All about ureteral stents

What is a stent?

Ureteral stents are soft, hollow, plastic tubes placed temporarily into the ureter to allow drainage around a stone or to speed healing after a stone surgery

Photograph of a ureteral stent
Photo of a ureteral stent next to a pen.

When are they needed?

Stents are used for various reasons in patients with kidney stones. They may be placed in patients to help reduce pain from a stone, when infection is present to allow drainage, or when a stone is preventing a kidney from working adequately. Stents are also commonly placed after surgeries for stones, as in ureteroscopy, to allow healing and prevent swelling of the ureter.

Illustration of a ureteral stent.

How is a stent placed?

Stents are placed during surgery by sliding them over a soft “guidewire” which is placed up the ureter, which is the tube draining the kidney. See a video below of a stent being placed.

How is a stent removed?

Stents can be removed in two different ways. Sometimes, a string is left attached to the end of the stent. This string is allowed to come out of the patient’s urethra, the tube where he or she urinates. The string can be used to pull on the stent and remove it. In cases where a string is not left attached, a small camera called a cystoscope is inserted into the patient’s urethra after numbing medication has usually been administered. The cystoscope is then advanced into the bladder and the stent is grasped with an instrument and removed. See our post on stent removal for a video and more details.

How long can a stent stay in?

In general, most stents should only remain in for no longer than 3 or so months. If a stent is left in too long, it can form stones directly on it, making removal difficult.

What are the symptoms of having a stent?

While some patients with stents have minimal discomfort related to them, other patients will report symptoms that can range from being annoying to being severe enough that the stent has to be removed. These symptoms can include:

  • Sensation of needing to urinate
  • Seeing blood in the urine
  • Bladder spasms
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Pain in the back during urination or when moving
  • Pain in the bladder

Is there anything that can help reduce the discomfort of a stent?

Different medications may be given to help reduce the discomfort of a stent. The most effective appears to be those from the alpha blocker class of medications including tamsulosin (Flomax) and Alfuzosin (Uroxatral). Other types of medications commonly given for stent discomfort, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan) or phenazopyridine (Pyridium), do not appear to be successful at reducing stent related discomfort in placebo controlled studies.  Traditional pain medications are also less successful at reducing stent discomfort.

Hasn’t anyone come up with a better stent?

Research into improving stent designs will hopefully reduce the discomfort associated with them. Innovative stent designs currently being tested include stents embedded with medications to reduce discomfort and stents that dissolve by themselves.

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Kevin

I got two stents one for each kidney. I had a stone in both kidneys. I had my eswl done on a Saturday and have to follow up with the Dr when friday comes. I been off work since because i do alot of driving, kneeling, bending, lifting etc. I didnt wanna tear nothing because i do feel the stents i have to lay down majority of the time an eat pain meds to ease the PAIN.

David Findlay

Just had my third Stone removal on Sunday. Had a stent put in for the second one and removed it myself after 3 days. Current stent is to stay in a week and then I’m to remove it myself (although Dr. did offer to remove it if I was uncomfortable doing it). Minor discomfort when urinating first day but nothing now. I’m in Canada so maybe we have different procedures or stents?

Ashley Hall

I keep counting the days until I get this dang thing out. I feel as if my urethra is on fire. Its constant pain. Also, i keep wetting myself. I dont have any control over my urination and alot of times I dont make it to the bathroom. Ive had to wear adult pull ups whenever I go out in public, because I just know ill wet myself. Although Im glad I had my 6mm and my 7mm stones removed, I just cant wait for Monday, so I can get it out. Just 2 more days. I cant wait!! But unfortunatly with my luck im sure this wont be my last stent, since my body produces way too much calcium sitrate. Oh and another thing the stent caused my urethra to be inflamed and it messed with my iud causing me even more pain. It was hitting a pressure point that effected my cervix, so much so I had to get my iud removed.

Pete wimer

Hello everyone
I am on day 1 after cystoscopy and the kidney pain is gone. The bleeding and burning is madness. I am scheduled for the Stent removal in 3 days after they blasted two 5 mm stones with a laser. I agree with everyone that the Stent is uncomfortable and Everytime I try to take a Wizz it feels like someone is sticking a hot poker up there. I hope I never have to do this again.

