which going to be pulverized later today.
My stones are protein stones and have been told I am a stone producer. I am glad you done well with your stent as for me I will have no more!
My husband’s urologist (who is treating him for terminal prostate cancer) didn’t replace his uretal stints every three months as instructed by my husband’s oncologist. He developed pain in the left flank, fever and vomiting and was admitted into the hospital wherein he was found to be septic and damage was done to his heart and further damage to his kidneys, he was in kidney failure (inches from dialysis, as I was later told by his Vascular surgeon), developed a blood clot, a heart rate of 160 beats per minute for which he will have to take medication for life. He was septic and the stints could not be changed until the infection was brought under control. His hospitalist said that he had nephritis and they felt that this occurred because the stints remained in too long. In the case of advanced prostate cancer, is it advisable to change the uretal stints more often as per the oncologist (every 3 months) or is it safe to leave them in for up to 6 months, as elected by the urologist. One day before being admitted into the hospital through the E.R. Dept., his urologist did an ultrasound of his kidneys and stated that his left kidney was swollen and that the left uretal stint wasn’t draining as well as he’d like, but that the stints could wait another 6 or 7 days before being changed as he couldn’t fit it into his schedule any sooner. For future reference, please inform me as to whether it is more advisable to change the uretal stints every three months as advised by oncologist, than to wait up to six months. My problem is that his oncologist is in another state so it is necessary that his urologist change the stints.
I have been having treatment for kidney stones on a frequent basis since first being diagnosed in 1997 (after intense stomach/abdominal pain). Lithotripsy sessions over the years are well into double figures, but have been successful only to a limited extent. Have also had Ureteroscopy five or six times, including stent insertion on all but one occasion. First time, I was given a stent on both right and left, and was totally unprepared for the pain that urination would bring. I yelled that much a fellow patient from the opposite corner of the hospital ward came to check I was ok.
It had been indicated to me that a stent was only a couple of inches long, so it was a big shock to see two 12inch stents on my x-ray.
I am due for yet another Ureteroscopy in 7 days’ time, and have been warned that a stent may once again have to be used. I have been told several times by the surgeons that stents are being constantly improved but when I was last given one in 2013 it was in for three weeks and caused considerable pain throughout, with a great deal of blood in the urine during the 2nd and 3rd weeks. Also, when I arrived back home after this particular operation the first need was to urgently empty the bladder, but the pain it caused was so strong I genuinely thought I was about to pass out.
To sum up, stents have caused me far more pain than the stones!!
They cause peeing to be agony, the need to do so is frequent (often with very little advance warning so you have to be quick), and urine can resemble blackcurrant juice. Having the stent removed is also very unpleasant, even with local anaesthetic it can feel like your insides are being pulled apart, but afterwards you feel like you are walking on air!!!!!
Sadly, in my case at least, it is only until the next time which experience suggests will be in four or five years’ time – no matter how much fluid I drink.
You didn’t mention if they analyzed any of your stones to see what they are made of? This is supposed to help you know what to avoid in your diet to keep from forming more. I still have my stent, coming out this Friday. I’ve noticed that there is less pain and less blood in my urine if I drink tons of water.
Yes Ginny, they were in fact tested and found to consist of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. I also saw a dietician, who was no use at all to be blunt, and in fact I told her more about kidney stones than she told me!!!!!
I have, however, consulted various books and the main things to avoid are rhubarb, spinach, broccoli, beetroot, chocolate, strawberry, peanuts and strong tea. The main advice though always is drink as much fluid as you can.
Good luck with your stent removal on Friday, I hope all goes well for you. Like I said, you’ll be walking on air when it’s gone, just you wait and see. All the best.
David just out of interest, do you know what your vitamin d levels are? I’ve read low levels stop kidneys processing calcium efficiently. My husband was also told to limit the amount of protein. I do believe there are medications they can give you to stop certain stones forming.
I’m very grateful for your comments, Emma, but I have no idea what my vitamin D levels are and in all my visits to hospital not once has that been mentioned to me as being potentially significant, nor has the medication you speak of.
