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What Is a Kidney Stone Stent?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 346,962
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A kidney stone stent is a flexible plastic tube inserted between a kidney and the bladder to facilitate the passage of a kidney stone. Also known simply as a stent, a kidney stone stent is simply one of many treatment options which can be considered for kidney stones. If a doctor recommends a stent for a patient, the doctor should be able to estimate how long the stent will be left in, and he or she should articulate a plan for the removal of the stent.

When a kidney stone stent is placed, the patient may be given a general or a local anesthetic, depending on the situation. A cystoscope is inserted into the urinary tract to allow the doctor, commonly a urologist, to see, and the stent is carefully threaded into the ureter and left in place. Coils or J-shaped hooks at either end of the stent keep it place so that it cannot drift once it has been inserted. As a general rule, a kidney stone stent can be left in place for up to six weeks, at which point it will need to be removed.

Commonly, a stent is inserted when it appears possible that a patient will pass a kidney stone, with a little help. The stent helps urine drain from the kidneys to the bladder, clearing any obstructions and hopefully bringing stones along with it. Stents may also be inserted after cystoscopy or surgical removal of a kidney stone to ensure that urine drains properly for a few days or weeks while the ureter gets a chance to heal. If the stent is left in too long, it can develop deposits of material which could lead to infection or obstruction of the ureter.

One of the most important things to know about a kidney stone stent is that it can be extremely painful. This varies, depending on the patient, but many people report a tugging or pulling sensation, and a constant need to urinate. The stent can become painful or irritating during exercise sessions or early in the morning, and certain body positions may be intolerable with a stent in place because they place too much strain on the stent. Some patients have expressed unhappiness because they were not adequately warned about the difficulties involved in wearing a stent, and it is important to address specific concerns such as exercise routines with a doctor before a kidney stone stent is placed.

During stent removal, the patient is usually placed under a local anesthetic while the doctor visualizes the area and gently removes the stent. Patients may experience some pain and soreness for several days after a kidney stone stent is removed, as their ureters heal.

Can You Pass a Kidney Stone With a Stent In?

A stent is comprised of a thin, flexible plastic tube measuring from 10 to 15 inches. When it is placed, it causes the ureter, the passageway between the kidney and the bladder, to become larger, as the stent itself is 1/4" in diameter. This opening not only unblocks obstructions but creates a route for stones or stone fragments to pass through.

However, while it is ideal for a kidney stone to pass once a stent is in place, it's more common that the stone won't pass. If the patient doesn't pass a stone after placement, the stent still allows larger access for surgery so the removal procedure is less traumatic for the patient.

How Long Does a Stent Stay In for Kidney Stones?

Generally, a stent for kidney stones should stay in for no longer than a couple of weeks but can be in for as short a period as a few days. If the time needs to be prolonged, the stent will need to be removed and replaced. This is due to the buildup that occurs on the stent during its time in the ureter.

Permanent removal of a stent can be done as an in-office procedure. After determining the stent is no longer needed through either X-ray or ultrasound, the physician inserts a cystoscope from the urethra into the bladder. The cystoscope is equipped with small clamps that latch onto the stent so it can be carefully pulled out.

What Happens After Kidney Stone Removal and Stent Placement?

After a stone is removed, the doctor may opt to put a stent in place to prevent post-operative swelling from blocking the flow of urine. As well, there may be additional stone fragments that need to pass from the kidney.

In most cases, you should be able to return home the same day as your surgery. Your doctor may advise you to drink plenty of water following the procedure to ensure proper bladder function.

The stent placed in the ureter is temporary. Following the removal of stones, the physician determines the exact length of time the stent should be left in place. Generally, if the stones were small to medium in size, it should be no longer than a couple of weeks.

While the stent is in place, the patient should expect to experience some discomfort, though it should be less significant than the discomfort experienced when the stone was present. Side effects vary on a patient-to-patient basis but may include:

  • Back pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • The feeling of needing to urinate
  • Pain during urination
  • Passing small amounts of blood in the urine

In addition to the presence of the tubing, some patients who have stents for just a few days may also have a string in place that provides for easy removal.

What Complications May Occur During Stent Placement?

Some patients may experience complications once a stent is in place. Aside from the common side effects already mentioned, the tube could also become broken or dislodged. As with any operative medical procedure, there is also a risk for an infection.

While the placement of stents is generally safe, to prevent these types of complications the doctor may place physical restrictions on the patient for the first week. The patient may also be advised to abstain from sexual activities during the first week.

It's important to keep in mind that the complications that can arise from stent placement don't compare to the complications that can occur if a kidney stone is left in place. A ureteral obstruction created by a stone can quickly become a life-threatening situation.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a The Health Board researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon1001537 — On May 06, 2019

I have a 7mm kidney stone and have had it for several months (like 10 I think) however didn't know it. I'd never had one, so I finally went to the doctor in February, who said I had a 3mm stone and just to drink a ton of water. After drinking in excess of 120 oz. a day of water -- nothing. The doctor prescribed Norco (which I can't take when I drive or work, so basically never) and then sent me to a urologist.

The urologist did a CT and plain film x-ray and said it was 7mm not 3, then they said we have a follow up available in a month. Um, no! So they scheduled me for three weeks. I called the next day and explained the pain I was in and wasn't waiting three weeks. I was scheduled for a stent to be placed the next day and they stated that this will help me pass it. The pain is excruciating and probably worse than just having the stone. I asked for pain meds immediately and also informed them when they asked what my pain level was, that I gave birth without meds, and this I need meds for. By the way, the meds didn't work. I feel like someone is stabbing my kidney when I urinate. It's awful.

I'm not sure what the next step is, as he hasn't mentioned blasting it or surgery. I have a feeling this stent isn't going to help pass it at all and all this pain was for naught.

By anon1000796 — On Jan 02, 2019

Stents in your kidney stink! I had a stent put in during emergency surgery on my left kidney in 1998. My kidney was literally shutting down, and if you think a kidney stone being stuck hurts, well, let me tell you, being in kidney failure is so much worse, you literally will pray to die to make the pain stop. And the pain meds in my IV weren't helping. Because I am so small, they could only give me so much. It wasn't enough. And the stent damaged my left ureter so now if I get even a medium size stone on left side, 1/2 way down the ureter, it will get stuck and require surgery.

I'm on my 3rd week now Jan 2019, of what I hope is a small kidney stone banging around in me and making me bleed a lot and in pain and bladder spasms. Still waiting on insurance to pre-approve a CT scan. I just drank a nasty concoction of 2 oz of olive oil and 2 oz of lemon juice. I always forget about this old remedy. I tried it back in 2012 when I had a pretty big stone stuck in left ureter (calcium oxalate) and it took forever to get in with urologist. He scheduled me for surgery two days later, but during those two days, I drank that hideous lemon juice and virgin olive oil concoction and literally the day before my surgery, I pissed that big stone right out into my strainer. And to my surprise, after I rinsed it, I felt it and it literally was soft. None of my kidney stones has ever been soft and they are usually sharp like one of those bull head stickers that gets on your pants or socks when you walk through a field.

I'm hoping this lemon juice/olive oil will spare me from surgery again. I'm not one who put much stock into this concoction initially when I read about it back in 2012, but the proof is in the pudding. And if it moves this monster out of my body soon, I will be remembering to run for the lemon juice/ olive oil at the first sign of a kidney stone in the future.

Good luck to you all, cause if your reading this, it means yours suffering and looking for help. Hopefully this will work for you too. (Be careful if you suffer from GERD or acid reflux, take you meds a few hours before trying to drink this concoction or you will make yourself really sick).

By anon997031 — On Nov 07, 2016

I've had kidney stones since I was about 17. I've had them crushed once, and twice had the lithotripsy procedure. It works but causes some bruising from the outside and rather sore kidney/side for a few days. Nothing like the pain of having a stone stuck, though.

I just had an 11mm stone blocking my ureter causing one kidney to enlarge. The doctor placed a stent and used a laser to blast the stone. After a few days I don't have much pain but can feel the stent. Have passed some blood clots and bits of remaining stone. Not looking forward to the stent removal.

For those passing a stone I feel your pain. Just drink lots and lots of water and try to hold out going to the bathroom until you have waited to store enough urine. It just helps blast it out if you have to go a lot. This is especially true when it reaches your penis. It stings until you finally pass it. Instant relief when it is out.

By lapeelman — On Mar 23, 2015

I too am going through the same pain as it seems all of you are. I was told that it might hurt for a few days and would have to pee more than usual. That was an understatement, and since the 17th I have gone to the bathroom every half hour so I have not slept since the day before.

I was also told that I could go back to work right away. I have been to the ER twice since the surgery for the pain. The doctor has called in so many prescriptions all of which do not work. The one that was for overactive bladder has worked some so instead of every half hour I now go every hour. I just hope he wasn't blowing smoke up my little skirt when he said the stent should only be there for a week. I hope I never have to do this again.

By anon989082 — On Feb 18, 2015

I had a 3/4 inch kidney stone "blown up" about a week ago. The doctor installed a stent and my bladder is very irritated now. I don't want to walk around or go out anywhere. Is this normal? I have to have it for another three weeks, and am wondering if I should call the nurse, or to those of you with experience, do you just endure this? Has the stent slipped or something? I was told "once it settled in" I wouldn't even notice it. Ha. There is no string or I think I would pull it out!

I read that the one end is coiled in the bladder to keep it in place, and that alone causes me anxiety. Also, when they remove this thing are they going to dope me up? Because that is a frightening prospect. Help! My husband thinks something is wrong with the stent but from what I am reading here, the pain sounds par for the course?

By anon967848 — On Aug 29, 2014

I had a 13 mm stone removed only yesterday. A stent was placed after the laser blast. One big chunk of the stone was handed over to me as a proof of delivery. Surgery was a breeze.

Removal of the catheter from the penis was with slight discomfort only. No problems. After 24 hours. the redness in the urine flow has improved. Now my urine looks like it is as good as recycled water. Saving the environment!

Only God knows what I will face when the stent is removed and the issues I will face until that takes place in three weeks time. Reading the comments by others can give me the creeps. But each case is different and operated by differently skilled surgeons, I guess.

By anon965086 — On Aug 09, 2014

I had a stent put in a week ago, and am waiting for surgery in two weeks. I have to say the stent has eliminated all my pain! I have an 8.5 mm stone up high. I do have a strange sensation when I pee, and I'm bleeding, which is scary and makes me tired. I can't wait for this crazy journey to be over. I want my life back!

By anon944738 — On Apr 08, 2014

As I write this, I’m in desperate need to urinate. I have a small 4mm stone just on the edge of my bladder that has been there for a few months. I had five weeks of excruciating pain then the day that stopped, the need to urinate came. It’s been 97 days today I’ve needed to wee for! I did about nine weeks ago get an ultrasound that showed my left kidney was blocked and slightly enlarged and I’ve had UTI after UTI. I was sent for a CT scan five weeks ago. I finally had it, but in that time I had visited a walk in medical center and two different A&E centers seven times to try to get help with the constant extremely uncomfortable need to urinate and never feeling like I’ve been when I had.

At the last visit, I was told they had finally got someone to look at the CT results and I had an operation the day after to have a stent put in.

Three weeks later I still haven’t had excruciating pain -- just the odd ache, especially when I do go to the loo. But I’m still desperate for a wee 24/7. After another X-ray, the stone (Sharon, as I’ve now nicknamed it!) is still quite happily sitting there. I’m on my third lot of antibiotics this fortnight. To say I’m totally fed up is an understatement.

I have my pro op this morning, but it’s going to be at least three weeks until I get the operation to blast Sharon to bits.

I cannot cope with another three weeks of needing a wee. I’m going to demand today that something gets done as oral antibiotics aren’t helping. It could be the stent, although it was just as bad before, so I can’t see it making a difference either way.

I hope every one of you suffering is OK sooner rather than later and as for the hereditary bit, my dad had a big stone removed 20 odd years ago and gets a lot but just passes them. I’m now blaming him. Much love everyone.

By anon944295 — On Apr 07, 2014

I work in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the pain in my left side started when I was in a town called Kisangani, right in the middle of the jungle. The pain was really strong and I was bent one the floor, crying in pain.

I was evacuated to Cape Town, SA to remove the 9 mm stone that was stuck in my ureter. I was in constant pain and the operation was done two days after I arrived. I was discharged next day without a stent and feeling very good, no pain at all. However, three days later, came the worst pain to my left side. There was damage to the pipes during the extraction and blood clots were coming out and I also had an infection, so I was back to surgery after three days with agonizing pain. Even with IV pain killers I could feel the pain.

They inserted a double stent and although some discomfort is present and I have pain when I urinate, it is nothing compared to pain I suffered. The stents will be removed tomorrow and I hope I can return to normal activities.

By anon350657 — On Oct 07, 2013

I'm a 30 year old female, have had stones since age 17, passed dozens of them since, and have had two experiences with stents.

The first one was the absolute worst thing I have ever experienced, then or since. I started hemorrhaging from my ureter about twp days after it was placed, and the only thing that helped was an IV Demerol pump for the next five days.

The second I have in right now. It was put in five days ago after a failed cystoscopy and laser lithotripsy for a 5.5mm stone (I have a kidney that sits lower than it should and a corkscrew ureter causing a stricture, so it looks like a keyhole surgery for me), and obviously, I'm relatively fine.

Yes, the Lortab makes me nauseated and constipated, but it works so-so for the pain, at least, along with Azo. My doc tried Flomax, but it gave me bad side effects, so I had to stop taking it. I still feel pain that does seem to be getting a little worse in the bladder/genitals/groin area the past 24 hours or so, and I haven't been able to sleep well for the past several days, plus I have a low-grade fever and bleeding if I walk around too much or try to drive long distances, so I'm planning on calling my uro tomorrow and finding out what we need to do, because in this case, I think it may be slipping or something and that's why it's taken several days for the pain to show up in a significant way.

I'm supposed to go back in another week or so to have it removed, but I still have yet to get a call about scheduling the keyhole surgery, not to mention correcting the stricture, but I'm just thankful that it's not as bad as last time.

I guess with stents, it's kind of a hit-or-miss thing: Sometimes they hurt so bad they land you in a hospital room hooked up to a painkiller IV pump, and others can be managed with OTC urinary analgesics combined with a moderate narcotic for pain.

By anon349154 — On Sep 23, 2013

I have two stents in me now. I have had seven surgeries after an 8mm stone ripped apart a second uterer from the bottom of my left kidney. I have much pain at the tip and just behind the head of my penis. The doctor says this is normal, but I cannot have sexual relations with my wife.

I have had this set of stents in for nearly two months now and am not expecting them out for nearly another month or so, if I'm lucky. I have uribel and Loritab 10mg for my pain, which helps for a couple of hours at best. I am having to leave work often due to pain.

By CCrosthwaite — On Aug 04, 2013

I had a kidney stent installed after a 1.7 centimeter stone completely blocked my left kidney in June 2013.