Crystal

The worst pain I’ve ever experienced and it’s been since December 2016, I’m due to have my second Stent removed on Thursday. And I’m dreading it. When the first one was put it the dr said “you will feel a bit of discomfort” well f…… if my legs weren’t strapped in I would have kicked the dr in his face. The numbing hell will help they said, well take that numbing gel and put it in your ear, it helped nothing. I’m so sick and tired of being in constant pain since December, I’m so tired of wetting myself and my bed, it’s been a nightmare since December. The pain exhausts me, wee’ing is excruciating beyond anything I can explain, I will never wish this on anyone. If they find more stones, then I’m offering to have the whole kidney removed, I can’t go through this hell again. I just about list my business because I couldn’t work, and just about hot evicted because I couldn’t pay rent. I’ve had to fight tooth and nail to get through a days work. The only decent almost painless wee I have is my first wee in the morning, the rest is so painful, I have a towel I bite into to stop myself my screaming, I cry every time I need to loo, and too many times I don’t make it!

Athena Creamer

Please try: have lemon juice in everything you drink, even orange juice. Lots of water. It will dissolve a kidney stone.

Mary

I just had surgery to put a stent in my right, before yesterday. The first two days following surgery was a nightmare to urninate. I too had to grab the hospital washcloth and bite down onto it to help manipulate the pain of peeing. Pee, hold, pee and hold… constantly feeling like I have to urinate and even having to poop is difficult. The doctor prescribed me antibiotics because i got a kidney infection since the my 8mm stone is stuck in the tract and the urine wasn’t passing through to the Bladder. I was suppose to have the stone broken down with sound waves or a laser this Thursday but now I have to wait until Nextel Monday for that. Hopefully that will be the last of it. In regards to removing the stent, I am not happy at all about having them yank the stent out with nothing but a numbing cream on the clitoris. Some people here say it’s their second or third time and it is freaking me out because i cant imagine me going through this horrible pain again! I have a toddler and a baby so Taking care of them with this pain is so difficult!!

Mary

Google the plant extract that goes by the name of “Uña de Dios” or “Uña de Angel” in some countries. It is a tree that has very green leaves and you collect those leaves and boil them. Put the juice in the fridge and it literally turns red! It is a very rare plant/tree but drinking that everyday along with water will dissolve any kidney stone. Almost everyone I know swears by it. I am currently drinking it. I had a stent Putnam in to help with a 8mm stone I have. Hopefully it’ll soon be out!

thompson

my moma was diagnosed with kidney stone, she was under medication for 3months which availed to nothing. this got me scared of loosing her and my siblings. i never believed in prayer until she got prayed for by diviner peterson of newgrace foundation. she’s doing fine now in less than a week of prayer and usage of holy items.i’d urge anyone suffering from such or any diseasse to contact him via email:newgraacefoundation@gmail.com

Cin

Is newgraace supposed to have two a’s. Thank you for your post

Janice

My husband was back and forth emerg with pain from a kidney stone. Sent home each time with atasol 30 for pain…..waiting to have a stent placement. He had a fever on last visit to emerg so the surgery was done right away where dr discovered he was septic and infection gone through bloodstream. After stent was placed, vitals showed low oxygen levels and was rushed for a ct scan. Stent surgery caused two pulmonary embolisms…….massive clots in both lungs. Stone is 8mm and only way to remove it is to be put to sleep and blood clots have to be cleared in order to have stone removed which will take 6-9 months. In meantime, stent is uncomfortable and much blood in urine. Stent has to be replaced each month. Anyone out there in same situation?

Nicole

Hi, I had to have a 4mm stone removed surgically because of a narrow ureter. Due to the blockage of the stone I developed a kidney infection. While I was under anesthesia they placed a stent. I am scheduled to have it removed in 3 days. They did not leave a string hanging out of the urethra so they have to go back in to get it. I’m scared. Does anyone have any experience with stent removal? So far it has been in for a week and I had bleeding with urination for the first 4 days which has resolved. I had very severe cramping in my side and back while peeing which is now more of a tingle/urge at the end of peeing. I still have some mild pains and feel lethargic a week out. Any help from anyone regarding the removal? What to expect or tips for comfort?