I had a ureteroscopy 2 days ago to remove 2 stones in the right ureter ( both were approx 10mm) and I am to undergo more of the same in 2-3 weeks’ time to deal with stones in the kidney. It will provide the ideal opportunity to pass on your comments to the Urological team and gain their response.
So glad I came upon this blog ! Just had 2 eswl after a lithtripsy a year ago , surgery itself was a breeze , the stints miserable ! The throbbing constant pain the burning the blood every time I have to pee which is constant I dread and grab the walls because the pain is horrendous ! Begged dr to remove also get this after first lithtripsy I found out on my left side I have 2 ureters yup 2 one from top of my kidney and one from ottom ! So u guessed it 2 stints 1 kidney ! I am a dock supv at a large trucking company and I walk constantly about the size of a football field for 10 hrs everyday by the time I walk half way I have to pee this goes on and one all day I’m in so much pain in my bladder crouch and because I walk so much and also suffer from chronic back pain my legs and back are killing me I’m 44 and feel like absolute crap since I have had these stones ! And it’s not over my right side is full of stones as well I don’t think this will ever end ! Good luck to everyone who has to endure this and I pray for everyone who has yet to experience this hopefully there will be better procedures in near future ! God speed !
Oh my goodness! What a nightmare for you! So sorry. Just had my first stone removed. I am 55 and currently not working. I can’t imagine having to do your job with such pain. Not a lot of pain with my stent, it’s the 2nd day. Still blood in urine but I guess that’s normal. Have you had the stent removed? I dread that actually. I’m such a coward when it comes to pain.
2 days post op and still in pain (7-9 max, 3-4 otherwise) and bleeding..doctor said this was normal and had all my meds ready so I did not fight this alone. Mine was not from stones but a severe narrowing of the ureter as a birth defect that got worse as I got older. The narrowing areas were lazered to normal size and the stint placed while the ureter heals. However, this stint pain is nothing compared to the pain I was having from drinking a large glass of water before…
How are you feeling now? Better, I hope. Have you had the stent removed and what was that like?
Contrary to the person who said that they wouldn’t wish a stent on their worst enemy, I WOULD! It’s exactly what I wish on them. The pain I experienced from the stent would cut anyone down to size. I guess some people are luckier than others. Apparently, many women say they forget the pain of childbirth. Well I never forgot the pain from the damn stent. I have a lot of ailments and have been poked, prodded, pinched, stuck, stabbed, cut etc etc. I wish my worst enemies to have to wear a sent until their knees buckle, then collapse and have to have knee replacements. LOL!
Lol sorry you are in so much pain, but found your comment funny. My son just had a stent placed on Thursday and he is in the ER right now with debilitating pain. I live 3000 miles from him so this is killing me. I have had a stent before must be so different from women. I wish you the best.
I think it may not be gender related. I had a stent inserted to bypass a stone stuck between the kidney and bladder.
At first it hurt really bad but quickly pain when peeing dissappeared for a couple of weeks. However – now after working a bit too much (long days at tradeshows standing up and walking) – i have often blood in the urine and a little pain when lying in certain positions or peeing. But nothing i cant handle.
However – i am trying to find out how long time it can be in along side the stone without giving complications afterwards… anyone with knowledge on this? 🙂
No your not different Mary. Lots and lots of people (men and women) have manageable pain/discomfort from stents. It’s extremely variable / but one key is to have a doctor who prescribes the right meds and will continue to do so to achieve relief. Also if people don’t drink a lot of water and rest they will definitely experience more pain!!
I have had several kidney stones. The pain I experienced from the stones was sharp stabbing spasms wither in my back below my rib cage or in my abdomen just under the rib cage.With the first stone I had a lithotripsy. The procedure went smoothly and the only problem I had was some pain when the crushed stones emptied into my bladder. With the second stone, I was told I could not have the lithotripsy and after the surgery the doctor indicated that my ureter was too narrow for them to get the instrument through to get the stone. Consequently, he inserted a stent. I have a relatively high tolerance for pain. However, I must say that the pain associated with the stent was extreme. The worst pain would ensue just prior to emptying my bladder during urination. The pain would actually bring tears to my eyes. After about 2 weeks I went back for the surgery and the stone was removed. The doctor told me they had to leave the stent in to make sure the ureter did not collapse. By the time I went to have the stent removed a week later, I could hardly walk . The pain was excruciating. I now realize that I have developed another kidney stone. I pray that there will be no stent involved or if there is, they in the couple of years since the last procedure, they have developed a more humane way to treat the issue. I have read many comments from people who have had the stents and most of the comments I have read indicate that the procedure incurs much more pain then the clinical descriptions impart.
