Even though different people respond to stents in different ways, I suspect anyone who’s ever lived with a ureteral stent remembers the experience. I have had two, and both were, indeed, memorable.
Prior to undergoing a pyeloplasty, (a surgical procedure to correct a urinary tract obstruction) I was informed that a stent would be in place for about seven weeks. I also recall being told, or perhaps reading, that such stents cause “discomfort” in some patients. In my mind the term “discomfort” equates to nothing more than an annoyance or a nuisance, so going into the surgery I was not overly concerned. For the first couple of days following surgery, perhaps because of post-surgical pain killers, it seemed the stent would be absolutely no problem. I could hardly feel it. “This will be a piece of cake,” I thought.
Then, shortly after going home, I became increasingly aware that some apparently sharp object was attempting to drill a hole through the wall of my bladder. In fact, the image of a shish-kabob skewer came to mind. At the same time, there was the sensation that something was tugging on my right kidney, trying to pull it down from its usual location. It was difficult to find comfortable positions…and it felt as though gravity was becoming my worst enemy. Urination was frequent and painful, and my urine continued to be bloody for the entire seven weeks. Involuntary tears came to my eyes and waves of nausea were common. Finally, I discovered that sitting in a recliner and tipping it back approximately half way seemed to relieve the worst of the pain, and that allowed me to get a little sleep at night.
After seven long weeks, I welcomed the removal of that first stent. A generous application of lidocaine made the procedure entirely tolerable, and I watched on the monitor as the stent was grabbed and the upper curly-cue began its descent down through the ureter. Once I was free of the stent, the relief I felt far surpassed the minor discomfort associated with its removal.
About a month later, I accepted a second stent with guarded optimism. This one was placed following lithotripsy for a 1+ cm stone in my left kidney. It seemed logical to me, since this ureter was not compromised or swollen, that this stent should not hurt nearly as much as the first. Unfortunately, I was wrong about that. Once again, the same familiar painful and distressing physical sensations returned. And once again I sought relief in the recliner. The stent allowed stone fragments to pass, but I was elated to be rid of it after only three weeks.
The second stent experience left me with a new determination to do everything I could to prevent future stone formation. If making a few adjustments, such as drinking much more water each day, can prevent new stones and another stent placement sometime down the road, then I was ready to change old habits. Accepting the inevitability of new stones, then treating them as they become problematic, is no longer acceptable. My new plan is to be well-informed and pro-active and do all I can to discourage new stone formation. In fact, it’s the vivid memory of previous painful stents that continues to be the most powerful motivator. In a way, then, those stents are still serving a most valuable purpose, and I should remain grateful for them.
Editors note: Bonnie writes about her experiences as a stone patient in her posts. If you have experiences as a patient you would like to share, feel free to add a comment or send her an email at: ask@kidneystoners.org
My urologist referred to me as a “first-time stoner”, and I appreciate his sense of humor. I had a 7mm stone lasered away on 4/29, and a stent placed. Really no problem except for an occasional “twinge”. Stent was removed yesterday; not fun but easier than I anticipated.
I, too, have vowed to increase my water intake and do anything else I can to prevent this from happening again. The urologist said he never wants to see me again and told him the feeling was mutual.
hi,
just over a year ago i started with a dull ache around the left side of my torso, after a few hours this became alot worse and I was rushed to A + E to have tests done. After a CT scan they found my left kidney and ureter had swelled up so they presumed there was some kind of blockage and I was in need of an operation. After spending the week in hospital waiting for the operation and several more CT scans and blood tests, I was told I no longer needed to be operated on and could return home. The doctor said that the pain was probably caused by stones and i have passed them. But im sure I would know if I did pas any stones! After this I had a mild pain in my side and around my back that i wthought would just go away but it didnt. 6 months later i went to see a urologist who sent my for more CT scans, ultrasound and eventually i had a ureterscope. The doctor found a narrowing of my ureter and has said that I need to come back in and have a stent put in for 8 weeks. I am still waiting to hear back from the hospital with a date to come in.
I am not convinced that anyone really knows what the problem is as its been going on for over 12 months now and I get told a different thing everytime i go and see someone.
I am very fit and healthy, go to the gym 5 times a week, have a good diet, no problems urinating and have no other health problems but I have had enough of this constant pain! The pain is mainly around the middle of my back on the left side of my spine, just below my shoulder blade, but sometimes it spreads futher down my left side.
Has anyone experienced any of these symptoms or know what the problem could be?
Any info would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Andy
Sorry for the essay!!
I had a stent placed 2 weeks ago because I have an abdominal mass obstructing my ureter. The mass has probably been there about two years and is attached to my bladder and uterus. That is how long I was having intermittent flank pain from the hydronephrosis (fluid backing up into my kidney). I am 33 years old and was in nursing school so I had no time to think about a little flank pain. Three surgeons and a robot will be removing the mass in a couple weeks and they will leave the stent in for a total of 6 weeks. I had similar symptoms at first but now I have little to no pain. I can work and I don’t have to take the meds anymore for the bladder spasms.The only thing that really bothers me is jumping or running. I can feel the stent in there causing irritation and then my bladder starts to spasm.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I can’t wait til this nightmare is over.