Theresa P Abbott

Just had this done on Sept FIRST.. stent coming out the same way you described. On the 11th. Pain and spasms really bad , but me down for 5 days.
Bleeding and clots a lot. Stone locked into tube to bladder. Left back pain
Double me up and cold sweats. After trying the blasting of the stone.
All so far to tell. 72 year old and never to happen again. 4 natural births and nothing like the pain of this.gl

Amy Stevens

Nice, I go this week to get one, I’m terrified. They said I’d be sleeping, like surgery,, how true is that? Sorry to hear evones torturing news ?

Angel

I just had a stent removal done today. They put you to sleep with some medicine in your i.v. It took about 25 minutes. You wake up pretty fast afterwards. It’s a smae day surgery

Denise

I had stent put in yesterday. I had this same procedure 2 years ago. I go next Tuesday to have it removed. Last time they did not put me to sleep. I’m assuming they used some kind of numbing there. But it hurt like hell coming out. My dr just said take a deep breath and as I was breathing out he gave it a yank out. OMG I thought I was going to die. Sore to pee the rest of the day. If can get an IV to get yours out I’d ask. My dr said it was so quick he just did it there at the dr office. I am not looking forward to this again on Tuesday- but I also can’t stand being able to feel the stent very time I move. The meds they gave me to help with the spasms does not help at all. The whole process is awful!

Cin

I don’t get mine removed for a couple months. I hate the feeling urge to use bathroom every two seconds. They gave me flow max only used a couple of days. Do you know anything about it

Candace comprixt

I’m worried my streng is still in I do t
Feel it is there a chance that it came out when I peed and I didn’t see it sgexausemof the blood

Jane Maillet

I had stone laser and stent placement this morning. Other than the affects if anesthesia, every thing went fine. I can “feel” the stent in place. I do have the strings taped to my leg. Removal scheduled for four days. I’ve passed other stones with the pain from hell. This procedure was a nothing compared to passing. I will return to work tomorrow. Please don’t fret this procedure. Trust your urologist.

Rip Torn Urethra

I respect your experience, but mine has been ridiculously painful. Of course, I’ve heard laser is much less painful. I had extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy on Sept 1 for a 19.98mm stone…it’s the 24th and it has been very rough going. Stent is supposed to be removed this week. I returned to work one week after the procedure and definitely shouldn’t have, as my job is very physically strenuous and demanding. And I do NOT trust my urologist. He’s probably around my age and fresh out of residency. I have more confidence in the competence of my primary care doc, based on events thus far. Oh, and as far as passing, I’ve suffered MUCH larger stones in the past, than the fragments I’ve been blowing out, with much less pain. I could probably use a couple units of blood, too, as I’ve done nothing but bleed from my kidney/ureter/bladder/urethra for 24 days straight – and the doc’s office keeps telling me to take ibuprofen. For what reason? So I can continue bleeding out? NO!
Not trying to scare anyone, and everyone’s experience is different, but it’s not a walk in the park – and the medical professionals will sugar coat the recovery process and your expectations – be informed – do your research!

Jeanette Hopkins

I liked your response. Just had the stent in…out next week. I thought rhey already took the stone. Any advice for making it all easier?

Cody

I’m terrified. I’m only 23 and I’m going in this coming Thursday for a stent. I have a 4mm stone that, initially, I was told would pass no problem. I was told that it wouldn’t be a painful deal and I could even go back to work the next day….but this page is really making me think otherwise. I don’t know if I have another choice, but I can’t get over this anxiety about it. 🙁
I passed my last one without an issue (minus the crippling pain before the ER gave me plenty of morphine) so I was hoping I could push this one out too, but I guess not. Please tell me there is some sort of silver lining here!

Sophie

Hi there, I’m 19 and I have a 6mm stone. I have just had a stent put in. The silver lining for me is that even though the stent is causing major discomfort in these first few days of having it, it is nothing compared to the excruciating pain of having a large kidney stone. The pain I had to endure before my surgery was the worst pain I could ever imagine. It doesn’t surprise me that it is said to be more painful than child birth

Pauline Armstrong

Hi Cody, don’t worry, I was taken into hospital almost 3 weeks ago after a kidney stone caused sepsis in my left kidney. They put me under general anesthaetic for the procedure and when I woke up there was no pain or discomfort, I still have the stent in place until I go back in October to have the stone taken care of. There really is nothing to worry about, stay calm and enjoy a good sleep.