I had the stones (there was also a .7 centimeter stone) blasted in July 2013.

Several small pieces have passed, but the X-ray after blasting showed several 8-11 millimeter stones now in the kidney. The doctor decided to wait to pull the stent and warned that I really didn't want to have it pulled just before going back to work (I drive a school bus).

I had another X-ray on Friday with an appointment to pull the stent on Monday morning.

Question: Will the stent still get pulled with several stones 8-11 millimeters in size left in the kidney?

By anon340594 — On Jul 04, 2013

The stone is in my penis pipeline. It is very difficult for me to urinate. How can I pass this stone?

By anon334955 — On May 16, 2013

I just had a stent and balloon done yesterday. The first time I urinated I wanted to die; it was worse than when I was passing a stone.

They gave me three vials of morphine, then tordol, all in 30 min, and they did nothing until they gave me dilaudid. But every time I urinate, the pain on my right side is horrible and like someone is stabbing me. No pain meds work. I can't wait till get the stent out. This is the worst thing ever, and I have had 25 surgeries in my 45 years of life and some tough ones, and this has been the worst.

By anon298610 — On Oct 21, 2012

Five times I've been lucky to pass kidney stones, and a couple were pretty large. However, this latest one just wouldn't come down, and it was positioned "high up," according to the scan at the ER.

They gave me Flomax to pass it and some pain meds. Well, that didn't work and the pain meds didn't touch the pain. (Tordal?). After two weeks of this, I went to a Urologist who gave me more Flomax and Perdocan. Didn't touch it. I ended up in the ER again, after another two weeks of trying to pass the stone from the Urologist visit. So I had a total of four weeks spent in severe pain! Let me repeat that: 30 days of pure hell.

I finally convinced the urologist to remove the stone after threatening to blow my brains out. He removed it using the small basket method, told me about the stent and 'string', warned me to 'pat dry' and return in five days to remove the stent. Two days after the surgery, I was back in the ER with a pain worse than the kidney stone. They had to give me an IV of Dilaudid for the pain. They contacted the urologist, who recommended an X-ray of the stent. Sure enough it had shifted down about three or four inches! (I would have thought pain would come from shifting up, but no).

The ER doctor pulled it out, and I guess he figured I was so doped up I wouldn't feel much. I did. It was very uncomfortable -- and a very evil, ugly-looking thing. I felt instant relief, but with a little tenderness. What really ticked me off was that I told the ER doctor that the urologist had said the stent had to stay in five days to allow the swollen tissue (from the procedure) to go down, or I would not be able to urinate. But he told the ER doctor to take it out, that it only needed to stay in there two days! If that jerk had scheduled my stent removal in the two days he said was all that was needed, instead of the five days later appointment, that would have saved me an enormous amount of pain and another huge bill for a trip to the ER for a third time, because I ended up in the ER exactly two days after the procedure.

The day after the stent removal I got terrified because I had bad, not excruciating but bad, bad pain the day after stent removal. I thought "Sweet Jesus, no!" but it went away after about 30 minutes. Today was fine. No pain. I am hoping it was just a spasm of some sort – An after effect of the healing process.

Today will be day three after removal and I am holding my breath scared that the pain will return. (I am urinating fine). But one note of confusion about all this: I seem to have screwed up taste buds. Water tastes almost bitter to me, and other foods and drinks taste like crap (not metallic, just bad). My appetite is off. I can only eat a half a sandwich and am full. Or one large spoon of spaghetti. And yet I am starving again in an hour. Strange. Hope this passes.

By tube84mummy — On Sep 27, 2012

@anon293573: Good luck. I hope all goes well with getting rid of that kidney stone! I have since had another scan and found out I have yet another stone. It was 7mm in July, and I am now waiting to go in for my operation in a few weeks to have it removed, then I will be wearing that awful stent again for four weeks!

Hopefully, this will be the end of it all now. I'm not looking forward to the stent again. It started off fine for me at first the last time too, then it began to irritate my bladder. Hopefully this one won't feel as uncomfortable.

By anon293573 — On Sep 26, 2012

You guys had me scared half to death and I almost backed out of getting my stent put in today. I'm very happy that I did get it done. I have no more pain. All I am experiencing is the urge to have to urinate often. And trust me, I'd rather deal with that than the back pain I was experiencing before I got this stent put in. The back pain was so bad it hurt to breathe.

Well, I'm going to have this stent in for two weeks. Then I am getting this 12mm stone burst to powder by a laser. I so can't wait.

By anon277767 — On Jul 02, 2012

I had five kidney stone surgeries in 2010. And just a week ago I had another. In four out of my six surgeries, I have had a stent put in.

Everyone who has ever had a kidney stone knows how unbearable the pain is. Well, the stent also causes that unbearable pain. If you have a kidney stone surgery, you need to demand that you do not want a stent put in. They say the stent helps you pass the broken up stones after surgery, but I have never passed a stone with a stent in. As soon as they take the stent out, the next two days I pass stones and am feeling good again.

If you ask me, the stent is a money robbing scam. You don't need it. My doctor gave me percocets 5/325 for pain. That's a joke. I could eat a jelly bean and it would do more for the pain than those things. At the hospital, they always give me morphine for the pain, then the doctors give you percocet. That's just stupid.

If you like and can bear kidney stone pain then a stent won't bother you. But if you can't handle kidney stone pain, do not get a stent.

By anon270002 — On May 20, 2012

I am 34 weeks pregnant and have a 1.2 centimeter stone in my right kidney that caused such extreme pain that I had to be hospitalized and put on narcotics to deal with the pain until they decided to put in a stent. The stent will be in until I have the baby and at that point they will blast the stone so I can pass it.

The stent is uncomfortable. I have to urinate more which I had to anyway, being pregnant, but the pain and discomfort does not compare to the pain from the kidney stone causing blockage of urine flow and swelling of my kidneys.

I am thankful for the stent at this point -- no pain killers needed.

By anon267690 — On May 11, 2012

I went through a nightmare of ineffective laser ureteroscopy and stents 10 years ago for calcium oxalate stones on my left side that only ended with the relatively old fashioned technique involving sound waves passing through fluid-filled cushions. Now that I'm facing multiple stones that are too much for my narrow ureters to contend with, I've just had a stent put in and had that followed with a blasting attempt that I'm doubting did the trick.

I couldn't even find a place that offered the previously successful technique, but I did find a hospital that has a similar method in which you sit in a water-filled tub while they aim the waves at you. A friend had a walnut(!)-sized stone broken up in that very tub, so given that and my current situation, I'm going to take a chance on the older tech -- at least after they hopefully get my stint out successfully tomorrow!

I hope and pray for the best for all of you, and keep seeking out the best docs, hospitals, meds, treatment techniques and prevention methods so we can share our experiences and increase the knowledge and guidance on this problem that the med community seems so hit-and-miss regarding diagnosis and treatment.

By tube84mummy — On Feb 24, 2012

I am 28 and the mother of four boys. Before now, I never had any problems at all with stones or kidney infections, etc. November 2011, when I was 30 weeks pregnant, I suddenly had the most incredibly sore pain in my left flank. I knew straight away I had something going on in my kidney.

I called the doctor and requested a home visit as the pain was so severe I was too ill to get to the medical center. I was doubled over in pain on my couch and waited two hours for her to get to me. She took my temperature and said it was high and my heart rate was beating so fast and arranged for me to get assessed in the hospital. The journey there was unbearable and by the time I got there I had gotten so much worse, the tears were streaming down my cheeks. As I was pregnant I was sent to maternity and of course, all they were asking me was if I could feel movements, etc. I told them yes, but the pain wasn’t with my bump, it was in my side. I must have told them a million times.

They couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me and had me on morphine, which didn’t even touch the pain. When my blood had been cultured, they found I had sepsis and e-coli. I was sent to intensive care straight away. My blood pressure was dangerously low and my pulse was 120. I was rolling around the bed in sheer agony. They took an ultrasound of my kidney as they couldn’t give me a CT scan as I was pregnant. The scan showed I had at least one stone in there. My kidney was swollen like a balloon and they got me into x ray to have a nephrostomy tube inserted. They did this under local anesthetic but I was also high on morphine so I was very relaxed which I think made it easier for me to deal with.

I was told I had to keep the tube in until I gave birth. Because I was pregnant, there was nothing they could do for me to remove the stone until my baby was delivered. I spent a few days in intensive care and even had a central line inserted into my heart. It’s only now I realize how very sick I got. I was so ill with urinary sepsis.

My baby seemed so well considering all I had been through and they did give me steroids in case they had to deliver him early. I was then sent back to maternity to recover and have a week of IV antibiotics: tazocin. I finally got out after eight days with my tube and I had no idea how to look after it. I didn’t have much information on it at all. The urologists didn’t want to touch me until I had delivered and the midwives didn’t know much about nephrostomies either, so I was clueless.

I then passed a stone myself and it was 1 cm in size and I was so excited and thought I could get the tube out, but the urologist said no. I got a date to get it exchanged five weeks later. Before I got the exchange though, I was in constant pain with the nephrostomy because it kept getting blocked with debris and blood clots at times. I had to go to the emergency department to have it flushed and because I was pregnant, they kept me in for days at a time to make sure I was OK.

The nephrostomy also gave me infection after infection and my body kept becoming resistant to some antibiotics and since I was pregnant, it was so tricky to find a safe solution to make me well. I missed my three kids like crazy while I spent days in the hospital. I even got to know all the staff on maternity very well.

Then it was time to get the nephrostomy tube exchanged in January. Wow. I have never been in such awful pain in my life. It was worse pain than what got me there in the first place. The tube had crystalized like a sugar coating and was stuck to my kidney. The urologist had a lot of trouble getting it out and I spent the whole time screaming and crying into a pillow. They didn’t give me any anesthesia for this whatsoever. I had big metal tubes going in and out my kidney --ouch. After the surgery, I cried for hours. I almost felt as though I had been battered. The pain was incredible and for days after I was in agony with my kidney and got lots of blood clots out of my tube.

The exchange didn’t help much as it still kept getting blocked! I spent many more days in hospital for the tube blockages. I begged my consultant to induce me at 38 weeks and hooray! She agreed. I went in late January and my 8 pound, 3 ounce boy was born. Then the very next day I got a CT scan which showed I had a stone in my left ureter which was completely stuck. The scan wasn’t entirely accurate, so the urologist arranged for a nephrostogram which involved dye getting inserted into the tube and highlighting my urinal tract to see exactly what was going on.

Obviously, after the tube exchange, I was incredibly nervous since it was the same doc who I felt “butchered” me before! He assured me that it wouldn’t be sore and I wouldn’t need anesthesia at all since it was just flushing some dye in it. As I lay on the table in x ray, I was so, so nervous. Then the urologist started to take the tube out and said it had crystalised yet again and wanted to attempt to put a ureteric stent in place.

As he did this, I was screaming and crying again in unbearable agony. It was so much worse than the tube exchange. He said then that the stent string had become stuck and he couldn’t get it out, so then he had to replace the nephrostomy tube at the same time and the stent was inside me all messed up with a bit of string hanging from my left side. They then said it would need correcting straight away and I was put on an emergency list for surgery the following day. Well, I was so relieved to find out I would be under a general anesthetic! It was the first time I had ever had that so I was a little nervous. I also had to leave my baby boy in the care of the midwives, and after the operation too, to give me time to recover.

The operation was a success. The urologist removed the tangled stent, my nephrostomy tube was taken out and they got the lodged stone from my ureter. They also gave me a brand new stent to prevent my ureter from collapsing while it was healing. I was told I would get a date to have the stent out in three weeks. That is now in five days. I cannot wait. The stent is actually worse than the nephrostomy. I am in constant pain down my left urinary tract, my kidney always hurts and I have urgency to urinate all the time. If I stand or walk, it makes the urge worse. I am housebound now and can’t even plan anything at all. It also burns and stings like hell when I pee. I have cried and cried for days now.

I am not even nervous that much about hang the stent removed. I just want it out now. I have braved so much worse than that. The urologist told me I will be numbed at my urethra and it will take about 45 seconds to get it out and it’s not much worse than a smear test. Like he would know; he is a man! Anyway, I feel I had such an awful experience for the past three months and I really hope to God this is the very end of it all.

By anon248426 — On Feb 17, 2012

Three years ago, I ended up in in the ER. I was septic had a 14mm by 7mm stone. I was in ICU for six days. They removed pus out of my left kidney with a huge syringe and it hurt like death.

I went back a month later for them to remove the stone and they had to drill it out. I had a stent put in at the same time. Three years later, I still have not had stent removed and hospital told me only a doctor can remove it, which I cannot afford.

For the last four months, I have been having blurred vision problems, light-headedness and flank pain. I don't know what to do anymore with my problem. I also have gained weight due to my problem. Any answers? I am willing to listen.

By anon246930 — On Feb 12, 2012

I've been having infected staghorn kidney stones for the last six months. I had three stents that hurt terribly when they had to hold me down and pull them out. It took about 10 minutes. I've had two lithotripsy and two baskets. They went through my back and cut the kidney open, then put a sleeve in it and operated five days later. The doctor told me the staghorn was 17mm by 21 mm and was infected. He said the stone had turned soft so he had to suction it out and he didn't know if he got it all. When he removed the stent one week later, the pain and nausea started. He did an ultrasound in his office and said it probably had passed and I just thought it was there, because my ureter wasn't dilated. He planned another basket a week later.

Five days before the operation, I was in extreme pain and couldn't keep anything down. He performed emergency basket surgery and found a large fragment that came from the back operation that got away. He didn't put a stent in because it takes at least two to three people to hold me down because of the pain and that irritates him. Now, two weeks later I've developed referred pain in my shoulder blade, then for 48 hours a throbbing pain in my left flank. The the pain started to move around to the front.

I rushed up to him to have an ultrasound done and he told me it was negative for blood or white blood cells. I honestly thought I had a kidney infection. He just blew the whole thing off, suggesting it was in my head.

The next day the pain was rough, so I went to my primary care physician, who insisted on doing another ultrasound and found traces of blood in my urine. She said she was almost positive I have another stone, but insurance is not going to pay for a third CT scan, so she put me on Percocet and told me to drink water and flavored water in large amounts hoping this would flush it out.

I did and I'm up tonight with pain. She said with the amount of stones I've had and them being staghorns, I am unlucky enough to be a stone former. Please, anyone tell me when this ends. I want off this merry go round. It's been going on since July 2011, and it's now Feb 2012. I want my life back.

By anon237685 — On Dec 30, 2011

I have been inspired to post here to say that not everyone has a horrendous experience with stents!