I have a dialated kidney and dialated distal ureter. Had stent put in to “see what happens”. I was blessed with a hospital acquired fungal infection and dr refused to remove stent. After many calls to him begging for it it be removed I gave up and went to a different urologist. He could not come up with any good reason to have a stent put in so he decided to redo the procedure and take a look at the inside of my kidney. He found it to still be enlarged after 5 weeks, no stones but white spots on my kidney. He put a new stent in because of the infection he feared my ureter would collapse. That was last Thursday. I instantly felt better. I had a fever, chills, groin pain, peeing pain, etc. On Saturday evening after a few drinks at a fundraiser I went to the bathroom, while on the toilet I blew my nose, took care of things, stood up and thought wow that’s a lot of pee running down my legs? So I sit back down wad up some toilet paper and make a mad dash to my husband. We rushed home, got changed and took off to the ED all the while I can not stop peeing! 6 pads in the course of 20 minutes and 2 sets of cloths! At the ER I run to the bathroom and notice that my stent is hanging there half still inside of me. Well they were kind and understanding even tho I have lost all dignity. How this thing came out is a mystery almost unheard of from what the dr has said! Anyone have that happen? Also my stent had no string!
Yes, years ago I had stones and it moved, felt like it was hanging out, nobody believed me. Finally went to the urologist and agreed that it was don’t where he put it. Today I had another one put in for a large stone and infection. It’s burning just laying here and every time I go to hetbathroom.
Oh my goodness! I hope you are feeling better by now. So many nightmares with these things! Were they able to remove your stone? And the stent?
My mom has a URETERAL Stent about 5 weeks now. She is 85 and she was sent home on Hospice because of it! She nearly bled to death and they did everything to keep her alive. She developed Dysphagia from the surgery I guess but I knew she would be ok when she got home!! Fortunately she is doing extremely well and looks like she will be coming off Hospice ? My dilemma is the surgeon says the stint needs to be replaced!!! My mom does not know of this yet and I dread telling her and I know she will refuse to go through this against!!!! Please make Ella me how long we can leave the stint in AND what are the reprucussions of leaving it in? PLEASE REPLY ❤
Now i have no more back pain i had to have a stent in for9 days it was not fun. I am happy it is over and i hope i never have to go through it again. I probably wouldn’t never go through it again. I bet Everly the right kidney will have to come if a other kidney stone forms on it. That mean surgery again.
I am a 42 yr old male who had uteroscopy on Sat March 4th, with a stent put in place (with no string). I had a 8.4 mm stone and 4.8mm stone in my left kidney – right kidney was unremarkable. Here’s my experience so far.
My frequency of urinating is about every 2-3 hrs…i can go longer at night as i stop drinking water around 8-9pm. Once the urge to urinate begins, i need to go RIGHT AWAY as I experience pain and discomfort (I would rate it a 7 out of 10). Once my bladder is empty, the pain and discomfort subside until next time.
Re: blood in urine – the first 36 hrs is was pretty excessive, to the point where I had to wear a protective pad in my underwear because blood continued to spot after urinating. After 36 hrs that stopped and now there is only blood in my urine. It resembles a pink rose wine.
I was prescribed Tylenol#3 for pain (which I cannot take as the codeine makes me excessively bloated and nauseous) and Cipro for 10 days to avoid a UTI. In lieu of the T#3, I have been taking extra-strength Advil, but it doesn’t help much.
I also experienced constipation and used a laxative with stool softener- found it helped- not much of an issue now.