William Parks

Hey Cody. I went to the er last week because of severe stomach pain. Turns out they were 6 stones. One being 8 mm. So I have had stents in place since. You definitely need to let them give you them as in my case I was told the biggest stone was compromising my right kidney. So on the 5th of this month I will have stone broken up and stents removed. It has been very uncomfortable and I have been passing urine with alot of blood in it. Looking forward to the 5th. Most painful ordeal ever.

ann

A great THANK YOU to all the stent bloggers for sharing their experiences. It helps a lot to put the real range of experience against the carefully understated guidance from specialist medics. The purpose of stents as used in the public health services seems to be as a means of POSTPONING doing anything positive to disperse the problem created by blocked stones. A stent that will self-destruct after a set number of weeks would reduce the level of pain suffered and protect the bladder and tubes from longterm damage.

Elizabeth Foutch

I went to VA to have stone removed yesterday 8-18-17 and they put a stint in afterwards. They also said they couldn’t find it I must have passed it. It was 5mm but I checked Everytime I went pee and never saw or felt it pass. Now I’m in worse pain than the whole time before I went to them. They gave me ocycodone but I have to take 2or the pain won’t go away.im now nervous because of all the comments im reading they left a string which I don’t see and they say I can take it out on Monday which will be 4 days later. I hold a pillow against me to help relieve the pain.

Nicole

My stent doesn’t have a string and I have to return to the dr to have him remove it. He said they numb the urethra with lidocaine and they use a scope into the urethra to grab the stent to pull it out. They thought I had passed mine at one point but turned out it moved and was found in a different spot on a ct scan.

Barbara 53

Not every stint put in has a string. If it doesn’t, they use a scope with camera to pull it out. It’s not the best feeling in the world. They do give you pain gel that’s squirted in your urethra (which puts pressure on you , in my opinion is worse than the scope going in. But I have a high tolerance for pain. The whole thing only takers 10 minutes.

Iris Johnson

I had a large kidney stone removed 2 days ago.(5 centi). Although I haven’t had hardly any pain from it so far, it is discomfortable. My biggest problem from this procedure so far is the string attached that hangs from my vagina that I am supposed to keep taped to the inside of my thigh (which I keep accidentally tugging on) and the blood and urine that constantly keeps flowing from me whenever I am just sitting or lying down. I wear protective urinary pads ( poise etc.) But they become so saturated within a couple of hours from the blood and urine that I am constantly having to change them. I hope to have this stent removed in 7 days, but am worried about the leaking of my bladder once it is removed. Will this continue after the stent is removed?

Linda

Update – had to be taken to the er again this time from severe flank pain. I felt like I was being tortured to death. The er staff took me right in (thought this was a good thing) a doctor introduced himself and said he’d be right back. I had told him I had to pee. Two hours later, I pushed my broken wheelchair over to a sink in the room to lay my head down. I was crying over the sink and worn out from having pain that nobody cared about. It’s a hard place to reach in life, huddled over a disgustingly dirty sink in a hospital, in sheer pain, in complete exhaustion, with giggling staff walking by looking at me. After many bungled hours of inhuman treatment, I had my stent pulled and my ability to pee was restored. Then I was told ibuprofen was all I needed…they lied. I’m miserable in too much flank pain.

James

I just had a stent put in for removal of a 4 mm stone, it was stuck for 6 weeks and even though I was given a high percentage that it would pass, took rapiflo, drank plenty of fluids, it nonetheless remained stuck in the distal ureter and required surgery. Despite being assured that the stent placement was routine and only caused some “discomfort”, I knew better based on what I’d read around here. And boy am I glad I was prepared. I awoke in pretty severe pain, feeling like I needed to take the worst pee of my life. This part was horrifying (although expected), peeing out blood and a few nasty clots. But living with the stent is WORSE than the stone pain ever was! Every time I urinate, it’s like that god-awful renal colic flank pain all over again. Then there’s the baseline pain/discomfort of having the stent in. I’m pretty worthless still three days out from the stent. But, I will share some things that helped me in addition to the prescribed pain meds (make sure they give you a decent supply–you will need them!!!)