I have a stent in my right kidney following two PCNL ops. My first op, nearly three weeks ago was a planned one to remove a huge stag horn stone and several smaller ones. Unfortunately, it turned out that my big stone was infected (?!) and in a real mess. The surgeon was unable to get anything other than the stag's horn out at that time, so he left the nephrology tube in place (which was ridiculously uncomfortable!) for a week to let it all heal a bit before going back in to get the rest of the stones out. I had various complications because of the infected stone, including sepsis, but you don't really need to know that!

Ten days ago, after some serious antibiotics, I had the second PCNL and the remainder of the loose stones were removed (I've still got several embedded in both kidneys due to Medullary Sponge Kidneys). At the same time, I opted to have a stent fitted. I don't know if I would have had any post op problems if I'd have had no stent, but as I came out of the hospital three days before Christmas, I decided it was better to be safe than sorry.

As I recover from the PCNLs, I'm starting to work out what the stent feels like, and yes, it is annoying, and yes, I can feel it's presence all the time, but I find that drinking loads of water minimizes things. Making sure that you've always got a full bladder when you have to go seems to help.

The worst bit is that it appears to click when I walk upstairs! That's a very peculiar feeling!

I think I have it in for another three weeks, but I'd rather it stayed in and stopped any stones blocking things than rush to have it taken out!

By anon227102 — On Nov 03, 2011

I had a staghorn stone removed from my left kidney - bladder two months ago. I also had a stent fitted, this came out after two weeks, which was a little unpleasant, but I found it not to be too bad really, but those two weeks while the stent was fitted were very uncomfortable to say the least!

All the procedures I had carried out by using private health care (Bupa UK) and from my first diagnosis to removal was less than two weeks!

Now after two months The pain has returned and I now have to go through this all again.

If I have a choice I will not be asking for a stent again.

By anon226907 — On Nov 02, 2011

I have formed kidney stones since 1986. After the first stone, for about 15 years, I would get a stone every three to five years. Then they became more frequent and for the last six or seven years, I've been forming them four or five times a year. I've told my urologist, No more!” I want a solution to this nightmare.

I'm home from work because of complications and have missed seven and a half days of work. I teach elementary school and that's just since school started, the day after Labor Day. So six weeks ago, the doc removed a couple of large stones and put a stent in. I never have tolerated stents well, and as a result, missed five days of work. The stent came out at the doc's office a week from placement. Two weeks ago I was still feeling a lot of pain, and went in for KUB xray and ultrasound, which revealed a blockage to my left kidney. Exploratory surgery detected scar tissue causing the blockage. The only thing that could be done, apparently, was to insert another stent, and leave it in as long as possible hoping it will open the blockage up. That was ten days ago, and I am miserable with pain from the stent. I can't go anywhere without adult diapers because my bladder is being stimulated by the stent constantly. I have the most frustrating, maddening, and hurtful tingling/burning/itching in my penis that I can barely stand up straight.

I went in for another KUB xray today and it showed the stent still in its proper placement. I thought for sure it had moved down, causing the pain. The doc said it's just the way my body reacts to the stent, and that he has numerous other patients with similar reactions to stent placement. What? With all the advancements in medical/surgical procedures, nobody can come up with an alternative to this medieval torture instrument? It is truly frustrating.

It's my understanding that some people have to carry a stent for the remainder of their lives. I just hope those who do are much more tolerant of these "space invaders" than I am. If I had to live like this, I would end my life, no two ways about it. Pure misery, and taking more and more painkillers doesn't seem to do anything to solve the problem, either.

By anon216208 — On Sep 20, 2011

I just had a kidney stone that had lodged between my bladder and kidney, and my kidney had swollen. I had some pain off and on but not to the degree described by some.

After surgery I had a stent and a string was left taped to my penis for removal of the stent. I had bad pain and bleeding when trying to urinate for about five days after surgery. Clearly, the tools used for removal of the stone were too large for my little willy. I was getting some discomfort from the stent and found that it was worse if I sat around. The more I was upright the better it was.

The thought of stent removal was worrying me, but the doctor just said take a deep breath, and he pulled it out. It hurt at the start and I was bracing for the real pain and he said OK that's done. Some discomfort afterwards but manageable with some panadene.

By anon211254 — On Sep 02, 2011

I have a stent from hell in me right now. It's awful to have this bladder pain every time I move around. I've been on a holiday abroad with the stent in, because the doctor told me that it would be no problem. At least I mapped out every toilet in Cyprus. I'm lucky to live in Sweden where the maximum cost for health care is about $90. Good luck everyone and hang in there. There is a life after the stent -- I hope.

By anon201525 — On Jul 30, 2011

I had a stent following surgery for a uretro-pelvic junction (UPJ) blockage. I have never experienced anything more awful - the south end of the stent scraped and irritated my bladder with every step I took. Seriously, it felt like I was being sexually abused. Nothing helped - I was given vesicare, which did nothing and is evil stuff.

I came home from work every night in tears, and grabbed a xanax and a tylenol with codeine. They really don't tell you how awful it is. Removal, actually, was just really, really creepy, but it only took a few seconds and didn't hurt, and it felt so much better afterward.

By anon201273 — On Jul 30, 2011

I have just had the stent put in and I can't move. The whole operation was a mistake. They put the stent in and told me when I woke up that they could not remove the kidney stone, that it is too big (2cm by 1 and a half cm). It's really unpleasant. I have to go back this Wednesday for the stent to be removed and have another for my right kidney to remove the other stones. The doctors did not warn me about the pain or the exercises that needed to be done but I can't do anything. I'm bed bound, in pain and can't go to the toilet. What should I do?

By anon196611 — On Jul 14, 2011

Well, let me tell you. You all had me scared to death of going to get my stent removed, so instead I just pulled it out myself today. It was not a big deal at all. No painkillers, no alcohol, just took a deep breath and pulled slowly and steadily. The pain of having the stent in was far worse than taking it out. My body was straining to get rid of it, or so it seemed. I guess everyone is different.

For me, the stent hurt worse than anything else. I had stabbing pain every time I moved, and I just couldn't take it anymore. I wonder if the stent was too long for me or not fitted properly. Anyway. I hope everyone is relieved from their suffering with kidney stones soon. --Hannah

By anon186029 — On Jun 14, 2011

Never, ever ask the doctor to remove the stent without any anesthesia. My idiot urologist just applied a gel in front of the urinary tract and removed it. It took one minute but I was shouting like mad during the whole time. Imagine.

By anon180636 — On May 26, 2011

Please read. Reading these comments really helped as I suffered through my first stent removal. I had a .4mm stone that I could not pass. I suffered for a little over a week before finally the pain got the best of me as the meds were not working.

I had the stone removed two days ago and went to remove the stent tonight. I took 10mg of Lorcet and also Dilaudid, (along with a glass of wine) and that seemed to help me relax enough to get into the bathtub and attempt the removal. Once you start, you have to keep going. It was very unpleasant to say the least, but it was bearable.

I am beginning to have pain again in my kidney area and stomach, but I understand from the RN that this is to be expected, as is the bloody discharge for a couple of days. If you are still suffering with this, I will pray for you.

By anon180140 — On May 25, 2011

I have suffered stones since 97'. Had been able to pass them without intervention. Good pain pills and plenty of water, but not this last time. Had five in my right kidney, and eight in my left. Had to stay overnight in hospital getting fluids and dilaudid. Five came out two days later. Not the eight. Had the laser and stent placement. Finally, three weeks after the fact, I will be getting the stent out. Very little sleep because of running to bathroom every 10-15 minutes. Not to mention horrible pain when voiding. Wondering if it was worth the doctor putting it in.

By anon179927 — On May 25, 2011

I just had a stent put in and it is more painful then the pain that came that sent me to the hospital in the first place my back is in so much pain i cry all day long my stomach is bloated and hard as a rock and the pain even there is unbearable .When i pee it hurts so very bad. I can barely walk or sit. Maybe there is something else wrong. No medication helps me at all and i feel like i have to hold myself when walking because it feels like my insides are about to fall out.

By anon179892 — On May 24, 2011

I have a stent in the left ureter right now after a stone removal three days ago. I have been battling kidney stones for 25 years and have always had problems with stents.

The best advice i can give is to ask your doctor for the softest stent they have and to not place a string on the end of it. The string seems to add to the bladder discomfort for me. Going to the doc to have this removed in two days. Can't wait!

By anon178243 — On May 20, 2011

Wow, reading some of these comments I feel extremely lucky. I had to go to the ER because of pain in my abdomen that turned out to be a 12mmx6mm stone halfway down my ureter. I had a stent put in the next day. Aside from having extreme urges to go pee as soon as I stood up for the first few days to a week I haven't really felt the stent at all. Sure, I still get the urge to pee more often than before but it's manageable. And yes, I do feel some discomfort/slight pain from the actual stone when I move around a bit too much but it's all manageable.

I went in for an ESWL treatment yesterday and I'm now waiting to get an x-ray appointment to see how successful the treatment was and whether or not the stent can be removed (the way it's feeling I'm going to go back for another session or two).

I'm a bit worried about the removal though since it seems you don't get the same type of anesthesia as when they put them in? When they put it in I got a shot in my spine that knocked out everything below my waist, so I didn't feel a thing (not counting the excruciating pain afterwards when my bladder was *full* and I couldn't relieve myself. Two shots of morphine didn't do squat so they had to empty my bladder manually, so to speak. At least the nurses were cute. Heh.

Oh well, I just hope I can get this over with sooner rather than later.

By anon175885 — On May 14, 2011

I recently had a laser procedure for kidney stones and had a stent placed in my right kidney. It hurts but is tolerable with an occasional Vicodin. When the pain gets bad I think about the alternative possibility without the stent (risk of ureter closing up) - which would be much worse pain-wise and health-wise. I'm more fortunate than some in that I should only need the stent for two or three weeks. I'm not too worried about the removal process. I had a stent 11 years ago, and removal was uncomfortable but not painful.

By anon173454 — On May 07, 2011

I have just had my second stent in the space of a year and a half put in after a second failed PCNL procedure. I had the first PCNL in January where two stones were removed successfully, and had a five day stay in hospital and a six week recovery period.

Unfortunately I still have two stones in the kidney, one embedded completely in the meat of the kidney and the other one the surgeons couldn't find. Also I had a tear in my ureter as the previous surgery had weakened the tubes. I had forgotten just how much the stent makes you feel, dragged down with aches and pains and constantly having to go to the bathroom. At least I only have to endure this for another 3.5 weeks and the removal isn't so bad so at least I know what to expect. On another note, I live in the UK and can't believe on reading another article about how much it cost for treatment in the US. I am very lucky to have the NHS and to have treatment in a top London hospital. Good luck to all the stone sufferers!

By anon171757 — On May 01, 2011

Just an update about this horrible stent. I have had it in now for four months and the pain is horrendous, especially midday for some reason, the need to urinate urgently is embarrassing and the pain is awful.

I'm on four different types of pain med up to three times a day and still in pain. I'm still waiting for the lithotripsy procedure. good luck to all sufferers.

By anon169283 — On Apr 20, 2011

What most annoys me about my stent is that I can't walk freely like before. Even short walks are a little painful. And sometimes it is very, very painful. But the pain does not prevent me to go to college everyday or to do any task. I think the worse pain in when I go to pee but it fades quickly. The blood in the urine is kind of horrible too. But reading the comments here I see that my pain is not that bad, because when I am sitting, for example, I don't feel anything.

By anon168584 — On Apr 18, 2011

I have a stent from last one and half month in my left side. Nowadays, it is so painful and gets irritated. When I don't have lot of water in my bladder it gives me enormous pain and the color of my urine become almost red. I will be removing it this week.

By anon167087 — On Apr 11, 2011

To the person that said "I have had a stent in for about 10 days..." and the nausea: Are you constipated still? If so and you feel nausea, you need to go to the hospital and let them know everything.

By anon161631 — On Mar 20, 2011

I had a stent installed after the doctor removed a 6.2cm stone in my right kidney. The stent itself did cause me any pain but going to the bathroom was a horrifying experience. It hurt like hell! Walking was also very uncomfortable because the stent always made me want to pee. The stent removal was uncomfortable but not painful at all.

By anon160833 — On Mar 17, 2011

My husband had a stent put in for three months, which i think is way too long. He wasn't eating at all; he had no appetite whatsoever. When they removed the stent, he said it was a green color so it makes you wonder what is going on!

By anon158826 — On Mar 08, 2011

Ouch! Ever have a kidney stone attack? They say it's like having a baby.

Had picked up a passenger at Wrigley to take into a mountain camp. We were at 10,000 feet map reading. I could see where this camp would be. Approximately ten minutes out I became very ill to the point where I might pass out. Thank goodness for timing, as any earlier I would not have had the wherewithal for navigation. Through clenched teeth, I explained to my passenger how to pump the skis down. I'm sure even a deep breath would have put me under. We landed on the lake and I hit the bushes for a bowel movement.

Feeling great and assuming altitude and B.M. was my problem and with the wishes of the camp for me to stay, I was on my way 200 miles to Fort Simpson.

Had just reached 9,000 feet when it hit again. Well, I gotta lose altitude. I dropped into the canyons of the North Nahanni River and if you think the Scream Machine is something, well all I can say was this experience was numbed. Came out of the Range near the McKenzie River realizing altitude didn't matter. I don't remember much of that 200 mile trip and nothing of the landing but falling out on the tarmac screaming!

Shortly after being admitted to the Simpson Hospital I felt fine and decided that wasn't the place for me so I headed home. After taking me screaming from home, they flew me to Edmonton.

By anon156369 — On Feb 26, 2011

I am on stent number six. Each one is different but all are uncomfortable. With the first one, I had such severe pain, urinated blood clots and lots of blood that I ended up in the hospital twice to get IV pain meds.

I have had extensive surgery on the right kidney and ureter for blockages.

I now have my sixth stent which is causing me pain and keeps me uncomfortable. Stents serve a purpose but to me they are horrible. All of mine have been the ones without the string. Tip for removal: take a Vicodin or Lortab (or other strong med) about 30 mins prior to removal. It will help you relax. Also take deep breaths during the actual removal.

By anon154572 — On Feb 21, 2011

I had kidney stone surgery last Monday, and I had cluster of stones blasted in my right kidney. A stent was inserted. I have to have it removed tomorrow afternoon at the doctor's office.

I am dreading this. I am still having back pain on right side, bloody urine the entire time, spasms of my bladder and kidney. Last Wednesday was awful. I agree. How can you do your normal activity with this like the doctor says?

By anon148164 — On Jan 31, 2011

I have had a stent in for about 10 days and feel nausea a lot of the time. Could this be related to the stent? Anyone else experience nausea with a stent?

By anon147664 — On Jan 30, 2011

To have gone to the hospital in a much better condition then to have come out really does prove something.

By anon147253 — On Jan 28, 2011

I am a 37 year old female with a staghorn stone in the lower pole of my left kidney! I am not in pain at the moment but have suffered from a lot of kidney infections in the past and so am due to have a stent inserted on tuesday and then shockwave treatment to remove the stone. i do not have a date for the shockwave treatment and having read the above, am very nervous on having the stent! any advice? thanks and good luck to all! God Bless.