I took a week off work and return on Monday March 13th. Although I have an office job, it will be interesting to see how this goes, as I will have to drop what I’m doing once the urge to urinate strikes. I have a follow-up appointment on March 23rd with my urologist. I am hopeful he will schedule the stent removal. I want to return to normal urinating!
My 43 year old husband just got home from the doctor and is passing kidney stones. He was given Tramadol for pain. But my cousin who has dealt with stones for over 30 years said she uses a product from the whole foods store called Stone Break! She says it almost instantly stops the pain and it helps breakup the stones! Also raw apple cider vinegar 3 times a day in 8 oz. Of distilled water.
Thank you for this detailed, informative narrative of your experience. I am one day post-op from having a 6.3 stone removed, my first ever. Were they able to tell you what your stone consisted of and how you might avoid more stones? Hopefully you have had the stent removed by now and on your way to complete recovery!
You should only take acetametaohin or Tylenol based pain ends. Advil has ibuprofen and can lead to more bleeding.
I had a 10mm stone in my right kidney removed with laser lithotripsy on 02/28/17. This is about my 6th stone over the past few years. I was sent home with a stent and catheter that was left in place for 6 days. Once they removed them both I had the worst pain of all. It has been 2 days since the stent was removed and I continue to have bad spasms and flank pain. I am beginning to worry and pray that I don’t have a blockage or other damage. Every time I go pee the spasms kick in for several minutes and the kidney pain kicks in. I guess I will go for another Ct scan or ultrasound to see what’s going on. If anyone has any thoughts about this please let me know. I am hoping my it goes away and I don’t need any other procedures.
I’d recommend an MRI. I truly believe the doctor can see what is going on much better with an MRI verses a Ct scan or ultrasound. That is how they found a 9mm stone blocking a duct in my left kidney that had plagued me for a year. I had fought the pain with Ibuprofen for a year, before it was discovered. Thank God for the MRI.
hi all my names Pauline I’m Spina Bifida since birth so already have naff kidneys and no bladder so have a urostomy for my waterworks I actually grow stones n they are periodically removed via Lithotripsy but because you cannot physically sew a stent in to a kidney the stent keeps falling out the last time it started coming out again n I was ill for a fewdays as I thought with a virus but in actual fact I had SCEPTICEMIA because the water infection went un noticed and just kept getting worse I finally got a hospital apt n they kept me in removed the stent n gave me 2 blood transfusions I got over that just to come home and its happened all over again I’m STILL waiting on another surgery
morphine doesn’t help with the pain I spend most of my days not even getting dressed as I don’t go out anymore except when I’m at the hospital its physically draining me but I’m far from fed up or depressed that’s for sure
I SAW SOMEONE MENTION URAL SACHETS WHAT ARE THEY N WHAT DO THEY DO PLEASE
Pauline, I had severe pain a couple of weeks ago and had to go to the ER for it and then had to stay overnight to get a stent put in the next day. They kept pumping me with morphine and it never reduced the pain. I had to deal with the pain all night until another Dr. came in the next morning and suggested Toradol(anti-inflammatory). It helped a lot for the pain. Hope this helps! GOOD LUCK with everything!
Toradol is amazing. Went to the ER yesterdat cuz my right kidney stone is stuck. I was amazed how fast the pain went away once given the medicine, where as hours earlier I just wanted to die.
I’ve had stones for 10 years now. 5 litho’s,3 stents,and over 30 stones. I will take the stones over stents any day of the week. If you can avoid them please do. I have passed 5mm stones and would still take stones, the problem is the infection. I have a high pain tolerance and stents bring me to my knees in tears. They say you can return to normal activity but, good luck. Nothing is normal you can feel great one moment and the next feel like you are dying.
Hi everyone,
I’m glad I found this site. I’m on my fourth stone in 12 years. The last two, yesterday and June 2015 have been the worst and have both resulted in stent placement.
Im a bit confused. Based on what my doc said, my 3mm stone was stuck near the top of the ureter, and after trying to go after it in the OR, they said they couldn’t get it so inserted a stent. But from what I’m seeing, one side of the stent is directly in the kidney so how could they not have reached the stone? So confused.