Heating pad–this has been a HUGE blessing. For me, lying down and keeping still while keeping the pad around my flank on the affected side has provided the best possible relief (in addition to pain meds)
Hot showers–the only time I’ve felt like a human being
Having that terrible back-flow pain when you urinate? (This is from urine going back up into the kidney through the stent apparently). This has been the absolute worst for me, and I found that if I take one of those microwaveable heating pads and warm it up, then keep it pressed it on my flank while I pee, it seems to help tremendously. Before I was almost going into a full-blown pain crisis every time I urinated! Now, just be careful not to overdo it with all the heated stuff as I’ve almost burned myself trying to get relief, but used appropriately these things have made it almost tolerable.

Like a lot of the others here, I wish I had been given an honest talk about what to expect with this stent… they act like it’s no big deal and it’s truly a painful ordeal.

Deb

My body seems to manufacture kidney stones. Just had surgery with stents on both sides. The pain was excruciating! I would rather pass the stones then have the surgery. After they removed the stents, the pain, blood in the urine and feeling exhausted went away.

Tip: When you are passing a stone, mix 6Tbsp olive oil and 6Tbsp lemon juice (fresh is better) and drink it (FAST), followed by a lot of water. You can do this a few times a day. I know it sounds gross, but, it helps. The lemon juice cuts the taste of the olive oil.
The oil helps to slide the stone out & it also helps with the pain. I had to have the surgery because I had a 7mm stone stuck in the ureter and then he “cleaned” out both kidneys.

Try it, it really does help.

Christopher Gibbs

I was all for the other methods of stone removal in my right kidney after months of just being given antibiotics by my G.P.s I finally saw another and had the the scan process etc. However during my first scan with the dye they told me I it was possible I had a tumour in my left kidney. So the right kidney got left as further investigation took place on my left.
Thankfully it was not cancer, unbelievably it was an error with the dye. Anyway whilst waiting I then had to then go for a third scan as on the 2nd to check again for cancer they noticed stone had moved so they wanted to see if I had passed it. I hadn’t.
So I then get told it’s moved again and although it will work the position it’s rested will make shock treatment very difficult so I got talked into the operation removal.

They even gave me a scan hours before my operation. So I woke up to be told I had the stent. I’m currently in constant pain. I dare not hardly drink anything. If I drink as much as 100ml of water I need to pass it within 20 minutes as I’m sure many emphasise during this the pain peaks in the back area. It’s still blood filled. Even a dribble which is now a problem causes extreme pain.

Now where I feel sorry for many others and to to illustrate a point here I suffer to 2 other major conditions and as such take 120mg of morphine tablets a day and 1200mg of gabapentine tablets a day . You think of that and I’m complaining of ” extreme ” pain. I’ve never given anything a 10 when asked how much it hurts this is a 9.5.

Im so glad we have a NHS especially when you see the USA but I have some questions.

Do I need all this for 1 4mm stone ?
And the reason for my stent was my tubes etc are to narrow to get the camera up. OK , but I’ve had 3 cystoscopies in my life so how come they never mentioned they couldn’t get all why up?

My thoughts are with anyone with kidney issues.

Edania hall

June 12, 2017, I had a lithotripsy done to break up (2) 9 mm stones in my left kidney and hoping the other smaller 2 stones would pass I the process. 2 weeks later I am in so much pain daily activities would put me down. When to the doctors for a check only to find out that the procedure was not successful at all and that my only choice was repeat the litho and keep the stent inside. I went back home with pain meds and so meds to help control the spasms…total fail. I ended up going to the ER and prescribe me tridmol which by the way works wonders but my urologist quickly told me to stop taking them…then all of a sudden jihad rectal bleeding, back to the ER I go.. Found out I had in infection and because of the meds I was taking it was causing me to bleed, again sent home with antibiotics and pain meds.. although 2 weeks pass by I ended up back at the ER in so much pain and vomiting all over the place. Infection in my kidney around the stent was the cause this time and because my urologist worked out of a different hospital she advised the ER to give me a different type of antibiotics and send me home. One week later woken up out of by sleep in so much pain I was crying.. The ER admitted me and I am waiting on a procedure in the Morning.
Stents are truly the devil