By anon145231 — On Jan 22, 2011

I had surgery in June 2010 to remove kidney stone, I had a stent inserted and had follow up sessions of lipotripsy the pain from the stent has been unbearable. In December I went to stay at a friend's home overnight and had some Coca Cola which I do not normally drink. Next day, fragments of stones were coming away all day. Every day I have a can of coca cola and although I still have the stent inserted I am pain free. If I leave off the cola the pain returns.

By anon141656 — On Jan 11, 2011

I am sorry, but they can give you something stronger than Tylenol. It depends on what you want and what you are willing to do while you are pregnant. Your doctor just does not want you taking anything stronger.

By anon139834 — On Jan 05, 2011

I'm nearly two weeks post having a ureter stent put in and the pain and need to urinate is so painful still! i am waiting to have lithotripsy done and have had kidney stones for twenty years.

I am from the uk, whose docs have all said to take more morphine because there is nothing they can do because i have medullary sponge kidney. I now live in spain and they are doing the lithotripsy and put the stent in to relieve the pain pre lithotripsy.

Can anybody suggest pain relief for this awful pain? morphine doesn't seem to affect it. good luck to all kidney stone sufferers. thanks.

By anon139522 — On Jan 04, 2011

I'm a first time sufferer of kidney stones. I had no idea that they can be hereditary. I'm also a special annoying case. I'm eight months pregnant. I found out that I had two stones in my left kidney and six in my right kidney with one of them being the size of a coffee bean. Since I'm pregnant they couldn't do any normal procedure to break them up. So they put in two stents and I totally regret it! I'm in so much pain and they can't give me anything stronger for pain then regular tylenol! Plus they didn't tell me that the baby would put so much more pressure on my kidneys then before.

Plus after they put the stents in was when they told me that I could go into premature labor at any time. But they also said that they can't do anything with me until the baby is born. So I have five more weeks of hell and I have no idea if they will do anything right away or if I have to heal from the baby first. Pretty scared about not knowing what is going on and being in constant pain. Good luck to everyone else though and I hope your experience is better than mine.

By anon138264 — On Dec 30, 2010

I'm a 53 year old female and I had 2 kidney stones in my right kidney. They were 1.3cm and 1.2cm in size. Two days ago I went in the hospital for the shock wave treatment (ESWL). The doctor said he might not need to give me the stent and I was hoping that would be the case. It turns out he gave me the stent anyway and I wasn't warned about the constant need to urinate that I would feel. I'm aware of the stent most of the time, especially when I urinate or change my position. Although it's uncomfortable I haven't taken anything for the pain. Today, I am trying a heat pad on my abdomen. It seems to help a bit. I'm also supposed to urinate into a sieve to collect the stone fragments for a week and then bring them to my doctor. That means if I go out I have to bring the sieve with me. I do not want to bring it into a public bathroom.

So far, I'm planning to be housebound because of it. Why do they say you can resume your normal activities the day after the procedure? There's no way! The doctor also put me on a 10 day prescription for Cipro.

Ten days after my shock wave treatment I will go back to my doctor, have an x-ray, and have the stent removed if the x-ray looks good. I just hate this whole process but feel luckier than a lot of some of these other folks here.

By anon138167 — On Dec 30, 2010

I had a stent removed two days ago, and I wasn't given any anesthesia for it. They just pulled it out of my penis. Talk about pain! I also have only one kidney. I had nine stones removed and have passed at least five more since the surgery.

While having the stent, I leaked constantly, and even a diaper couldn't control the wetness because there was so much of it. I wound up wearing a cup (glass) between my legs and securing it to the clothes I would wear. Then, I could pee straight into the cup, dump it out in the toilet, and start all over again. It was extremely annoying as I was house–bound for six days, but the pain from the stent was minimal. However, peeing hurt like a mother.

The stent has been removed for two days now, and I'm having major abdominal cramps and pains, especially when I go #2. I have been peeing blood and some fleshy stuff that I don't know what it is. I'm afraid to eat at this point. As I'm typing this, I'm in pretty bad pain. It's good to know there are others out there in the same boat. Just hang tough!

By anon136709 — On Dec 23, 2010

i have had a few stones in my life. up to this point they have all passed with major pain but all in all fairly easy. well last week I went to the ER and found out i was giving birth to 23mm yes folks 23mm rock.

the doctors were all shocked at the size. needless to say, i have a stent in for the first time and it plays mental games with you. remember to keep your head up and fight. it will get better.

Lastly, for future occurrence, a K type drink helps dissolve small stones (potassium drink)and help prevent recurrence. Happy holidays --mjt

By anon135156 — On Dec 17, 2010

TheraLithXR is a supplement I am taking now. The doctor gave it to me to prevent the formation of kidney stones. So far, so good. I had surgery in june and a nice stent for a while. I had passed a few before then too.

I do not want to ever do that again. According to my doctor: Drink lots of liquids, lemonade is the best, and take the vitamins and that should do it. If you are not on them, look into it. Good luck.

By anon133601 — On Dec 11, 2010

I have a stent put in as of yesterday a little uncomfortable but not in too much pain as someone said above not nearly as much pain as the kidney stone. i have just been taking Advil seems to work i have been having light bleeding to mod witch is normal they told me. this is my second stone and first stent but I hate this. mine was 4mm. hope i never have one again. water, water, water they told me!

By anon131574 — On Dec 02, 2010

I'm getting a stent put in tomorrow on a 13mm stone. I'm a little nervous being only 23.

By anon130225 — On Nov 27, 2010

I went into hospital five weeks ago and they found a kidney stone, I also had a stint put in too. I also had a water infection and a hernia. I was also very dehydrated. After a week I came home, it was very uncomfortable for a while but has settled now.

I am waiting to go back and have the stent removed. My church were praying for me, and I am thanking the Lord for a quick recovery. God bless you all.

By anon129994 — On Nov 26, 2010

I am so glad to hear that I am not alone. I am 35 years old, and had two stones, 5mm and 6mm. I have had two surgeries to have them blasted, and I am on my second stent. The one in right now hurts more than the first one. I am in constant pain, and keep thinking something else is wrong. I am glad to know that I am not alone in this. I go in four days for the stent removal, and I am a bit scared of the procedure. I just want this all to be done.

By anon129777 — On Nov 25, 2010

I had PCNL done two weeks ago and a stent fitted. It is just so uncomfortable and painful at times, particularly if I've been bending down or doing housework. Pain medication does not help at all apart from make me constipated.

It hurts when I urinate. I won't be able to go back to work as I can't sit up straight for two long. I am waiting for another op to get the rest of the stones out in two weeks, and even then the surgeon said it might not get them all out. I agree that having a stent just makes it worse.

By anon129772 — On Nov 25, 2010

Greetings from Sydney, Australia. To anyone reading this post, looking for reassurance, please know that we can always mend our ways, and live a healthy life after kidney stones.

I lived such an undisciplined life, and brought my second set of kidney stones onto myself.

They were 9mm. and were blocking my renal tube for three months.

I went into hospital three days ago to get a stent put in, and hoping that there will be a spare bed for me in the next three weeks, so that the specialist can laser the stone out.

Although the stent does not hurt (I can't feel it), urinating is a killer, and seeing all the blood gushing out is a reality check on our mortality.

I wish everyone here (past, present and future) a healthy recovery. Just drink lots of water, and don't worry.

Peace be upon all of you!

By anon128616 — On Nov 20, 2010

i had kidney stones in 1994. i had a full kidney removed. i now have four stones which i have had for eight years. i am in constant pain. the doctors could not decide what to do but they are putting a stent and i am scared.

i asked to stay awake through this operation. reading the comments, it sounds worse than the pain i am having now.

By anon125991 — On Nov 11, 2010

I just turned 40, and one day after my b-day i got a horrible pain in my right side. I went to the er, they took a ct and found a 5mm stone just below my right kidney. The pain meds didn't work so the loaded me up with morphine.

The next day they blasted the stone out with shock waves. They also inserted a stent which also was painful had to have that in for five days had to pee every five minutes. I had lots of blood in my urine.

The stent removal was very painful as well. even though the stent is gone now I still have the need to pee every 10 minutes. I hope I will be normal again very soon. Don't wish this pain on my worst enemy.

By anon124677 — On Nov 06, 2010

I have to say that this has been my worst experience ever. I have had 10 surgeries and two kids and I haven't felt this bad. I had very little pain prior to my surgery for a blocked left kidney.

They blasted the stone, which was embedded because it had been there so long. The stent is horrible. How can I feel this? I have missed a week of work so far. Thought I would only be out two or three days. I'm not sure how I will even go back on Monday.

I can't even sit because I can feel the stent.

By anon124266 — On Nov 05, 2010

i am siva. I got a stent fixed yesterday for 10mm left side kidney stone. Really it gives damn/hell pain during urination. During pee, I could feel something in the lower abdomen pull inside and outside with hellish pain. After urination also, it brings uncomfortable pain.

Doctor suggested I come back after four weeks, so let's see what will happen next.

By anon122736 — On Oct 29, 2010

As I am sitting here typing this, I am waiting to be taken to the surgical center to have a 7mm kidney stone on my right side blasted by Lithotripsy. I had the stent put in about two weeks ago. It is a little uncomfortable but hurts so much less than the horrible kidney stone pain. I have a history of kidney stones, so I already know what to expect. I am still nervous though. I hate having to go through this again.

By anon122658 — On Oct 28, 2010

I am Amber, female, 19 years old, first surgery ever, 5.5 mm stone.

I had horrible pains so bad i was on my knees crying and waking up in the middle of the night. I thought it was just a back spasm or very sore back. A couple of days later my parents took me to the urgent care center. they said it could be kidney stones and go to the er.

We arrived there 10 minutes later and they gave me two or three bags of fluid as i was dehydrated and also gave morphine and i also did a ct scan. I had one 5.5mm kidney stone and still others in me which i do not know the size right now. They flew me by air ambulance off island and overnight i was checked on every hour and had another bag of fluid.

Surgery was scheduled for following morning with stent in me. Always got to go pee. Getting the stent out tomorrow and i don't know when the next surgery is.

By anon119602 — On Oct 18, 2010

Well exactly a week ago I went to the ER because I was having this horrible pain in the right side of my back (flank area).

After many tests and a CT scan, I was waiting for the doctor to come in and at least tell me a little something about what was causing my pain. Well during that time I was getting hungry and wanted something to snack on, so my aunt calls the nurse because she didn't want me to eat just in case there were going to be more tests needed.

The nurse comes in and tells me I'm not allowed to eat or drink anything because they're waiting on the surgeon and doctor to come in and talk to me. She said that i had a kidney stone, the biggest they've ever seen, might i add, so i thought she was kidding.

Actually I told the nurse "shuuut uppp" and she goes "no I'm serious. It's as big as his thumb if not a little bigger."

I froze and next thing you know I started crying and so they admitted me. They took me to the back to prep me and i met the surgeon. So he tells me that it's whole and that it's not letting any urine pass so that's why I'm having all the pain. It seems to be I've been growing the stone for years and it just finally got stuck.

He told me that he's going to place a stent and take a camera to see where it's lodged. Well, after the surgery the following day, he tells me that he had to use a smaller stent then the one planned because it's that big and where it's wedged at. Now all i know is that I'm to see him in two weeks and we'll see where we go from there, and if the stent will be removed.

I'm terrified, of course.

I've only had surgery four times before this and it was to deliver my kids and the recovery pain was nowhere near to what I've felt so far with this kidney stone and the stent is very uncomfortable. The only way i can sleep is laying on my back straight and if i walk much it starts to bother me.

Oh, and the string. I wasn't even told there was a string until i got home and was wondering why i kept feeling a tug when i cleaned myself after using the restroom. The urinating so much is actually a relief to me, but i agree with others. I wish they had told me a little more about it.

By anon118786 — On Oct 15, 2010

I'm 42, female, almost two weeks into my second kidney stone experience. My first experience was 16 years ago and the stone passed in the ER. This time, I wasn't so lucky.

I just had laser to remove my 3-4 mm stone, which was stuck high up in my ureter just under my right kidney. Ended up lucky with the procedure turning into a "basket" where the stone was able to be pulled out whole just 15 minutes in. Unlucky for me, this also required a stent, which I so didn't want.

I am miserable, just 15 hours after. Pain meds, Darvocet, do little to stop my cramping, discomfort and groin pain. I have not been able to find a comfortable position for sleeping, and am so tired...but no sleep for me yet, and it's almost 6 a.m.

The constant need to pee is driving me insane. Not being able to wipe, because of the string attached to my stent, is frustrating. To pat it dry is just gross. I've also not gone poo since yesterday afternoon. The thought of pooing now is frightening. I'm scared to strain, if I have to.

My stomach is bloated and I'm just so horribly uncomfortable.

I have to say that for me, so far, the stent is just as bad as my stone still being in -- probably worse. I know it's still early for me. Maybe I'll feel better in a day or two.

My stent will be removed in four days. I've missed almost two weeks of work so far and can't imagine going back until the stent has been taken out. Feels bad to have to miss so much work.

I wish all of us the best of luck and health as we go through this horrible experience. - Lori in Texas

By anon116807 — On Oct 08, 2010

wow! I had a stent put in this morning on my right side

besides being uncomfortable after the surgery. I am fine. I am frequently urinating, but then again I have MS. I'm used to this. will get removed in 10 days! So far so good!

By anon113736 — On Sep 25, 2010

I thought I was the only one who felt this way about stents! I hate them! I am almost 26 and this is my second stent. I had my first one when I was 21 with a kidney stone 7mm. This last stent I had put in almost two weeks ago because my ureter closed in two different places and I also have an 8mm stone. I ended up in the hospital for five days and told to make an appointment with a urologist. This will be the fourth urologist I have seen and I don't think they know anything.

I have constant kidney pain and there are times the pain is so bad I luckily have some old pain pills left over that I have to take them. Whoever says a stent does not hurt is the luckiest person on earth. To me the stent is more painful than the stone itself. If anyone has any tricks that help with the pain please let me know!

By anon113688 — On Sep 25, 2010

I'm 33 weeks pregnant, and have had the absolute worst pregnancy ever! This kidney stone has ruined my pregnancy experience to the point where I'm scared to have any more kids in the future. i was in horrible pain sunday night, to the point i was screaming and crying.

i had a doctor's appointment the next day thank god, and she put me on lortab 7.5 which i had to live on religiously for days until that thursday for my follow up. she was sure i had a stone. I had blood in my urine, etc. well, and she sent me to the hospital where they did some small x rays, and i have a totally blocked kidney on the left side. lovely me.

well, the whole time i was in the hospital i was fine, no pain just a lot of peeing. they were sure I'd pass the stone, but nothing.

now that I'm home, I'm in pain again, not as bad as before though. so monday at my follow up OBGYN apt, I'm afraid he'll want to send me to the hospital for another x ray, or at my urologist appointment in a week he'll want to put a stent in.