I just got released from hospital after 5 days in ICU from stuck kidney stone that progress to septic shock. I have a stent installed that is scheduled to be removed next week.
As the others above, I have the burning sensation & frequent urination.
I also feel dog-tired and constantly nauseous. I think the fatigue is recovering from the septic shock, but I think the constant “car sick” feeling is from the stent.
I read that patients with stents are aware of them all the time. I can feel that tugging Bonnie writes about that only goes away in certain positions and complete stillness, and I think the pulling is what is making me queasy. It’s putting me off any food.
I don’t want to take any meds against nausea as my poor body has been through enough. But would love to hear if anyone else experienced the nausea and how they handled it.
I live in Canada, (male, 39 years old) where it’s a bit cold in the winter, so we all gain a bit of weight at this time. 9 weeks ago I decided to start blending vegetables and fruits and drinking them to combat weight gain. Presto! Within two weeks I had lost 14 pounds and was going strong…..but the last few nights I had woken up extremely thirsty which is odd because I do drink quite a bit of water.
I woke up with a strange tingling in my bladder which I attributed to my diet, and went to work. After a few hours and researching online the pain started in my right flank.
I rushed myself to the hospital (20 minute drive) and by this time the pain was very strong! I was admitted almost immediately and of course, they had located a 6 mm kidney stone that was passing into my ureter. I have to tell you that at one point I pondered how long it would be until I would pass out from the pain (which I did not do) Morphine took the pain from a 9 to a 5 and the stone went into my bladder with a good chance that I would pee it out.
That night I was fine. After 4 weeks, the stone had not passed my bladder so I went in for surgery. They were going to laser it which I was fairly happy about. I awoke and was told to call the doctor the next day as he had placed a stent from my kidney to my bladder through the ureter, so I didn’t know how the surgery went (I was put under). I did some work that night and the pain started. Holy smokes. Incredible pain that got worse. I was urinating dark red blood and clots. The Percocets weren’t doing anything! I was drinking up to 17 glasses of water a day and urinating up to 30 times and every time was excruciating. I called the doctor the next day and he told me that they couldn’t laser the stone because there was scarring and they need to fix it and when they did, the stone went right back up deep into my kidney!!! The pain was in my kidney, ureter and bladder. I doubled my pain meds which did make it somewhat tolerable. But the blood continued. I saw my urologist after 5 days and he told me that things should start to get better but if they didn’t, he would remove the stent in a few days. Somehow, the pain just stopped the next day. No more blood. But after a few days the pain came back a bit whenever I peed. That’s where I am right now. The stone is still in my kidney. It’s still 6mm. The stent comes out in 3 days and I’m quite nervous about it…
Oh what I forgot to mention was the cause of my stone – TOO MUCH KALE, AND BERRIES!!! What? That’s right. Too much oxalate can create stones. I was drinking a mix of kale, broccoli, spinach, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries chia seeds, avocado, parsley amongst other things. 2 full glasses a day, sometimes 3.
My lesson? Everything in moderation….and drink even more water!
Have you researched using potassium citrate crystals food grade dissolving in water to help pass stone? It dissolves the stones measure with a teaspoon, you can get it on amazon! Also I have had 6 stents all of which stones & stone granules passed after stent was removed!
I am a police officer and have felt alot of pain in my career, but nothing compares to a kidney stone. Had my first kidney stone 3 years ago at the young age of 34. Went to the er the first time and they sent me home after pushing fluids. Went back two days later for increased pain and agian they pushed fliuds on the chance that i would pass it..two days later I fell to the ground in so much pain. I just could not take it. Got to the er and finally the resident admitted me and had surgery 3 hrs later. Turns out this stone had a very sharp point and shredded my kidney causing infection from puss and blood. .I became septic and spent the next 7 days in the hosptial doped up on morphine. first stint was to small so another one was placed in and after 5 days in the hospital i started feeling better. the stint stayed in for 4 weeks and I must say I did not even know it was in. I returned to work two days after getting out of the hospital. Even with wearing all my gear I had no signs of pain or disomfort….4 weeks later and the stint came out and I was good has new…changed my diet for about the next year and then slipped back into my old bad habits with working thirds…
Now lets fast forward to 3 years later and again that same feeling I had with the last one I new what was going to happen only this time when I went to the er when they tried to send me home I refused and told them to call my urologist…thanks god he is top notch. I was admmitted immediately and had surgery the next morning. This time tho it was a 4mm and got stuck in my ureter so it was a good thing they admitted me…the doc tried to take it out but as unable too, so he had to use the lazer. The stint was placed and it is a totallly different experience….its been in 2 weeks and is coming out on tues…I havent stopped peeing blood and I have a burning sensation almost all the time , but is worse when i am active. Try not to do too much at work, but its difficult because of my occupation. The last stint I only peed blood for 2 days, but this time it has not stopped along with the discharge of clots. Also it feels like something is poking me in my bladder….the pain is not too bad but is uncomfortable. Can’t wait till this comes out….