Debbie

I was booked in yesterday for stone removal after having a stent fitted 9 weeks ago for 9mm stone and additional smaller ones.The stent for the last 9 weeks has caused me the most terrible pain and bleeding I have been unable to sleep with the pain.It has affected my everyday life.Thursday the Hospital tried to cancel the appointment and I saw red ! Cut a long story short the Consultant phoned me and the operation was back on Friday.During the operation they found I had passed the stones already and the stent had rubbed an area of the bladder wall and caused inflamation.There are a couple of comments I would make that all professional medical staff are aware of ‘the pain and discomfort caused by stents’ and yet the patient is not given full information to this. Secondly knowing the pain and suffering caused patients are made to wait lengthy times to have them removed and the stone problem treated.I had got to the stage I just couldn’t cope anymore and unless we complain we get ignored.My complaint was not with the Consultant or staff as they all work extremely hard, but with the system that leaves people in awful pain and that rests firmly with Government funding and local health authorities boards who make those decisions and hold the purse strings.I have already written a letter about waiting list times to the Chief Executive of my local hospital and copied in the MP.I have read so many of your comments today and every one of them tells the same story.Good luck to you all but please don’t sit back and take it …complain!

Zoe Cartwright

My 22yr old son has just come out of hospital after a stent removal. The ’15 min’ operation took 3 hours and it finally came out in 2 pieces and was covered in kidney stones. The stent had been in for 7 months and had been causing constant severe pain. Despite numerous emails and telephone calls to srrsnge the removal he was left trying to complete his final year at uni with no sleep and unable to concentrate due to the constant pain. His operation was on Monday 31st July and he is on various painkillers. None of them seem to be working and he says the pain in worse now than when he was first admitted to hospital with kidney stones back in December. Because of the 3hrs prodding about, his uretha and kidneys are so bruised and inflamed he has had to have another stent fitted which they are going to take out in 7-14 days. He has had to have a deferral at uni and may miss his graduation with all his friends. There is even a chsnce he may hsve to redo the whole year. He hasn’t been able to socialise, go shoppibg withou help or even walk very far for the last 7 months. His stent should have removed months ago according to his surgeon (a different one to the one who inserted it). I’m not sure what rights my son has and if he should complain about this. Any advice would be great. Thank you.

Jan

You can complain to the Health Sevices Commissioner in your State or Territory – a quick Google will give you an address. You can also complain to AHPRA.

karen

Debbie I am so sorry for you ! I work in the NHS and I had similar experiences. I took my story to our Trust board and I am currently writing a patient information leaflet – warts and all about having a stent in place. I don’t want to diminish the pain of these stents- I want patients to know that they hurt a lot!. I have been a nurse for 30 years and nobody told me what to expect and I don’t want other patients to feel the same.
I hope you are now doing ok and take comfort in the fact that you are not alone !!

Kathy Johnson

Well ?! – I haven’t been worried until I read your comments regarding the amount of pain and dysfunction due to a stent. I have a 1.5, 1.8 up to 2cm, yes centimeter, kidney stone in addition to small one. Allegedly it’s going to take 3 Lithotripsy procedures and 3-5 stents. At first I was thrilled I wasn’t having a PCN now I’m rethinking what to wish for. Years ago my, then 17 yr old, daughter had a PCN which was immensely painful, she peed blood and urine out of her incision in her back for 3 long weeks. It was horrible watching my child go through that so I prayed and prayed for the pain to be for me and not her. In a way, half my prayers were answered. Is anyone else a heart patient? I’m curious just how much pain they’re going to let me endure. It’s not good for my newly repaired heart I guess. Good luck to you all especially Sharon. This is bad enough let alone being homeless. I hope you get to tell this as a sucsess story one day and how you were determined to change your life because of this.