The stent has me uncomfortable to say the least. Nurses told me I could resume normal activity within 48 hours. I’m almost 24 in, and yeah, I don’t think 48 is going to happen.
Peeing sucks. It helps to drink a lot of water, and to jam my hands into my bladder area for support when I actually urinate. The pain has been getting worse today than better. I didnt have back/kidney pain before, but do now. Not sure if it’s the stent or the stone. Bleeding seems to have increased as well. Ahhh. Any advice?
How are you feeling now? Much better, I hope. Have they ever analyzed any of the stones to tell you what they are made of and how to avoid future ones?
I feel very lucky and sympathize with all those experiencing such pain. I had a kidney stone removed on March 1 and a stent put in to prevent swelling and closing of the ureter. I experienced moderate discomfort that night after the procedure and mild burning during urination. It’s now March 2 and there is no discomfort, no burning and, no blood. I don’t even know it’s there except for more frequent urination as i drink a lot of water as per the Docs orders. I’m on Cipro for 7 days to prevent infection.The stent comes out on Mar 6. I guess I’m pretty lucky.
Thank you. I am booked for treatment of an 8mm stone and insertion of a stent today. Was getting so worried. Nice to hear a good story. .
i got one put in this morning, and i have no pain, more
like comfort
I have had kidney stones- both sides, off and on for 38 years. 2 surgeries December 2015, 2 days apart. Partial nephrectomy Feb 2016 and surgery to repair crimped ureter on left side, swollen kidney on right side and stone removal. OMG- the stents are HORRIBLE! Was in the ER 2 hours after I got home from surgery because I could not urinate, was sent home with a catheter, nurse on phone walked me through foley removal 3 days later. 10 days later, (yesterday) back in ER- you guessed it, bladder full, could not urinate…sent home again with a foley. I have 2 stents, plus a nephrostomy. The more I move around, the worse I feel. Pain and nausea are horrible as it creates waves of renal colic…can’t get comfortable until the Norco kicks in- hate that stuff because it causes the WORST constipation known to mankind. Stents/nephrostomy tube come out tomorrow, if history repeats itself, you can easily find me writhing in pain the remainder of the day after removal. Tips I would like to share; (No- I am not in the medical field, I just know kidney stones suck and I’ll try any suggestion for relief) 1. Don’t waste your time on the Mickey Mouse laxatives the Dr gives you due to being plugged up from narcotic pain pills- Use Dulcolax pills or suppositories. 2. Try to discontinue Norco asap- switch to ibuprofen when you can. The longer you are on Norco, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, etc- the longer you will wrestle with really bad constipation. 3. I have tried many remedies for stones..Stone Free, Chanca Piedra, Olive oil and Lemon juice- NONE of which helped to break down my stones…BUT…drum roll please….Barlean’s Olive Leaf Complex helped my Calcium Oxalate stones and my proof was when after surgery, my Dr informed my husband that she saw a lot of sediment or small stone particles. The Olive Leaf Extract tastes bad, but take 1 TBLS with a little OJ, tea, etc- twice daily. O.L.E. not only helps toward dissolving stones, it is great for the immune system as it has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It strangely helps lessen your desire for sweets. 4. Trick to start urine flow; put 1 or 2 drops of peppermint oil into your toilet- the vapors will relax your urethra and help to kick start your urine flow. 5. Use a heating pad to help ease kidney tension/pain.
So sorry for everyone that suffers from stones or stent discomfort, it is very painful and debilitating. Best wishes to all for a speedy recovery!
Just so you know magnesium will take care of your constipation, I’ve been on heavy pain meds for 20 years and as long as I take magnesium everyday I have no problem. Start with 800mg a day and go up or down from there, before I found magnesium I thought my bowels were gonna come out of me from constipation.
Thanks for sharing all of your hard-earned wisdom with the rest of us newbies! 🙂
Male: 39 Years
Condition: One stone Right side 4 mm got stuck & had to do Uterescopy Lithothripsy, Got one Stent right side.