I'm terrified. i wish this stone would just pass!

By anon113444 — On Sep 24, 2010

I have had stones off and on for quite a few years, often ending up in ER with incredible pain, telling them I have stones, lying there for several hours waiting for the testing to be done to have the doctor come back in and tell me, "guess what, you have kidney stones". Really? But, and here is always the best part, "they are so small, there is no way they could be causing you this much pain." I assure them, I am not that good an actress.

The one thing that seems to really throw them off is that I am also a nurse, so when I am in ER and they want to start off with the usual first line drug of Toradol and I tell them, go ahead, but it won't help. The only thing that will is dilaudid, I get the look of "nurses are a pain in the butt". But with this last stone, I actually was at work when it happened, so it wasn't such a long trip to the ER, the doctor listened to me and gave me some dilaudid pretty quickly so I wasn't writhing in pain and vomiting. They did find the stone which was stuck at the UV junction and would not allow the valve that is there to function properly so I was having a lot of urinary reflux (this can lead to some pain and a lot of the bloating that a lot of us seem to suffer from).

I was able to see the urologist in five days (feel lucky it was that quickly). he looked at my chart, which also showed that two weeks prior, I had five small stones (ranging from 1-7mm) in my left kidney, but they were now gone, and this 7mm stuck in my right. He shocked me when he asked how quickly could I be ready for surgery and I was in two days later.

The stone was lasered into smaller pieces, and he was hopeful that he could remove some at that time, but could not, and a stent was placed.

First time with a stent, and I was not given any of the warnings as I should have been, but had done some homework. The stone pain is intense but you know that the pain meds will more than likely work and you will get some relief. This is not so with the stent. While it is not the intense pain of the stone when it is blocking, it is more constant and the pain with urination can be unbearable.

My husband has finally gotten used to hearing me punching the wall in the bathroom. I had surgery on wednesday, and I am supposed to return to work on monday, although I was told to take it easy for a day or two and return to all normal activities from there. Part of my normal activities is riding horses as I am a fairly competitive rider, he told me that would be fine (in fact through the years all of my urologists have said that it was perfectly fine to ride with a stone being stuck, might actually loosen it up. Never have felt up to riding at those times to try to prove their theory).

As of right now, sleeping has not been easy as finding a comfortable position is very difficult, sitting for too long of a period of time is also difficult as is standing or walking. Not sure how I am going to manage going back to work on Monday, but will give it my best shot. My stent is to come out under local anesthesia in two weeks, mine is an indwelling and does not have a string or else I may have already pulled it out. I think that is why the dr. made it an indwelling.

And for those doctors who are afraid to prescribe something more than tylenol (and they are usually male doctors who are like this), I did say to one during an incredibly painful stone episode, "Hey, how about I kick you in the testicles and then let you choose between tylenol and percocet. I bet I know which one you would pick". He was speechless and my husband just looked at him and said, "I think I would go with the percocet". It worked very well.

By anon112816 — On Sep 22, 2010

I took out the stent out myself two days ago (four days post-stone removal) - no big deal for me. Just pulled the string. However, ever since then I still feel like I have to pee all the time. my bladder never feels empty and it's driving me nuts. Are these common complaints after stent removal? Any feedback would be really appreciated. Thank you.

By anon112559 — On Sep 20, 2010

I am so glad to hear from other people. I thought I was going crazy. I have had my stent now for a couple days shy of six weeks. .It has been horrible. constant pain. I am horribly tired all of the time. I keep getting infections. I hate going anywhere. I pray that I can get mine taken out tomorrow at my apartment. I can't stand it anymore. it is making me nuts.

By anon111281 — On Sep 15, 2010

Compared to many of the posts here, I feel blessed. I had a stent placed in me yesterday after having a stone zapped with a laser. Comparing notes with a friend who had the same procedure, I expected the worst, namely 10 days of torture. I can say I have no feeling whatsoever from the state.

The only problem is I have to pee like a race horse -- constantly! Of course there was the burning sensation when voiding the first day, but that has passed and I now entertain my girlfriend with "I can't believe this, I gotta go again" before racing to the bathroom.

Hope the blood in the urine stops at some time. That's a little troubling. Ah, the things we take for granted.

By anon110339 — On Sep 11, 2010

I live in the uk and after collapsing at the hospital for a second time with the same kidney stone i was rushed into theatre and had a stent fitted. i was in such a bad way that i way in hospital for four days. I was told that i would be sent an appointment for three weeks post op and a consultant appointment in four weeks.

Heard nothing from the hospital after chasing them up i finally got an appointment three months later and was told i need urgent surgery to remove the stone and have another stent inserted. i had pre-ops on the day and was told to wait for my invitation. It has now been another six weeks and still i have heard nothing. I have now had a kidney stent in place for almost six months.

It was very painful when it was fitted but the pain is increasing now and i am unable to lie flat or on my right side (stent is in the left), and the only sleep i do manage to get is sitting bolt upright.

Having read the stories following stent removal, i am now terrified of having it done. i have already been warned that if left too long the stent may fuse to the tubes. Great health care wouldn't you say!

By anon107727 — On Aug 31, 2010

I had a stent put in my right kidney, following two failed admissions to A&E, where i was told it was probably muscular pain. Finally on the third trip to A&E, they got the message that something was wrong, i was admitted to a surgical ward and kept pain free on oramorph, and a week after my first trip to A&E i was taken to theatre for the removal of the stone.

when i woke i was told that they had inserted a stent as the stone was stuck in the entrance of the kidney. I have never experienced such excruciating pain when going for a wee. I'm still bleeding and none of the pain killers help. This naturally makes me want to not void any urine.

I am going in tomorrow for removal of the stent under a local anesthetic, i hope they can remove the stone too. I wonder what damage has been caused to my right kidney as a result of not being able to function properly. It has been a comfort to know that I am not alone and that the pain is part of the stent being in situ. I wish everyone well.

By anon106322 — On Aug 25, 2010

I am a 51 year old male in the UK. I get a bit annoyed at the maligning of our health service by other countries. I was taken into A and E in a lot of pain due to a blocked left kidney. After the dye tests and several x rays that showed the kidney wasn't draining still, I was placed on the emergency op list and had a stent fitted at midnight last night, about 48 hours after being admitted.

I was released from hospital at 9.30 the next morning and will be booked in for the removal of the stone and stent in two to three weeks. I don't have to worry about finding the money for the procedures. I must say at the moment the pain is as described by the consultant. Aching when I pee and some pain in the kidney area, but so far, so good. Not looking forward to removal under a local though!

By anon106029 — On Aug 23, 2010

I am a 42 year old female. This is kidney stone #2. The first one passed eight years ago. That was very painful.

This time it started with back pain, nausea, bloating, headache, and blood in urine. Went to the doc as soon as blood appeared and got Cipro. I was told if not better in couple days to get ultrasound.

Two days later. the pain was still coming in waves, but it was hard to concentrate at work and sitting made it worse.

The ultrasound showed my left kidney swelling. I got a CT the next day and was sent directly to the ER. A moderate stone showed plus, a couple of small ones in both. I stayed in observation overnight and saw urologist. Within an hour, I had a stent put in. I came home and slept until the next day.

One day post stent, it was very painful to urinate, a lot of cramping and feeling overall crappy. Day two post stent felt a little better and I tried sitting at computer for couple hours. this aggravated my groin. Day three post stent and I felt a little better. I was still cramping when urinating and still showing blood but felt OK to get up a few times.

I took next day off just to make sure I could handle sitting for nine hours. Tomorrow I go into work. We'll see how it goes. I have not had to use any of the pain killers yet.

I do feel tired, more than normal and the bloating is still there. Will see doc at end of week to see about lithium (shock wave). What a long ordeal. Hope this helps others.

By anon105667 — On Aug 21, 2010

I am a 40 year old female this is the first time I ever had kidney stones. I would rather go through labor 100 times before this again! I had surgery a week ago with a stent put in. The stent was removed five days later. The removal of the the stent wasn't really that bad, to be honest. I do have to say this whole ordeal has been a nightmare. I never spent so much time in the bathroom and everything was suppose to be back to normal after the stent was removed. Not true at all!

It has been hell since the stent was removed. Spasms forever. I have not been to work in two weeks. Just be prepared for a nightmare. It is the worst experience of my life.

By anon105283 — On Aug 19, 2010

Well, I have read every post. I have had seven stones, the first when I 15, then two in my twenties, two in my 30s and one in my forties and this latest one at 50.

I was so lucky in the one horse town summer home. They sent me to the next biggest city and the urologist was doing procedures that day, and even though I arrived at 2 p.m., and did not get the laser removal until 6:30, I was blessed that he would add me in.

Stents are excruciating for some, not so bad for others. For me, it stinks! Surely the stones hurt worse, but a little dilaudid or morphine relieves that, but pain pills do not relieve a stent pain for me, but constipate the heck out of me.

He told me to leave it in three days and take it out. I have taken one out before and it was pretty uncomfortable because the J-hook scratches a bit in that sensitive area. Once out, you feel, or I do at least, feel so good. This sitting with my urinal next to me is all I can do. I cannot go out because I pee myself.

I went out and bought Depends so when out, I can pee myself and well, that is better than peeing my pants. I go every few minutes and it is not drips, but mostly a painful strain.

Everyone is different, so just take it as it goes and if in the USA, be pleased you are not in England or Canada. Neither of those social medicine places would have done it in one day. So before Obama Care takes over, get everything done you have been putting off and pray that the conservatives win in 2010 to repeal most of this new health care reform or we will be like other managed heath care countries.

Those who have grown up with England's and Canada's health care do not know what it is like to have cadillac health care as we do in the USA. I have friends in both countries and they are amazed at how quickly we get procedures done.

By anon103714 — On Aug 13, 2010

well I had a kidney stent inserted yesterday and I just have to say this is the most uncomfortable thing Ive ever been through. There is no relief whatsoever from the constant urge to urinate, with little or no result in urine. Its unbearable almost, no rest. i can't sit still. it's horrible. i was not informed of any of this by my doctor.

By anon103406 — On Aug 12, 2010

I came across a homeopathic product by nieren called kidney and bladder disorders. this is my second time for stones so this is based on fact. when you pee after the stent is put in or when it is taken out as well. you take 15 drops every morning and i can pee with little to no pain at all. I also use this when my pee burns me inside. 15 drops and no more problems. hope this helps someone. Cheers

By anon102944 — On Aug 10, 2010

i have given birth to seven children, all natural, ranging from nine pounds to 12.6 pounds, and they can take this stent and stick it! gasd

By anon102205 — On Aug 06, 2010

I'm 47 with no insurance or medical coverage, and after being in pain for over six months and reluctant to get it checked out, I finally had to go to ER and two days ago, they put in a double j hook stent in a surgical procedure.

I have a 16mm size kidney stone, so the stent i guess is holding it in place. Now i have pain from the stent being there and the stone, my urine flow is weak and constantly bloody.

I can't afford the next step, which would be the blasting with litho machine, let alone they won't take out stent until the stone goes. I'm at the mercy now of having to step into another hospital that has the treatment litho machine to blast the stone plus take out the stent afterwards! The only route is going to the emergency room of that hospital, but when, tonight? tomorrow?

I'm holding on, thinking the stent will ease up a bit to give me some time before i rush to the ER but every time i go to urinate blood, weak flow, etc., even with drinking water constantly, so what to do here? help!

By anon100135 — On Jul 28, 2010

I am on my second stone. Just had ureteroscopy last night, and a J stent put in place. I am in agony. Can't leave the bathroom for more than five minutes, and urinating is unbearable. I am using Norco and dilaudid for pain, and pyridium for ease in urination. I also have detrol, which is too assist in bladder discomfort. I'll let you all know how it works. You all are not alone.

By anon99920 — On Jul 27, 2010

I just had a stent put in on the left side kidney this morning and it almost brought me to my knees when I would urinate. I could feel the kidney empty out and start to squeeze around the stent. Reading the comments here made me understand I am not alone.

I just wanted to contribute my findings throughout the day to maybe help others. I have avoided urinating while standing in case I can't handle the pain, and I have leaned to the right trying to straighten out my left side to ease pressure on the stent. This combined with very deep breathing during the urination and for a couple of minutes after (when I say deep I mean fill the lungs as much as possible and hold for a second before exhaling, and follow up 2 seconds later with another as a timing queue). This has drastically reduced the pain and made me not scared to urinate for fear of passing out or collapsing.

If anyone else comes across this post please let others know if any of this helps. Thanks!

By anon99786 — On Jul 27, 2010

I'm on stent no. 2, kidney stone no. 10. This one has to stay in for 45 more days because of heart issues. This is miserable. The only relief is percocet. The Pyridium does nothing. Ditropan does nothing. I get lithotripsy in September and the stent removed a week later. Will the date ever get here? I feel you pain and discomfort.

By anon99466 — On Jul 26, 2010

I'm a 49 year old male and this is my sixth kidney stone and my second stone that I've had to have laser surgery for.

I had the stent put in two weeks ago. The stent is horrible for me. just like the other posts, i feel like I've got to urinate all the time, and after I urinate the pain is so bad it almost drops me to my knees.

I still bleed when I'm active, so the only relief is when I'm stationary. I had the laser surgery almost a week ago and have passed some stones. The pain of the stent is really the only pain I feel. The doctor I unfortunately selected is a doctor who won't prescribe anything but tylenol 3's. This doctor doesn't want his patients to get addicted. My guess is he's never had a kidney stone before.

Also, I was told to go back to normal activities and to me, urinating is a normal activity and it's definitely not normal at all. I have the stent removed in two weeks and am wanting it out, but also horrified at the procedure they use to take it out. Ouch! Good luck to everyone.

By anon98119 — On Jul 22, 2010

I am male 26. I have had three stone attacks since 1998. The first time i had it removed by shock wave lithotripsy (8mm stone), and recovery was instant. The second time through arthroscopic surgery (10mm) and recovery took two weeks.

It's been a month of on and off stone attacks and I went to the ER for the unbearable stabbing right side pain. i was diagnosed with a 20mm stone blocking the right kidney.

I was put to sleep for a ureteroscopic removal of the stone and when i came to, the urologist informed me that he had a stent put in and the stone which he was to break shot back into the kidney!

In four days the urologist has planned to do a lithotripsy on the stone.

I have a constant peeing sensation, back pain similar to that of the stone. The tingling and pain while urinating i can bear, but it drops to my knees every time i urinate due to an unbearable pain on my kidney. I fear for the next pee and every time i pee, it's just a few drops, reminding me that the next full bladder is close by.

The urologist says its due to urine being pumped back into the kidney, while the stent is in place.

I am waiting for the lithotripsy, which requires the stent to be in place for several weeks, and i might request for the removal of the stent and to surgically remove the stones by nephrostomy.