Not all stents are terrible! I feel like I need to take a few moments to share a positive experience. I was beyond freaked out when I read these forums prior to having my stent put in yesterday afternoon. I had a urteroscopy and a stent inserted for a 1cm stone blocking my right ureter. Since I have been out of the hospital I have had only MINOR discomfort. I had a stent 2.5 years ago that was much worse than this one. The first one was a real pain, but my doc told me it all depends on the placement and one’s pain tolerance. Trust me, this stent is not bad at all!!! I am actually so pleased with how I am feeling overall. I am aware that it is there but the pain is minimal. All that really bothers me is the feeling like I have to urinate more than usual, but when I do I feel better and there is barely any pain when going. So to all of those who may need a ureteral stent, please keep in mind that every experience is different and they are definitely not all horrible! Good luck!
I have had a stent in for a few weeks, following the removal of a kidney stone. I have to say I was TERRIFIED of having this stent, as all of my internet “research” said it was going to be miserable and painful. I literally couldn’t find ONE article that said it wasn’t bad. I had a few days of pain (which was managed by pain medication like folks in these articles have said) and that other than those few days, I am barely aware that it is in there. I have been taking it easy, because I find that if I am doing too much running around with errands etc. or moving around cleaning too much, I start to feel a bit sore on that side. I know every stent is different and every person is different, but for those out there like me, who just wanted to hear form ONE person it wasn’t so bad, I wanted to say it’s not so bad. I’d rather not have it at all, but considering it was necessary, it could have been worse. Good luck!
I, too, have had kidney stones and a stent and they’re certainly no fun but I guess I don’t understand those that say they’ll never allow a stent placement again. If you need a stent in the first place it means a stone is too big to pass on its own. Thus, without a stent you run the risk of inability to clear urine, hence severe kidney/bladder infection/damage, possible loss of kidney function and loss of kidney, possible sepsis and possible death ! I can understand not WANTING a stent but, as they say about aging, ‘it beats the alternative.’
Having a stent in is definitely a better alternative to death by sepsis. That being said there is a very long list of terrible things I would rather endure than another stent. Its a different experience for everyone and for every stent but what I have learned is that its important to be prepared for the worst, I try not to anticipate it but I atleast want to be ready for it. Before my my first stent I was under the impression that the worst case scenario would be some mild “discomfort” like Bonnie says in the article. So I only arranged to clear my schedule for a day or two after my surgery, which is when the surgeon said I would be alright return. By the time I realized that it was going to be far worse than planned it was time for me to go back to work and school. I don’t believe the pain would have been so bad had I been able to take more time off and rest. My biggest issue with having a stent wasn’t the pain cause it still hurt less than the kidney infection it was helping to remove. What bothered me is that I wasn’t given the full truth by my urologist before the procedure. I ended up thinking there was something terribly wrong with me and having to work to and exacerbate my pain when if i had been warned beforehand i would have taken it easy and probably would have been in less pain for a shorter amount of time.
Last July I was diagnosed with kidney stones that were too large to pass and had a procedure done where they used a laser to break up the stones and then placed a stent from my kidney through my ureter. I had the stent in for a lil over a month and it was the worst experience ever. Not only was I in constant pain but I urinated blood for that whole month. The only relief I got was the day they removed.
I just had a stent placed this morning. Long story short, in 2009 I was diagnosed with a birth defect where my right jester was hardly opennear the kidney. I developed tons of stones. In 4 years I have been put out 14 times. FIrst time to fix jester and every other time to remove stones I make all the time. My story could last pages, but I will just dive quick into the agents. After my first surgery a stent was placed for 2 months. They took it out at the office and that did not feel good! I was completly awake and aware. I loaded up on Percocet before getting it removed
During those 2 months I would bleed sometimes if I was to active. I never really had any pain, just “uncomfortable” I did have a problem having a Bowel movment though. It felt like the stent was pushing on something?? Anyhow…..overall the stent was not to bad. Now today it SUCKS!! I had a stone stuck in my jester so they removed it with the lazor and placed a stent I have to keep in for a week. With this stent it is bad!! You about cry every time you go to the bathroom. It does seem to be not as hiring stabbing etc now (it is midnight now/had surgery at 8:00am). I have a string hanging out of my penis. Needless to say any person (man or woman) can probably imagine this is not a fun nor pleasant feeling. Every time I have to pee, the urine follows the string. I have had to use a few lysol wipes here and there as you never know where it may go 
Pain pills help. Hard to sleep. I am excited to get this stent out in a week. Just hope I can build enough courage to do it (String is left cuz I pull it out). I think anyone reading about Kidney stents needs to know (this form is proof) that they suck!! They will help your kidney in the future but the feeling of peeing glass that first day is not a positivie memory you want to hold on to. Best of luck to everyone! Perhaps there should be a new Facebook page “surviving the murmur stent”
Hi, I will soon be having my third stent, I have had stones on and off for a number of years now,I have also had bowel cancer at the age of 36, I am now 53.
As for the stent, I do not find it a rewarding experience. After having it replaced all seems well for a few weeks,its after then I get the problems. Pains in my back and abdomen at the same time, frequent and painful urination. I would rather not have it but am told it could be worse if I do not. I have to keep taking pain killers and always feel tired and worn out after a bout of it.