So thanks for all the inforamtion People this blog was really helpful to prepare me to deal with what was coming my way. I went into surgery or procedure on friday. The procedure itself was amazing. First time i went under GA. I have to say the set up & Doc did an outstanding job. I had no side effects after the procedure due to the GA. The stent issure which i will elaborate further is a different beast. But good news was as per the doc they got both the stones & both my sides are clear.
Now about the Stent. Yeah my experience was similar to what most of you have stated. The first 24 hours peeing was to put it mildy excruciating. Though i think i have a pretty high threshold of pain i was gasping the first couple of times. Yes hydrate that really helps in reducing the pain. Today is day 2 1/2 & i have almost no pain while i pee. They gave me Oxycodone for the pain and antibiotics in addition to Pyridium to make the pee look orangish yellow. Though the side effect of that is severe constipation in my case which i find really distressing. Thankfully the stent is supposed to come out in 2 days more so i am looking forward to peeing like a human again. So though the pain while peeing has reduced i have general backache all over my lower back which is not what i was expecting. A hot water bottle is the only thing that helps right now. To all those about to go through this best of luck & i pray you all have a stone free existence cos i would not wish this on my worst enemy.
Today marks 3 weeks since I have had a stent in each kidney. The first week was a breeze. No pain. I was amazed. It did feel uncomfortable when I would urinate, towards the end especially. But by week 2 I was feeling more pronounced and noticeable pain in my bladder area. Some days it felt like a metal hanger in my bladder that was moving around when I would try to walk. I had to wobble and walk very slowly. The nurse and everyone told me I could resume normal activity with the stents and even have sex. However the 1 time I tried, it was so painful we had to stop several times and then I noticed blood in my urine. It took me 2 more weeks before I got the nerve to try again and even then I had to be on percocet 10 and motrin before I would do it. It still was painful. I’m on week 3 and it has been better. Thankfully it’s not been anything like what most people are describing. I’ve heard of people tell me it’s been the worst pain of their lives and even worse than passing stones. No where close for me. The best description I can say is a bad or constant UTI/bladder infection feeling. I haven’t felt any pain in my kidneys either. It’s all in my bladder area. I am concerned though because the wound where my nephrostomy tube was located is still leaking occasionally. If I cough it leaks. If I move a certain way it will leak. I have had to wear gauze and tape over it. The urology office told me not to sleep on that side until it heals. That would’ve been nice to know sooner. They also told me as long as it isn’t hot to the touch and doesn’t have a foul smell to not worry that it will be ok. However I’ve tried to search online and cannot seem to find out much information AFTER nephrostomy tube removal. Does anyone know how long it took their incision area where the tube was to heal completely? Did anyone have any drainage and if so for how long? Thank you.
I had a stent put in over 5 weeks ago. I still have it in and have not had my kidney stones removed which are the size of dimes. I had other medical complications. The stent doesn’t bother me.what bothers me is the constant urge to pee. And the blood and clots and the burning and chills when you pee.
Hi guys, Im from New Zealand, and my bladder’s been broken in with a ‘stent’ as at last night. This is my second stone in 2 years. First one was 5mm and this current one is 7mm. I was fortunate to have a great young Urologist on board so I understood what was going on. Here’s a few things I’ve learned:
1. You know they’re coming, when your pee changes to a dark colour. That’s the time to drink HEAPS and drink more URAL sachets. Prepare yourself with Oxynorm or Tramadol, cos they’re about to take you down.
2. Boom, they’ve arrived. So – Writhing around can be cured with Painkillers – but then, your drugged up for hours and that’s about as good as it gets. All u can do is hope you can pee it out – any moment now. But haaaardly ever does it happen that way.
3. The Specialists say to you – your going to theatre and you are getting a stent. Just know that is code for…you are now going to go from sharp pains to burning ones where u had none before.
4. The after theatre pain can vary but I’d be very cautious as to how much pills you take and for what reason. In the end, you end up taking a heap and feeling like complete and utter crap.
5. Wait 4 weeks for them to remove the stent and the stone.
My advice?
– Insist that they tell you how many stones they can see from your CT scan so you are prepared for future comebacks
– Drink URAL sachets as part of your everyday routine. At least 1 a day to keep stones from growing at all
– Drink 2litres of Water as part of your daily ritual
– Pray.