By anon97705 — On Jul 20, 2010

I am female 34 years, and this is my first time with kidney stones, and they did the blasting surgery with stent placement with strings one week ago.

The stent has been horrible for me. The pain, spasms, incontinence, burning, itching, at times, feverish, sweating, can't sleep, razor-like sharp pain that shoots through my entire body.

I read once that the pain is similar to having a too-dry tampon, but that has not been the truth in my case. I understand that statement but this is much worse. The doctor told me there would not be any pain and he is conservative on prescribing meds.

Vicodin has done nothing, nor Ultram. I have been too frightened to pull it myself. Today was was supposed to be my first full day back to work. Even though "he" told me I would be in no pain and could return within a day after surgery and I have stairs that I climb up and down several times a day. I couldn't make it through the day. I left work in tears and frustration, called my doctor for the millionth time and demanded that we take the stent out. Tomorrow morning is what he settled with.

I feel that unless you are able to stay in bed or sit comfortably doing nothing until you have the stent removed, don't have it done period. I do have a high pain tolerance and have had several surgeries throughout my life and have never experienced anything like this. This procedure is not the answer (stents) for this condition.

I only post this for the females out there to be familiar with how bad this can be. I am hoping that removing the stent won't be hell tomorrow but can't wait regardless! I will change my diet because of the stones and do whatever it takes in order to not go through this ever again.

I wish this text wasn't so negative but I wish I would have known. Honesty and awareness.

By anon92998 — On Jul 01, 2010

I am the last post again. Tramadol 200mg was the only thing that was close to working and to anyone worried about surgery, it's a piece of cake and doesn't hurt, so don't worry -- honest.

By anon92997 — On Jul 01, 2010

I am post 17 and 33 and after eight months of pain, i am sorted. I was looking at how many people have written in since it's been a long time and my case actually got a lot worse.

My hospital gave me a date for surgery back in march, which i attended and when they tried to take the stone and stent out and failed miserably.

They snapped the stent in two and didn't even tell me. They sent me home and said we will have another go at lipotripsy because the stent was crusted to my kidney due to being in far too long and two weeks later i started to fall ill. i had a very bad fever and felt very painful all over and my dad decided enough's enough. I was going back in the hospital to sort it out and it must be my kidneys. And he was right.

My kidney was blocked. My "snapped" stent had blocked up and my kidney was about to explode so they had to do an emergency nephrostomy, which consists of piercing your back and shoving a pipe into the kidney to drain, which leads to a bag that straps to your leg. What a nightmare it's been and that was not the end of that!

After another few months of nagging and sending letters directly to my consultant to get things sorted, they sent me a letter to come to the day ward to have the nyphostomy changed. I refused and told them I wanted it out.

So i went home, then two weeks later i had a certain fever come back so straight back down to the hospital i went, just for them to change it again. My final operation was in June and and everything is done well, apart from them putting another stent in temporarily for three to four weeks.

Don't be scared of what i said. The circumstances are different. But the nephrostomy was so demoralizing. I don't wish it on any of you. Oh yeah -- i have two new stones in my other kidney. Great. They said I'd pass them.

By anon92639 — On Jun 29, 2010

All this pain from the stent is worse then the eight stones that i have. I can't leave my house, can't work. I can't do anything but stay in the bathroom 24/7. the meds they gave me don't do anything. What can i do myself? I can't go on like this. i am in fear of leaving my house!

By anon92614 — On Jun 29, 2010

Thanks guys now at least I know I'm not crazy. So it's the stent that is causing me the problem. I didn't know why I was still in so much pain and why constantly feel the need to go to the bathroom.

The doctor told me they were putting it in but did not give me the side effects. I just figured I had an infection or the stone was not removed. I get this thing out of me in two days and I can't wait.

I'm glad I at least know that it's the stent that is giving me the problem.

By anon92084 — On Jun 25, 2010

I'm in Ireland and have a stent in my left kidney, the third stent in three years. I have a duplex kidney on the left side and that is where I keep producing stones and getting bad kidney infections, which last time progressed quite quickly to septicemia.

I have to wait up to eight weeks for lithotripsy. I absolutely hate the stent. I can't walk anywhere or do any sort of activity. I have to spend most of my time sitting down. It is painful and the pressure on the bladder is incredible. Also, I am so bloated. Why is that?

Glad to know I'm not the only one who hates the stent. My doctor said I was just unfortunate to feel more than a mild side effect.

By anon89986 — On Jun 13, 2010

I have large stones in both my left and right kidneys. Last week I got the stones removed from my right kidney through a ureteroscopy procedure and a stent has been put in place for post-op. They sent me home with 500mg Lortab (hydrocodone), Hyoscyamine for bladder spasms, and Phenazopyrid for urinary pain. NOTHING WORKS lol. Geez! When I tell people the Lortab doesn't do much their always so shocked....really? Yes really! The best med I had was the morphine through the IV while in the hospital. I do know that the stent is helpful and necessary, it just sucks in the meantime. Without it, the tube btw the kidney and bladder could become so swollen that it closes off (and THAT'S pain beyond imagination!) I just wish I didn't have to have it. I don't know which is worse: actively passing a stone or the post-op stent! I go to take mine out in four days and I am counting down! I pray these stones don't continue to form. I hate this whole thing :~(

By amarienum1 — On Jun 11, 2010

All right guys I'm number 68 on this list. My name is amber and I've had stones since I was 11. And I was telling y'all about my little episode I had a week and a half ago. Well my saga continues. I had that stent placed on my left side a little over a week & a half ago. Well yesterday I went back to the er. I had started to pass a stone in my right side. O yeah!!! I t was a bad one but I figured they'd admit me for pain not a second surgery to put a stent in my rite side and a larger one to replace the left. I thought I was going to die. And sure felt like it upon coming out of surgery. Now I'm in double the pain because I have to stents in. I never thought id be gone through this again. They also put a shunt in my left kidney. That's a first,never had one of those before. Never the less I am adamant that this shunt thing is adding to my pain. I read how some people have no pain at all and god how I wish I could be them. Talk to y'all in a few weeks when I have my stents out and I'm passing my next stone!!!

By anon89296 — On Jun 09, 2010

I want to give people an actual, literal, estimation on the pain involved with this procedure. I will skip to the part when they began surgery.

You lie on a table with an air tube in your nose (it actually surprised me how comfortable that was) and they tell you something along the lines of "We are going to put this on you to give you more oxygen" and they place a fitted muzzle type thing on your mouth and nose. That is actually the thing that will put you to sleep.

I didn't even feel drowsiness. It was like I went from that being placed on my face to me blinking my eyes once and then everyone in the room was in different positions than they previously were and they were doing paperwork. That's how well that chemical passes time painlessly for you. I was actually quite happy at first because it was like I "time traveled" from the point of surgery to the end of it.

This procedure caused zero pain at all for me. You will wake up feeling nothing. I'm male so I will explain what it feels like when you urinate after this procedure. You feel a powerful build up in your back/kidney area then it feels like someone punches it. You begin urinating and it burns (about twice as bad as urinating after masturbating with shampoo or other no-nos) At the last two or three seconds of the urination process, it feels like fiery bleach is pouring out of your penis. The last few seconds of the urination is insanely painful. You will probably have pink to medium red urine for a while.

The really bad part is you may urinate every 15 minutes and feel this pain over and over and over. I am getting this stent out (I hate this damned stent by the way) about two weeks from now. If I pass this stone, I will change my lifestyle because I never want another kidney stone again.

By anon89276 — On Jun 09, 2010

All my troubles started about three weeks ago. I have had lots of gynecological issues, so when the first attack hit, I went into the emergency room, and the doctor there just thought it was an ovarian cyst rupturing and did no testing, gave me morphine and sent me home.

Well didn't the cat come back the very next day!

I went back to the emergency room and the most wonderful doctor was there. He actually touched me! Wow!

They found out that it was kidney stones. He set me up with an appointment with a urologist gave me ample pain killers and kept me in hospital until I felt like I was able to return home. Wow!

Two days later I started peeing blood, and then the pain came. The previous attacks were nothing! I went back to our tiny emergency room and they sent me by ambulance immediately to the bigger center to have emergency surgery. The urologist put the stents in and then he kept me overnight to make sure I was fine about it. I have the kind with the string.

He was going away two days after the surgery on holidays for a week. He actually told me "if the stents don't fall out in a week, pull them out yourself" and he prescribed Tylenol! What the heck? Tylenol! Obviously this man has never had a stent! I am glad that I had some pills left over form the previous attacks!

So, the bottom line of my story. Somehow, the string went up inside of me. I have an appointment to see him tomorrow in the OR to have the stents removed. I am supposed to work on Friday. Am I really going to be up for work?

By anon88384 — On Jun 04, 2010

I am a 47 year old male. i have two stones. one is 6mm,the other is 15mm. I went in to get them lasered, but ended up with a stent. i have not felt any pain with my kidney stones, but the pain with the stent is ten times worse than the stones ever were. i go back in to hospital in two weeks, and i just cannot wait for the pain to go.

By amarienum1 — On Jun 04, 2010

I've had stones since I was 11 yrs. Old. I've almost died at least 7 times from failed kidneys and was once hospitalized for 2and a half weeks and dropped 28 stones. They had to put a pic line into my neck. I've been through the worst of the worst more than my share of times.

My boyfriend & I travel from state to state because of his job. Every few weeks we move. Well we ended up in springfeild Illinois and I had a little episode, went to the ER, and got sent home after a few shots of dyladin. Then we were at work & 50 min away from the nearest ER and I had another one. The radiologist was amazed that in a matter of a month I had formed 7 new stones.

My biggest was a 3mm on my left. I can feel them before they come usually, and not even a week later this past Sunday, we got up, ate breakfast, then it hit me. We called an ambulance & they got me an IV & double shots of dylaudin.

That 3mm stone dropped. My kidneys shut down and I needed emergency surgery. I passed the stone @ 4 the next morning, but the doctor took me to surgery anyway & put a stent in.

I've had stents in both sides. I hate them!!!! And this one is killing me.

I called the doctor's office & said it's been 3 days and I want it out of me and then I also included that I took all of the vicodine they sent me home with. The nurse quickly called me in for a stronger dose and something for spasms.

I went to work with my boyfriend today but still feel really bad. I never had the internet until this year & I don't feel so alone like why am I the only one going through this mess? Bottum line stents and kidney stones are different pains and the stones are worse, but when you have these stents you're not supposed to feel that much discomfort.

By anon87385 — On May 30, 2010

Three weeks ago i had another kidney stone. it is the worst pain imaginable. they did the lithotripsy and put in the stent. the stent has done nothing but make me feel like i want to croak, it hurts so bad. i get it removed on thursday but i don't have the string. what does that mean?

If i did have the string i would have pulled the mother out the first day! this is definitely the worst pain of my life!

By anon87033 — On May 27, 2010

I have a stent in right now on my right side and it has been in for five months now and yes, talk about pain. i don't have a string like most of you said you have.

i have gone through four laser blastings to get rid of a 28mm stone, yes people, i said a 28 mm stone and that is only one of many stones i have in both kidneys. And to be honest with everyone who reads this, like wow, i have never felt pain like i have been in for the last five months and i had it all for pain but now i get 10ml of morphine iv drip every four hours.

By anon85302 — On May 19, 2010

My 49 year old brother had a 9 mm kidney stone removed two months ago and a stent was put in following the surgery. It was supposed to be removed in two to three weeks, but my brother still has not had it removed! He complains about the uncomfortable effects of the stent, but I can't get him to make an appointment to get it removed!

What will happen if he continues putting off getting it removed? I think he's scared. How can I get him to get it done *now*? Thanks! A concerned sister

By anon85189 — On May 19, 2010

Four days ago I experienced a pain on my right side that was truly incredible. I can usually deal with pain well, but not with this.

The pain subsided after about five hours, and I was in the ER three hours after that. I had an 8 mm stone that I had lasered yesterday (three days later) and a stint inserted.

I have had no pain, fever or general fatigue since the procedure. The laser procedure was fine with the only issues being the pre-op and post-op stuff.

The stent, while I guess is doing its job is really an annoyance. The constant drip of urine/blood is incredible. Have some protective pads ready because you will definitely need them.

I change mine every one to two hours.

Also, ask the hospital for a strainer and urine holder as you will also need these. Not sure if my situation is the exception, but there is no way I can resume normal activities until the stint is either removed or the constant drip stops.

By anon85133 — On May 19, 2010

The first thing you have to remember is that everyone's body reacts differently to things like this, and everyone has a different threshold of pain. I didn't read every comment there was but the general consensus is that the doctor doesn't tell you how painful it is.

Secondly, another variant is the condition when a stent is put in - the condition of your kidney, urethra and bladder for starters.

I currently have one in. It was put in me last Friday afternoon to push back a 9 mm kidney stone that was blocking the urethra path to my bladder, and causing me a severe amount of pain in the process. Compared to the pain that I went to the e.r. for on Thursday afternoon, the discomfort caused by the stent is a simple annoyance.

I had an outpatient laser lithotripsy surgery this morning and they left the stent in to assist the remaining pieces of my stones to pass. I'm a little confused why they added a string this time around but I trust the judgment of my Urologist.

What little pain I am in is dulled by the Hydrocodone 7.5/650mg pain medication I was prescribed. It doesn't knock out all of the pain but I am able to function.

I really was just searching the web tonight to find out how to care for this string taped to my leg, then I found this page. Everything I saw was so negative and I just wanted people to know that it's not always so awful.

Is it painful? Yes, most anything having to do with surgery usually is. But compared to the pain I've been in with my kidney stone for the last nine months, I much prefer this pain over the other.

My stent is scheduled to be removed in 10 days, by the way.

By anon83648 — On May 11, 2010

I have had two stents put in place due to a tumour blocking a kidney. The procedure was done about five months ago and let me tell you, this is probably the worst pain I have ever experienced! Every day is a nightmare and no pain medication works. I honestly feel for anyone who has to put up with all this!

By anon82211 — On May 05, 2010

Believe me. Stent removal is not painful, you will only feel some kind of uneasiness, and that only for 30 seconds. The complete procedure takes two minutes. I don't know about others, but I did it once and it is not painful. Yes you may feel shy. A pinch of injection will be more painful than stent removal. If you can bear the injection pinch it's less than that. I am not joking.

By anon81050 — On Apr 29, 2010

I'm sorry, but my experience was a bit different. I only have one functional kidney and the ureter to my one, functional kidney was completely blocked and the ureter was the size of my surgeon's index finger.

I was rushed directly into the O.R. where the stone had to be removed by laser. I had a 6fr X 26cm J-hook stent placed with a "Chatty Cathy" pull string extending out the end of my penis.

Although it hurt at the outset of any urination, the pain was completely tolerable. I took nothing for pain after discharge. I have no health insurance and asked my doctor if it was required that he take the sting out. He said that I could do it myself.