Rich D

Kathy, ” I share your pain” Having gone through this process, I’ve read quite a bit and have seen a number of responses and reactions from folks. I was freaked out too, fearing the worst. My take away is this: Everyone is different, your situation and potential pain may be quite different from anyone else’s.
I was hit by a 7 mm stone about 3 months ago. ER visit, pain meds and fluids eliminated the pain quickly. Followed up with Urologist. He performed a Lithotripsy 30 days ago. I found that process painless, just a huge inconvenience going through the whole hospital O.R. thing. The litho broke the stone into 3 pieces, but still would not pass. We waited 30 days, took in a lot of water, but no luck. Fortunately, I had no pain during this period. I did choose to go ahead with a Cystoscopy and a stent to get rid of the stone for good.
Back to the OR, a bit longer of an operation, deeper anesthesia this time. For the first 3 days at home I experienced burning pain and blood when urinating. The pain was bad but tolerable. When the burning and bleeding eased off, I began getting spasms in my kidney when urinating. This was a bit rough, but again tolerable. I did take pain meds, 1 during the day, 1 at night. Spasms lasted about 3 days, but since then only a moderate amount of discomfort when urinating. All of these are symptoms of the stent.
I had the stent removed today. Took about 10 seconds at the office. So far so good, no residual pain. But I was told to expect some burning and pain as things settle down.
I hope this helps!

Kathy Collatin

Being 71 and going through this is no fun. I appreciate your info. I have bilateral stents and yes painful when I sit or sometimes walk. Catching fragments in the screen is tricky but I think I got enough of what looks like sand granules for testing. This is an uncomfortable thing to go through but reading these comments are helping. Stents come out next Thursday. Don’t know what size stone is. Thank you and my prayers for strength to you all.

sharon

I am a 60 year old with a “rock garden”. The biggest stone measures a bit over 1 centimeter. Yes! I said a centimeter!. I have had a stint in since April 18 and todays date is July 16. I have had three lithotipsys and find out in two days if I worked this time. I have no words to describe the roller coaster ride this whole trip has caused me. I actually peed 83 time in one day. I feel the constant urge to pee. Always.I am praying they knock me out to remove the stint ! The doc gave me hyoscyamine for “spasms” , I dont think they help at all. Nothing has passed, except this gummy black substance. Dont have a clue what it is. I cant imagine having this stint in much longer…nobody should have to suffer like this. It cant be healthy to keep it in much longer.

Sharon

I had a kidney stent put in 2 weeks ag for kidney stones. I’m in constant nagging pain , my side, lower abdomen and back r so tender even clothing hurts. My urine is bright red it hurts me to pee and I feel constipated cos I’m scared to push. I’m so tired cos it’s hard for me to find a comfortable position to sit or lay so I’m not sleeping well, even standing and walking hurts me at times. I’m nauseous and cry all the time. They didn’t tell me it would be like this, they should have told me. I’ve been homeless for over 3 years, living mostly in my car & on my own, it’s been a difficult time , but now it’s unbearable. How can this possibly be doing any good? I don’t even have a doctor or nurse to ask questions, the clerk just told me to come back on the 31st, more than 2 weeks away. I would rather die before then.

Dev- cancer survivor

Pain will reduce with time and this pain wont kill you! I had a stent placed after kidney cancer surgery and yes it was painful. The thing is…think less about the discomfort it causes. It is tr for a purpose and will help you heal and is temporary. Tey to be positive. You will be fine.

roger monticue

I had a stents put in 7-5-17 and its hurts so bad when I pee and walk I took off work 1 day and run out of pain meds they told I be back on the 7-12-17 to get it removed out I hope so they will not give any pain meds they only give f 12 im never getting this done no more how do they removed it please e mail please thanks monticue2@selectemail.net

Karen Lestochi

Been dealing with this since June 26 kidney stone stuck size 12mm did emergency surgery, placed a stent in dont go for kidney stone removal until July 18 in pain and tryinh to work.

Shaik

Hi every one..
I suffered with calculus in my right ureter..so it was diagnosed and treated surgically method URSL with DJ stent.done and my urologist advised me for removal of stent after 15days under General anesthesia.
Now they have removed the stent but again they have put a stent.now my urologist suggesting me to keep it for 10days more..

Pls suggest am not able to understand…y there is again they placed stent.
Is it normal

Linda

Had stent put in following stone removal 5 days ago. Have me one days worth of oxycodone. That ran out on day 3. I am in agony
And, I drink a gallon of water daily and I am unable to pee much volume despite drinking so much. Yet I am being run to death to the bathroom to pee a drop or two. The pain and spasms are unbearable. None of the medicines they gave me for it works. My feet and legs have swollen up like balloons. My body is out of Control and doctors will not return my calls.

Crystal

I would go back to the dr, especially if you are swelling

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