All the very best to everyone suffering. I wish there was a more simple answer, but there isn’t. So, it’s best to face the worst and counteract the pain as best we can.
Stay strong xx
I have to have surgery today at 12:15 on the 3mm kidney stone. He taking it and putting a stent in for 9 days that is long enough.i will be happy get the stent I wonder who does it the doctor or a nurse practitioner. That appointment is scheduled March 3at 10:50that when the stent comes out is then . We will see what happens from there if I need to keep the July 7appiontment still or just cancel it or keep that with him
He is a cute doctor and very nice doctor and also talks slow were u can understand to what he is saying and explain
Hope he makes me better this has been going four months now I have had a enough of it so hope it gets taken care of today and no more hurting ,heating pad,or using the ice pack either .
He was late to take the stent out almost told him why where u late to take the stent. I understand the surgery source thing but not stent thing. I should have not want through with it. But now i can’t complain about back pain anymore. Just hospital have to pay out butt but my grandmother is helping with those.
My daughter had lithotripsy about 5 months ago and a stent was put in to help with passing k any remaining stones. She had insurance then but has lost her insurance since then. The doctor wont remove it without her insuram e and shes been to ER a couple of times because of blood in urine and pain. The E R docs said her doctor needs to remove it. Meanwhile her life is in danger because of infection and all the risk that goes along with having stent in too long. Any advice would be appreciated
sickening. thats not advice i know…. i live in California& this is the only reason i get good medical care on time: MediCal. i had to quit my job that i didn’t get insurance w& go to living on the street homeless to qualify for MediCAL. i worked as a construction laborer for a 6 person company before that. move to a place that offers better health care coverage for people like You. You deserve it. You cant move anywhere for any reason if You are dead. i got diagnosed with breast cancer, had a mastectomy, was diagnosed w PALB2 gene mutation, had a salpingo-oopherectomy with complications that required a stent to b placed in my right ureter, it comes out tomorrow at the urologists. All thru UCSF medical. couldn’t buy better care with a billion dollars. I’m praying for Your daughter. move. I’m serious. even if You have to live homeless its better than having life threatening complications due to stingy vampires, evil do-ers who are doing the work of Satan by depriving some who cant afford it of the gift of life& health!!! sickening. so SO sorry
Obamacare covers “everyone” go to website for the State you live in . Exp Covered California. Your daughter can be insured immediately. Hurry, because Mr Trump working to shut it down. Very sad that the doc who placed the stent will not assist your daughter. Stents are not meant to be “long term” Good luck
I had a large stone removed on Feb 14th and have had a stint in for a week now. The string just got caught in my sweat pants and pulled the strings a little bit and now I am in so much pain from my Blatter to my kidney. Getting this out on Friday, but now I’m nervous because everyone says it hurts real bad. It’s my first and hopefully my last. Anyone have any tips? Let you know how it goes.
I am a habitual kidneys tone former, stopped counting after 70. I’ve had them cut out (before lipsotripsy, they cut from belly bone to backbone then cut kidney to get it! Spent all day Thursday in ER, I knew it was a big one. Luckily the dr didn’t do a CT scan, he did an ultrasound. Each CT is the worst radiation. They sent me home, the urologist got me in for surgery Friday. I had at least 6, the largest was 14 + mm. He got all the big ones. He left a Stent in who’s has been as painful as stones, lots of bleeding and throbbing pain. Dr told me to put my big girl panties on. Isn’t working! Ouchy
I also have had lipatripsy, baskets and passed quite a few. Two years ago passed a 9+ stone
Don’t you love when they say comments like put your big girl panties on? I just want to say let me kick you in the nuts, then in 5 min after you can catch you breath I’m going to kick you again. We will repeat this process for an hour then I will tell you to put you big boy underwear on.
love it!
Yep! Hopefully Karma will get them!
Something has to be causing that many stones! I’m a person who always works to find the cause of things. Sometimes you just have to keep asking questions until they get tired of you and finally get answers. As a medical professional, I know first-hand that patients have to be their own advocate. You should know what is causing your stones and what you can do to avoid more.