I pulled until a felt a twinge, took a deep breath and, as I was blowing it out, removed the stent myself in a single pull. I'm not saying you guys are wimps, but I'm 58 and have the usual prostate issues and I did it myself without any numbing and without any pain medication on board. Your results may vary.

By anon81023 — On Apr 29, 2010

Just a quick update from post 50. I had my surgery (which turned into a nightmare, as I woke up in the middle while they were jamming a tube down my throat). I started fighting and injured muscles that I never knew I had. I also had major bruising around my throat from them trying to hold my head down.

The surgery took a while longer then it should have because of that little snafu but, was for the most part a success. He was able to remove about 75 percent of the 1cm stone and told me I'd pass the rest over 3-5 days.

Once home, I quickly realized that the stent had moved to the urethra and I had a mile long string hanging out. I also realized that aside from the frequent urge to pee, I couldn't stop leaking pee and had to use ginormous maxi pads. It was beyond gross and caused me to not want to move.

By day three post-op, I was starting to feel a bit better and, went to pee and change pads and I had a real *oopsie* moment. As I tore the pad off, I didn't realize that the string had gotten stuck to the glue on the underside of the pad.

I tore that sucker off and half the stent came out with it, before I realized what I had done. So what's a girl to do now? I slowly pulled the rest of the string out myself. It was fine till it got to the end. Those things are curled at the end and holy hell, they are like a mile long!

I am close to two weeks post op now and am still passing small pieces of the stone, so I have a bit of pain here and there but it's tolerable.

What I am having problems with is I feel like my urethra is spasming all the time. Has this happened to anyone else? Is it normal? And when does it stop? I tried asking my doctor but, he doesn't seem to return phone calls.

He was also supposed to let me know what was found out by the lab that analyzed the stone and have heard nada from them yet.

I know a lot of the posts have said that you all were worried about the sting removal pain. For those who have the string hanging out, it's really not very bad till it gets to the end. Even then, it was only a small pinch. Nothing major to us troopers who have endured kidney stone pain. Good luck to all! You all are warriors!

By anon80363 — On Apr 27, 2010

my string is out after three days, I really had no pain at all -- less pain in back area also.

By anon79897 — On Apr 25, 2010

Well about two weeks ago I had a knife stabbing pain in my right back side. I knew right away that it was a kidney stone because I've had several in the past.

I've passed all the others on my own but this one was 5 mm and got stuck in my ureter. They put me under and scoped it out of the ureter and put a stent in for two days.

I'm telling you right now, the stent is very uncomfortable. This past Friday, I went in to have the stent removed. It is the most horrifying experience I've had in my entire 38 year old life.

All they give you is a local anesthesia. I'm a guy and that's bad enough to think about. Then imagine having a 15 to 18 inch long tube pulled out of you. That procedure should be considered inhumane. No one should have that done without being put under. It felt like I was passing 20 kidney stones in a row. I'm still having nightmares about it.

By anon79577 — On Apr 23, 2010

i am a 17 year old female and I was rushed into the hospital in excruciating pain to discover I had kidney stones blocking my kidney which had caused me to have an infection in my kidney and I also had septicemia.

I currently have a stent in my right side and my experience has been a lot different compared to some of the comments on here. Yes I have occasional pain but it is nowhere near as bad as the pain before I had this put in place. I am having it removed in May and plan to get back to work the following day.

Yes i expect it to be uncomfortable as I have to have the cystoscope to remove it. So what if the stent makes you need to urinate more frequently and it hurts to urinate? It is just as bad as having cystitis and I am thankful to them from stopping me having such excruciating pain.

By tteets7522 — On Apr 22, 2010

I had a stent put in yesterday. I had a 4mm stone removed with a cystoscope. I haven't experienced any pain yet. My doctor gave me Vicodin for pain. He also gave me Cipro for infection, as well as pyridium and Detrol for spasms. I am leaking a lot of urine. TT Ohio

By anon78988 — On Apr 20, 2010

Well i got surgery a week ago and i have stents in place. i get them out tomorrow and i am so excited because this pain is annoying to say the least, just like a UTI but more intense.

i will never get another kidney stone because this is not something i would want to go through twice.

i will post again after tomorrow to let you all know how the removal went.

By anon78485 — On Apr 19, 2010

I had a stone of 8mm in my ureter and it was removed by laser/blast surgery through natural hole. They put stent in ureter/kidney and it will be removed after eight weeks.

It is painful while urinating, have to go to wash room more often. It is less painful while sitting as compared to walking or extra movement.

Doc says it will be removed after giving general anesthesia.

By anon77318 — On Apr 14, 2010

I have had a lot of kidney stones pass over the last four months. Usually, they were very painful but in most cases, if I drank a lot of fluids, I could pass them very quickly myself.

Easter morning I woke up to the most horrible pain I've ever experienced in my life. I saw some blood in my urine and figured it was probably another stone but the pain was so blinding that I couldn't stand upright.

I had my husband drive me to the ER where they immediately injected me with some IV anti-inflammatory, dilaudid and some stuff to keep me from continuing to toss my cookies. I had a CT done where they discovered a very large 1cm stone stuck in the left ureter.

They kept me overnight and sent me upstairs to have a stent put in. The pain afterward wasn't too horrible compared to the pain I had just been experiencing. He also pushed the stone back to the kidney. It's been over a week and I want to rip the thing out myself because of the discomfort. It pinches and every time I pee (which is like every two minutes), it burns and then feels like I am getting kidney punched.

It also hurts to lie in certain positions. Sitting is the most comfortable.

My surgery to break up the stone and remove it is scheduled for six days away. I was told he will either remove the stent five days post surgery or possibly six weeks later.

I feel like I might be getting an infection from it. Guess I'll tell them at pre-op because nothing is going to stop them from doing this surgery!

I am so glad I found this site because I have been nervous about the stent removal being painful. The doctor, thinking he'd be funny said they just tie the string to a doorknob and slam it shut. LOL.

Not exactly what I wanted to hear when it comes to vajayjay pain from a man doctor.

By anon76547 — On Apr 10, 2010

I had a large stone stuck between the kidney and the bladder. It caused the worst pain I have ever had. The pain would come and go, over six weeks I was told to try and pass it. The stone would not pass and I ended up in hospital again.

My left kidney was blocked and I was given morphine until the removal of it. The doctor did not explain what the laser surgery was and he did not tell me I would have a stent in my body for two weeks after the op.

It is now five days after I had the stent and laser surgery. The first three days I could not walk as the pain was too much. I am not sure if the pain is from stent or laser?

I feel a lot better now and I am looking forward to having the stent removed next week. My advice is find out what you are in for. I knew nothing and it scared the crap out of me. I am still passing blood five days after the op, but it is slowing down.

Drink plenty of water and stay still for the first three to five days! Good luck and stay strong!

By anon74573 — On Apr 02, 2010

Well dear ones, that did it for me. I'm to have a stent put in for a 6mm stone.

I have no pain, so I am going to search for someone who tries medication first.

My body is very sensitive and I am up in age but sane enough to try another avenue.

Aren't there any doctors anymore who use the laser in water and skip the stent?

Of course something foreign will cause a problem, in my body anyway, and from reading all of the above I certainly can't say I wasn't warned.

I pray that you all have a speedy recovery, and I thank you all very much with helping me reverse my decision. now to cancel my due date. love you all and God bless!

By anon74098 — On Mar 31, 2010

Had a 9mm stone lasered three weeks ago and removed. They put in a stent and I just had it removed today. The procedure wasn't to bad. Didn't hurt during the removal process but was very uncomfortable. The state itself was very painful. Just drink plenty of water and keep well hydrated.

By anon71568 — On Mar 19, 2010

Had a 9 mm stone removed recently. My first one and believe me I was in real pain. the doctor used a laser to break it up then removed it. Now I have a stent with a string and will remove it in another few days. I have some bleeding but not bad.

Most important for me was to stay well hydrated with water and sugar free lemonade. Pain relief for me was advil even though I had vicodin. That stuff made me throw up.

By anon71203 — On Mar 17, 2010

i have a stent put in two weeks ago. I'd never felt pain like it. I'd been in hospital three times in the last two weeks and got morphine, which helped. I get my stent out in two weeks. never again. There must be a better way to treat stones. my advice is don't let them fit a stent.

By anon69554 — On Mar 08, 2010

Had a stent put in about a week ago. This is no joke. The pain from the stones are painful but so is the stent. I agree with the others -- there has got to be a better way.

By anon68928 — On Mar 05, 2010

To the person who said at CT scan isn't necessary because an x-ray will do, that is only true if your stone is caused by calcium. A uric acid stone will not show up on x-rays, MRIs or ultrasound - only on a CT scan. If I had a CT scan two years ago, my problem would have been diagnosed when my stone was small.

I just got a stent in yesterday and it's annoying, but so far manageable if I stay seated. I'm hoping it improves so I can be more mobile.

By anon68641 — On Mar 03, 2010

I had my stent removed today. It was bad but certainly not as bad as I thought it would be. I just closed my eyes grabbed the bed and held on. He told be to take a couple of deep breaths and removed it. Everyone have faith, as you are all in my mind.

By anon67710 — On Feb 26, 2010

I am post 17 and 33 had an operation done to take stone and stent out. when i came around i was told it was not a success.

The surgeon admitted the stent had been in far too long and calcium (which are what my stones are made of as i think there are other ways they are formed) has formed around top of my stent which has like welded itself to my kidney.

i can't take much more. i am in absolute agony and they gave me two options: 1. lipotripsy to try and break the newly formed calcium bearing in mind three previous lipotripsy treatments didn't touch my stones. There's a 50/50 chance of success. 2. Puncture a hole in my back into kidney and take them out that way. sort of like keyhole, i think.

sorry about the bad grammar but i am in pain and don't care. please don't think this could happen to you as everyone is different. i have chosen lipotripsy but looks like i will be having option two as I can't see it working.

i will keep you informed...

By anon67648 — On Feb 25, 2010

I had a stent in for two weeks and then it became infected. That was a living hell. It was eight months ago, and my bowels have been wrecked ever since getting four days of IV antibiotics in the hospital.

It also drained my savings since both my deductible and maximum out-of-pocket were met while staying in the hospital.

What bothers me more than the lingering bowel problems, is that my doctor ordered three CT scans for my kidney stone and the complications arising from the stent. Six months after this ordeal, I read the December 2009 article in TIME magazine about how CT scans will result in tens of thousands of cancer cases. The same story popped up in news venues everywhere. The article made it quite clear that an x ray will suffice for diagnosing kidney stones, and that CT scans should be reserved for life threatening traumas.

Furthermore, it mentioned the financial reasons that doctors and hospitals order CT scans — it's a moneymaking machine that causes cancer.

The first CT scan was ordered to diagnose and locate the kidney stones. An x-ray would have sufficed. The second was ordered in the hospital to track the infection. An x-ray or MRI would have likely sufficed.

The doctor held me hostage after that, refusing to remove the stent until the infection cleared up. He said he would need another CT scan to make sure the infection was gone. At this point, I was truly worried about radiation. But the CT scan technician assured me the radiation was something like "a day in the sun."

Why people put health care professionals up on a pedestal, I'll never know.

By anon65172 — On Feb 11, 2010

I had a 9 mm kidney stone removed during emergency surgery three weeks ago followed by the fun of a stent. I did spend two days in bed in pain that even the painkillers couldn't get rid of with the state.

I had the string out two days ago and had worked myself into such a state of anxiety it was incredible! I have to say to anyone out there who is anxious about having the string out, it is not "painful", it is uncomfortable but it is so fast that I didn't really even notice when the Dr. finally pulled it out.

They use a local anesthetic to freeze the area (just applied, nothing intrusive) and then use a thin scope to find the sting, send a guide wire with a grabber up and out the whole lot comes. It really is not that bad after everything you go through to end up with the string.

I have a small twinge now and then as the kidneys and ureters get used to not having that string in but it is no big deal!

PS: My husband says I am a big baby so really; don't' stress about the string removal!

By anon65092 — On Feb 11, 2010

I have a sting in right now, got it in last night in the ER. I'm a 17 year old female, and this is the most pain I've ever been in, other than when the stone was first passing, which they put back into my kidney. it's the most uncomfortable and painful thing I've experienced. going to the bathroom is the worst. i can barley walk. sitting up and lying down is so painful.

I've got nine kidney stones all together, and am getting the lithotripsy procedure done this saturday. hopefully this thing will come out too!

By anon64325 — On Feb 06, 2010

I have had a stent in since Tuesday because I also have had a kidney stone that was 6mm. The stent seems to cause more pressure in my bladder but I don't have the pain from a stone. I am looking forward to having this stent removed this coming Tuesday.

By anon63837 — On Feb 03, 2010

I have a stent in now with the string hanging out. After my second round of procedures from lytho to laser, .I still have a 11mm stone next to the 10mm that was blasted the first time and failed only to have one half logged in the groin area.

I have been dealing with stones for 17 years and had five previously no problem experiences. It is not too horrible to have the stent removed with the scope but not all are the same for everyone. I also ended up in the ER four days later in worst pain due to spasm of the bladder area possibly from the stent.

Doctors must not know what the pain is really like since mine said on the way to ER "you should not have any pain." BS. The only pain meds that work are the ones through the IV.

I will have the stent taken out this Friday, hope to have less pain after. Good luck to everyone else.

By A12ish9EA — On Jan 18, 2010

There's nothing that I can say that hasn't already been said. I'm in pain, and they want to just keep given me medication through the ER. i want this stent removed. I had this stent put in September 2009, and here it is January 2010. Help! DSS denies me medical for the removal of the state, I just had a baby eight months ago.

By anon60536 — On Jan 14, 2010

I am post 17 after weeks of nagging at GP and in and out of A and E I've finally got a date for surgery!

Although since having the stent since mid november, i have had the worst xmas ever, with not being able to work so no money. I've only got to walk a few hundred yards for the pain to start, never mind going to work, which involves heavy lifting and a lot of time on my feet.

i must have visited my GP 12 times from beginning of December trying to explain that it's getting worse but all he did was give me stronger painkillers called Acupan (which are just as bad as diclofenac) and a sick note for work.

Three days before xmas i went to the GP in agony, where i was fobbed off again! by 8 p.m. that night i couldn't take any more and went to A and E which after a few hours waiting, tests and examinations found that i had a infection. now how long i had it for i don't know but surely my Doctor (if he would have checked) would have found it.

Anyway i was given a course of antibiotics and it seemed to have cleared up. it's now january and i am quite sure i have another infection, which i am 90 percent sure with the symptoms I've got is a yeast infection which can be caused by antibiotics which I've had my fair share of.

well like i said it's january and my treatment is mid february so i will post a note when i am "cured."

