1st kidney stone...and now I've got a stent...

[belledreamer]

Hoping to hear some of your experiences with this. After nearly a week of what I thought was a stomach virus, I finally gave in and went to the ER where I was diagnosed with a 5mm kidney stone. And since the meds never totally knocked out the pain, I was admitted to the hospital. In a attempt to pass it on my own, I was given meds for the pain and nausea and several bags of fluids, but the stone never moved so they did minor surgery where they broke up the stone with a laser and put in a stent which will be removed later this week.

I'm still recovering from surgery though I'm now home. The stent isn't very comfortable, but not near as bad as the actual stone. But I find that the meds they give me make me light-headed to where the room feels like it's spinning if I get up. I've also heard mixed opinions about what the pain is like when the stent is removed; some say it's worse than the kidney stone, others were virtually pain free. Some took pain killers before going to the doctor's to get it taken out, others took it out on their own.

What I'd like to know is how did you deal with pain after stent placement and how did you go about getting it removed? How bad was the actual pain?

Also, I already have a doctor visit with my GP a few days before the stent comes out. Since going to the doctor gives me horrible anxiety already (especially when it concerns things 'down there') is it possible for me to ask her for something I could take to relax me that morning before they remove the stent?

 

[low-key]

I think the Doctor has to remove the stent, it dont just come out, believe no matter how bad it is, it was much wors eon a man, the entry place to put stent in and take out is one I just never thought tweezer and a camera would fit before

 

[ols386]

I don't see anything wrong in asking for something before you have the stent removed. DD had a stent after kidney stone removal, and said the stent was quite uncomfortable. She said removal of the stent was uncomfortable too.

 

[Diznotyzed]

I've had two different laser removals, with stents in place for two weeks after each time. The stents were uncomfortable enough that I relied on pain meds and just hung out on the couch during those two weeks. The doctor removed the stent the first time, and his nurse the second. I was apprehensive about the removals and though it felt "weird" it wasn't painful for me either time, and over so quickly that it wasn't that bad an experience. I wish you well, and hope you're back to normal soon.

 

[goofyernmost]

What is this the week for Kidney Stones. I just had a stint put in yesterday for a 5mm stone. I'm nearly 68 years old and never had one before that I was aware of. Where the stint is located depends on where the stone is. If it is below the bladder it isn't very far in, but, I doubt it's something that one could take out themselves. Do it yourself has it's limits. I have to go back in two weeks to get the stint and the stone removed. Right now I feel like I did before I ever had a single symptom so I'm not in any hurry.

 

[Jaya]

I had three lithotripsies, three weeks apart, with a stent in after each one. I had no pain with the kidney stone as it was too large to pass and was just sitting there. The first two lithos didn't break up the stone. Thank goodness, the last one did. The stents ranged from uncomfortable to agony. I had to work full time the whole time.....it wasn't pleasant. Had the lithos on a Thursdays, took Friday off and had to be back at work on Monday. Boy, I hated those stents. Luckily, the first two ones were removed when I was under anesthesia for the next litho, but the third one hurt like the dickens being removed.

 

[mamamary]

Whenever I had stents which was at least twice my doctor removed them. Ugh I hated the stents. They were super uncomfortable. I do have to say though that my last stent was about 17 years ago and even though I've had lots of stones since I've never had any more stents thank goodness. Good luck OP

 

[goofyernmost]

I'm feeling very lucky right now. My stint is between my bladder and my kidney. I feel nothing, absolutely nothing! Everything is functioning just fine and if they hadn't told me I would never have known it was there, at least so far. I guess I should thank the Doc for a good job.