Three locations where stones become lodged
Stones usually first develop in the kidneys. (For more information on the process of stone development, see: How do kidney stones form?) A kidney stone usually first causes symptoms when it tries to move down the ureter and out of the urinary system. As it makes its way down the ureter, it can cause blockage, which leads to the development of increased pressure in the kidney above. This pressure leads to the pain associated with passing a stone.
As a stone moves down the ureter, it tends to become lodged in three locations of natural narrowing: the ureteropelvic junction, the crossing of the ureter over the iliac vessels, and at the entrance of the ureter into the bladder. Depending on where a stone is located along this path, the pain associated with it can vary. Stone pain usually starts high up near the kidney then migrates towards the abdomen and eventually down towards the groin as the stone moves further down the ureter. As a stone is almost ready to come out, patients may feel the urge to urinate.
What about kidney stones that aren’t passing?
Most doctors feel that kidney stones only cause pain if they are blocking the ureter and trying to pass down towards the bladder. Stones that are not obstructing, such as those located in the kidney’s calyxes, are generally thought to be non-painful. This explains why some patients can have extremely large stones filling up their entire kidney with no or minimal pain.
However, it does appear that some non-obstructing kidney stones can cause pain because of either blockage of small tubular structures in the kidney itself (the collecting tubules) or for other unclear reasons. Supporting this view is a recent medical journal article suggesting that the treatment of small non-obstructing “papillary” stones may provide pain relief. (Gdor et al, Multi-institutional assessment of ureteroscopic laser papillotomy for chronic pain associated with papillary calcifications, J Urol 2011) Additionally, testimonials from many kidney stone patients (including a urologist with a personal history of kidney stones) suggest that some non-obstructing stones can cause pain.
What are all of the symptoms of kidney stones?
I heard they can cause all sorts of symptoms.
And they tend to vary.
I would like to know what to look for when passing a kidney stone. I had a stent placed 3 weeks ago and since I don’t have insurance have not been able to get my follow-up until I get the amount they are asking for up front.
Dora, If need be go to the emergency room and tell them its causing allot of pain and discomfort. Maybe you can get them to remove it. I went to the emergency room with pain on my left side. I was in renal failure from having kidney stones on both sides. They were blocking some of the urine. The ER admitted me. I had tubes put in my back to drain it also had caused a bad infection. I got MRSA of the blood from it. One of the urologists not usually associated with that hospital came to my room and said I know your circumstances and that you have no insurance. He said don’t worry will figure something out. He told me to see him when I got released and gave me his card. Needless to say I was in the hospital 8 days. I had a pic like inserted into my arm so that I could go back to the hospital everyday at 1:00 pm to have a very strong antibiotic IV for 2 1/2 hours for 4 weeks straight. I have had 2 procedures since May 8th and I am still having procedures done. This urologist hasn’t asked me for a penny. I had the left stent removed and the right kidney shocked to break up an 8mm I also had 5 smaller stones removed from the right side as well. I had about 4 removed from the left. I almost died and had no idea I was that sick. I believe God sent that Doctor to me, he wasn’t at all worried about the money God bless him.
So try the ER and good luck I will pray for you to get the help. Let me know how it goes not all Doctors are money hungry and do believe in healing the sick. Good Luck
Hello, I am in same case, what I did is after I was advised by the doctor who put the stent that since I don’t have insurance she cannot schedule my procedure, she advised me to go to the emergency telling them that the stone and the stent are really hurting me, and told me to ask them to call her. I went to the emergency they called the doctor I was scheduled for the next day. Stone removed I still have a second stent, but the doc left a string so she can pull off the stent in her office, she told me that I can take it off by myself but I said no thank you. Many doctors do that for persons that don’t have insurance. Hope I helped you. Good luck
Does having a kidney stone feel like labor pains
I’ve had multiple female friends say they would choose unmedicated labor over kidney stones any day. They say the contractions give you breaks to recover whereas the stones do not.
So I would assume they mean the feel similar.
I just passed my 3rd this morning and it was by far the most painful thing I have ever experienced.
Yes and no. I am a “stoner” meaning I have had many stones over the last 30 years. I also gave birth to two children without medication. I will take the childbirth any day. That said, yes, the pain can be as intense as childbirth, especially if the stone is stuck. Kidney stone pain often comes in waves. However, not every stone and everyone who suffers from stones, has the same type of pain. Do not be afraid to go to the E.R. for testing and pain control. Good luck to you.