By anon59437 — On Jan 08, 2010

I am a 70 year old male w/my first exp of a kidney stone (two). Lay in hospital four days with an intravenous pain killer every two hours. Pain beyond anything ever in my life. Off to surgery, out like a light, woke up after a stent placement with moderate pain and bleeding which cleared up along with the pain.

I am currently a little uncomfortable with the stent, but it was a miracle. Getting it out in one more week. My only fear is will the stones return.

By anon59089 — On Jan 06, 2010

I went to the er christmas morning with severe right back pain and was told i was the proud mama of a 7mm kidney stone.

I had a stent put in and now I am told I have a staff infection in my kidney and have to wait to have the shock treatment for a month or until the infection is cleared up. The stent is annoying and I feel it all the time, but it is nothing like the pain I experienced before the stent. Pyridium is a life saver. I do not need any pain meds as long as i take it faithfully every 8 hours.

By anon58993 — On Jan 05, 2010

This is my second stent for kidney stones it is very uncomfortable and very difficult to live with. I was also told to return to normal activities, as far as I concerned who can do that!

This is almost as bad as the stone always tugging and pulling and constant running to the bathroom. I will have lithotripsy tomorrow and I hope this is it. I do not wish this on anyone!

By anon58792 — On Jan 04, 2010

i had large staghorn kidney stones in both kidneys. the right is being treated, two p.c.n.ls with multiple incisions, hospitalized for ten days, hated the catheter, and having the drain removed? Well,i think the whole ward heard me.

Then last week over new year i had a stent put in, and two days after i was in a lot of pain, but so far just the constant wanting to wee, like with a u.t.i.

I am having the stent in till mid february, when they will remove that,only to have another p.c.n.l, then later because my left kidney isn't functioning at all, because of the stones. I have to have the kidney removed. If you are reading this and have pain in your back (flank pain) or suffered from u.t.i.s, get it checked! i could have had this sorted a long time ago if the doctor had listened to me!

By anon58240 — On Dec 31, 2009

I am 62 female who suffered for a year with recurring bladder infections which ended one night in severe loin pain to the point I went to A and E for pain relief - was seen by a urologist within a week privately and a stent inserted - the biggest shock of my life and had I known I would not have agreed to it.

It stayed in for six weeks which cleared out the kidney and the good news was the removal of this state was painless and simple carried out in the doctors clinic; within seconds it was out.

The bad news was four weeks later a kidney scan showed my left kidney had ceased to function again - so back in before Christmas 2009 and another stent fitted - this time not quite as painful as the first time.

I'm having it out in four weeks time but am told this won't be the end of it! I have to say that the overall result of my body now functioning "efficiently" while my kidney is filtering with the stent is excellent so I have to just put up with the pain and discomfort of the stent as I want to lead as normal a life a possible. Jean from Dorking

By anon57578 — On Dec 24, 2009

i have had a stent three times and each time seems worse. i just had it removed yesterday and just passed a stone about 1/4 inch 2 hours ago. i had eswl one week ago and the stone was 7mm. i agree with others that the stent is near as bad as the stone. the doctor said go to work the next day. what are they nuts? good luck to all who have these awful things.

By anon57003 — On Dec 19, 2009

I was taken into hospital with renal colic (the excruciating pain that starts at the kidney and goes right round and down the abdomen and into the groin).

After an X-ray and CT scan, the doc told me I had a 7mm stone. So I had Lithotripsy (which failed) and then they attempted to go in with the scope (also failed as my ureter was too tight). So they have put in a stent.

Although it is uncomfortable at times, I have to disagree with all the posts here about pain. The stent seems to have stopped me from being in pain, which is what it is supposed to do. The stent stops the ureter from going into spasm which is how the renal colic is felt.

So for me, the stent has been a success. I've had it in for three weeks now. OK, from time to time I need to take a paracetamol. Every three or four days I get a little bit sore but it is just like a stitch, as if I have run up a few flights of stairs too fast, nothing too bad at all. Paracetamol sorts it fast, and paracetamol is not a strong pain killer at all.

So anyone worried about having a stent fitted, don't worry too much. Sure, everyone reacts differently to medical procedures and everyone has a different tolerance level to pain, but for the most part the stent is not a bad thing.

Like I say, it has been a godsend to me in taking away the pain I was in due to the stone.

I reckon having to take vicodin and other powerful and addictive drugs is way too heavy.

P.S. I've been back at work for the past week without a problem and I work in construction (lots of heavy lifting and manual labor) so that shows you how little a stent affects your lifestyle.

So, if your about to have this procedure done, ignore the scare-mongering. It is not that bad!

By anon55921 — On Dec 10, 2009

i have a stent in me and it's the kind that has the string and the doctor wants to keep it in another 10 days. I'm so nervous to have it removed, even though it will just be pulling on the string.

I never wear tampons and i hate anything up inside me like that. i think my stones have passed and i'm feeling better that way but i always have to be so careful with the string hanging out because if i move it or pull on it with my panties, it's really a weird feeling! Anyway they say that it's just like having a catheter removed, and to me, it burned.

i will be glad when it's over with! Does anyone have any advice as to what it feels like or have you had it done before? Any help is appreciated.

By anon55876 — On Dec 10, 2009

post 14 was from me and i'm now happy to post that, after seven weeks, the stone had not moved in the past two weeks and so when my bladder just went crazy and i couldn't control it, the doctor decided to remove the stent and i immediately went to the bathroom and pissed the stone out there in the office.

so i wonder if they would have taken this stent out weeks ago if i could have passed it sooner. the bills from this stone have gone a little over $40,000, which is absolutely crazy.

Taking the stent wasn't as bad as i had thought, but my stent had been out of my bladder for three weeks and just hanging so i'm sure that's why it wasn't so bad.

good luck to all who are still in the waiting.

By anon55723 — On Dec 09, 2009

I had a stent put in nearly five weeks ago. The pain is much worse than the stones. Have no idea how long the stent is in for. Just have a feeling of needing to go to the toilet all the time, which aggravates the pain more.

I have multiple sclerosis, so I have pain medication for that, plus some extra pain relief the doctor gave me, but that does not take it off completely.

Best of luck to any one who has got kidney stones.

By anon55431 — On Dec 07, 2009

I had surgical stone removal three days ago, with stent placement in surgery. In my opinion, the stent pain is worse than the stones themselves. Due to the pain meds, Percocet 10/325 or 7.5/500, my bowels have all but stopped, and now I'm feeling bloated and do not have the urge to go. I've had to stop the pain meds and now and push through the pain.

I have a high pain tolerance, but I'm dying here! Still have at least eight days before stent removal. Any suggestions?

By anon54688 — On Dec 01, 2009

I am 38 year old and a personal trainer, and a month and half ago and sever lower back pain for no reason.

In early November, I had a pain that I couldn't even begin to explain and I have two children. My stone is 8mm and I am 4 feet 11 and 105 pounds. After being seen at the hospital they basically sent me home and said it would pass. BS. That week I had 104 temps, pain that no meds seem to help except the IV they had in me.

I now have the stent, no insurance and am looking at the $15,000 surgery to have this removed. The stent has been in for four weeks.

I have no idea what to do and am scared to leave it in until I have the money to pay for the surgery! Anyone in the same boat because I am sinking!

By anon54145 — On Nov 27, 2009

I just underwent having my 7 mm kidney stone lasered and removed and am very thankful that I have had no pain since. The one annoying thing left is the stent.

I am told to remove it myself tomorrow and I am scared to death.

I want it out because of the discomfort it has caused but afraid to pull it out myself. This is ridiculous that we have to do this ourselves with no support or advice from the doctors at all.

By anon53978 — On Nov 25, 2009

I had a ESWL two weeks ago with a stent put in place. I urinate every 10-15 minutes and it is is awful. I am having the stent removed in the surgeon's office on Tuesday and I am scared to death.

My stent does not have the string. He must go in and remove it. Can anyone explain the procedure to me? I was under anesthesia when stent was placed.

By anon53680 — On Nov 23, 2009

I've had kidney stones for three years and had three lipotripsy treatments that didn't do anything but make me bleed.

I was recently woken by a excruciating pain so i decided that was enough and went to hospital where i had to wait eight hrs for a bed and four days for treatment. after having stent inserted, i got back to the ward where a nurse was waiting and explained what pain i will go through in a "oh yeah i forgot to mention" kind of way.

My stent has been in three days now and i had the worst pain yet. Pure blood, blood clots and constant pain since having this stent and i think i am in a lot worse pain than before and Diclofenac painkillers do not work!

Anyone who has kidney stones ask for an alternative way because it is just not worth the hassle or pain and if you live in Leicester, England and you're going to the general hospital, God help you!

By anon52409 — On Nov 13, 2009

I've just had my first stone (5 mm). My name is Gerard. There has got to be a less painful way to removing stones or improving stenting.

By anon52100 — On Nov 11, 2009

this was my second time for a stent and it hurt like hell. i was so sick and the vicodin didn't help. and i just went to my doctor's office and he removed it. i don't know if i ever want another one again. has anyone ever been allergic to the material the stent was made of?

the day after, i felt like a new person whereas before, i couldn't eat, i had a bad taste in my mouth and i just felt i couldn't drink any more water.

By anon52033 — On Nov 10, 2009

I woke up a few weeks ago with everything fine one minute and the next in severe pain -- nothing like i felt before and i have two kids. I ended up in the emergency room to find out it was a kidney stone, 5mm by 9mm, and after several doses of pain meds and phenergan, i was released and sent to the specialist, who says i have a urinary tract infection so he can't do anything, but the pain was so bad he decided to go ahead with surgery no. 1 of inserting a stent. Then, a week later, the infection was better and he decided to do surgery no. 2 of sound wave to bust the stone, and of course this has been three weeks now and I haven't passed anything. the first week i lost 11 pounds. nothing would stay down. i have just started eating two meals a day. the pain is still bad and the nurse says stay in bed and take the pain meds every four hours. my doctor's appointment is still a week away, so I've had a month with a stent and everyone is telling me this doctor doesn't give anything before he removes it and it scares me.

By anon50342 — On Oct 27, 2009

I had a surgery for a kidney stones two times last year. the first one was that they make a cut on my left side where the stone was. after several months the doctor told me to come back for a ct scan and he found out that there are still some stomes, so he put another stent for a week. It hurts so much, so i called for an appointment for removal. After a year i had my follow up ct scan again and there's still 9.8 mm left. i made an appointment again because he suggested putting in another stent and i'm still waiting for their call. It's not easy. i just keep praying.

By anon49734 — On Oct 22, 2009

I had surgery in early October and they put in a stent. No one told me what pain I would have after they put that in. I thought i had an urinary tract infection when it was the stent causing my bladder to bleed when im doing to much. So when I'm at work (bartender) for a couple hours then clock out because my bladder starts to bleed then i get a severe side ache on the side where the stent is. So needless to say, take it easy when you have this procedure done. Vicotin, Percocet and Demerol did not work for pain. Good luck!

By anon48585 — On Oct 13, 2009

Taking the stent out with just local anesthesia was horrible. Not the DIY kind -- doc had to use a scope. Very strange, painful and not fun experience.

By anon48180 — On Oct 10, 2009

I am six months pregnant and I have had the stent in for five weeks now. The bladder spasms, pain and infrequency I experienced during the 2-3 weeks after the stent was placed was almost unbearable. The doctor wants to change my stent in the next two weeks but I don't think I can go through that again especially while pregnant. Does anyone have any information on how long the stent can be in for? If I wait until after I deliver it will be about four months.

By anon47725 — On Oct 06, 2009

I just had my kidney stone surgically removed, and it hurt like hell, man! The thing is I'm a guy. Also they put in a stent, which doesn't hurt too horribly. The problem is, that I have the stent being removed this Friday. God! I'm scared. Does anyone out there know how painful it's going to be to remove it, and what/how do they remove it? Do I get some kind of shot, so its not too painful? God, somebody, give me some advice, please?

By anon47295 — On Oct 03, 2009

this is my second stent in six months. the pain is excrutiating to the point i can hardly put my left foot (the side of the stent) to the ground. i am a plumber by trade and dread every day and how i am going to cope, because i always vomit through the pain.

By anon46735 — On Sep 28, 2009

I have a stent in currently. I have had it for 19 days. This is my second stent. I have recurring kidney stones. My stent is slightly different from what is portrayed in this article. I literally have a string that extends out from my urethra. Initially, it was taped to my penis, but the doctor advised I could let it hang. The funny thing is, it will disappear from time to time. Once I urinate, it reappears. No kidding. It is suture thread and quite rigid. Removal is interesting, to say the least. I was asked to lower my pants and hold the edge of the table. The nurse looped the thread around her finger multiple times. She told me to exhale, then pulled slowly and consistently until it was out. No pain meds or anesthesia. Just my honest experience.

By anon46260 — On Sep 23, 2009

I we be getting out my stent tomorrow and I am counting the hours. It is so painful. I have not slept since leaving the hospital for more than an hour at a time. tI hope that it will get better after being removed. This is the third time I have had kidney stones. I am now 50 years old. Good luck to all with a stent. I hope it was worth it to save my kidney.

By anon45923 — On Sep 21, 2009

I have had a stent in 5 months now and it is painful but bearable when I take Pyridium which has a generic equivalent. I think the Pyridium, which reduces spasms, works better than the Vicodin. My first stent was in 4 months - way too long. The longer it was in the more painful and uncomfortable it became. The second one was in about one month. The doctor removed it even though there was a stone in the ureter (2 OWLs were unsuccessful) and hoped the stone would come out with the stent - it didn't. I became very ill, vomiting, chills, pain, almost immediately and was hospitalized the next morning and stent no. 3 was placed. I worry about long term affects of these stents and three laser treatments trying to get at stones and two ESWL. My kidney must be battered.

By anon44343 — On Sep 07, 2009

That's true. The pain with the stone in itself is too much. Then with the stent it continues. What is this? There needs to be a better way. All those who intend to undergo this procedure must be aware that the stent may be more pain causing than the stone itself. Please consult your doctor about this before you submit to it. Please. sanjay

By anon41253 — On Aug 13, 2009

Kidney stones are definitely a gross understatement of the pain you will endure. Then to top it off they place a stent in which causes further pain. I was given Hydrocodone 5/325 to take at home. Needless to say it did not even touch the pain. I think doctors take it for granted the pain you will endure and fail to tell you just how bad it is going to be which is definitely a gross oversight. They are no fun and it takes days to recoup maybe even longer as I just went through it last week and am still miserable. Got to be a better way.

By anon40204 — On Aug 06, 2009

I had a kidney stone surgically removed and a stint put in place. I have had four children and this is ten times worse. Doctors should really explain better to their patients before doing this procedure. And, I am told I can remove it myself in a week. Cause I like inflicting pain on myself? Is this normal?

By anon40023 — On Aug 05, 2009

I have a stent in right now. To say it causes pain is a gross understatement. I take Endone to counter the pain and can just get by. The prospect of several weeks with this stent is horrid.

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