Ureteral stenting
Definition
A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube threaded into the ureter to help urine drain from the kidney to the bladder or to an external collection system.
Purpose
Urine is normally carried from the kidneys to the bladder via a pair of long, narrow tubes called ureters (each kidney is connected to one ureter). A ureter may become obstructed as a result of a number of conditions including kidney stones, tumors, blood clots, postsurgical swelling, or infection. A ureteral stent is placed in the ureter to restore the flow of urine to the bladder. Ureteral stents may be used in patients with active kidney infection or with diseased bladders (e.g., as a result of cancer or radiation therapy). Alternatively, ureteral stents may be used during or after urinary tract surgical procedures to provide a mold around which healing can occur, to divert the urinary flow away from areas of leakage, to manipulate kidney stones or prevent stone migration prior to treatment, or to make the ureters more easily identifiable during difficult surgical procedures. The stent may remain in place on a short-term (days to weeks) or long-term (weeks to months) basis.
Demographics
Chronic blockage of a ureter affects approximately five individuals out of every 1,000; acute blockage affects one out of every 1,000. Bilateral obstruction (blockage to both ureters) is more rare; chronic blockage affects one individual per 1,000 people, and acute blockage affects five per 10,000.
Description
The size, shape, and material of the ureteral stent to be used depends on the patient's anatomy and the reason why the stent is required. Most stents are 5–12 inches (12–30 cm) in length, and have a diameter of 0.06–0.2 inches (1.5–6 mm). One or both ends of the stent may be coiled (called a pigtail stent) to prevent it from moving out of place; an open-ended stent is better suited for patients who require temporary drainage. In some instances, one end of the stent has a thread attached to it that extends through the bladder and urethra to the outside of the body; this aids in stent removal. The stent material must be flexible, durable, non-reactive, and radiopaque (visible on an x ray).
The patient is usually placed under general anesthesia for stent insertion; this ensures the physician that the patient will remain relaxed and will not move during the procedure. A cystoscope (a thin, telescope-like instrument) is inserted into the urethra to the bladder, and the opening to the ureter to be stented is identified. In some instances, a guide wire is inserted into the ureter under the aid of a fluoroscope (an imaging device that uses x rays to visualize structures on a fluorescent screen). The guide wire provides a path for the placement of the stent, which is advanced over the wire. Once the stent is in place, the guide wire and cystoscope are removed. Patients who fail this method of ureteral stenting may have the stent placed percutaneously (through the skin), into the kidney, and subsequently into the ureter.
A stent that has an attached thread may be pulled out by a physician in an office setting. Cystoscopy may also be used to remove a stent.
Diagnosis/Preparation
A number of different technologies aid in the diagnosis of ureteral obstruction. These include:
- cystoscopy (a procedure in which a thin, tubular instrument is used to visualize the interior of the bladder)
- ultrasonography (an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sounds waves to visualize structures inside the body)
- computed tomography (an imaging technique that uses x rays to produce two-dimensional cross-sections on a viewing screen)
- pyelography (x rays taken of the urinary tract after a contrast dye has been injected into a vein or into the kidney, ureter, or bladder)
Prior to ureteral stenting, the procedure should be thoroughly explained by a medical professional. No food or drink is permitted after midnight the night before surgery. The patient wears a hospital gown during the procedure. If the stent insertion is performed with the aid of a cystoscope, the patient will assume a position that is typically used in a gynecological exam (lying on the back, with the legs flexed and supported by stirrups).
Aftercare
Stents must be periodically replaced to prevent fractures within the catheter wall or build-up of encrustation. Stent replacement is recommended approximately every six months; more often in patients who form stones.
Risks
Complications associated with ureteral stenting include:
- bleeding (usually minor and easily treated, but occasionally requiring transfusion)
- catheter migration or dislodgement (may require readjustment)
- coiling of the stent within the ureter (may cause lower abdominal pain or flank pain on urination, urinary frequency, or blood in the urine)
- introduction or worsening of infection
- penetration of adjacent organs (e.g., bowel, gallbladder, or lungs)
Normal results
Normally, a ureteral stent re-establishes the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder. Postoperative urine flow will be monitored to ensure the stent has not been dislodged or obstructed.
Morbidity and mortality rates
Serious complications occur in approximately 4% of patients undergoing ureteral stenting, with minor complications in another 10%.
Alternatives
If a ureter is obstructed and ureteral stenting is not possible, a nephrostomy may be performed. During this procedure, a tube is placed through the skin on the patient's back, into the area of the kidney that collects urine. The tube may be connected to an external drainage bag. In other cases, the tube is connected directly from the kidney to the bladder.
Resources
BOOKS
Su, Li-Ming & R. Ernest Sosa. "Ureteroscopy and Retrograde Ureteral Access." (Chapter 97) In Campbell's Urology, 8th ed., edited by Patrick C. Walsh. Philadelphia: Elsevier Science, 2002.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Urological Association. 1120 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. (410) 727-1100. http://www.auanet.org .
OTHER
"Extrinsic Obstruction of the Ureter." UrologyHealth.org . [cited May 19, 2003] <http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=01&topic 93> .
Sutherland, Suzette E. and Martin I. Resnick. "Urinary Tract Obstruction." eMedicine. May 6, 2002 [cited May 19, 2003] http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2782.htm .
Kathleen D. Wright, R.N. Stephanie Dionne Sherk
WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?
Ureteral stenting is typically performed in a hospital by an interventional radiologist (a physician who specializes in the treatment of medical disorders using specialized imaging techniques) or a urologist (a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract and genital organs).
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR
- Why is ureteral stenting recommended?
- What diagnostic tests will be performed prior to the stenting procedure?
- What technique will be used to place the stent?
- What type of stent will be used, and when will it be removed?
- Are there any alternatives to ureteral stenting?
Wish me luck I hope to give a stellar report post removal! PS I have tried heat, ice, major pain meds and muscle relaxers! I believe the muscle relaxer worked the best. In my situation I believe the pain/ colic in my kidney and ureter that I have now are muscle spasms as they are very sharp and very frequent pre and post void.
Thank you
My experience has been that the Dr. has not been very infromative and unless I have asked about something specifically, it has not been addressed.
My stone started on 2/14/08. I had Lithotripsy done in March. The Dr. scheduled me for Lithotripsy again in April then told me 2 days before at the checkup that it was too soon to have Litho done again. When I asked why he had scheduled me again for Litho he didn't say anything.
On 4/21 I had the Cysto/Laser/Stent done. My followup appointment is today so we'll see where things go from here.
I'll try to update the forum. Since the procedure on 4/21 I have only passed one fragment.
That was an experience I'll never forget. The procedure was fairly quick and only about 3 bouts of pain that made me raise up off the table.
About a half hour after the stent was out I started getting cramps like I had when the stent was first in which I believe are bladder spasms.
My wife called the urologist and asked for a detrol order to be phoned to the pharmacy. About an hour latter the nurse from the office called and said the Dr. thinks you'll be fine and isn't going to call the order in. I replied that it was easy for him to say that and hung up.
The next call was to my primary doctor's office and left a message with the answering service. A while later he called back and agreed to call in the order.
I finally got a Detrol LA 4mg capsule around 6:45pm and by 9pm my cramps/spasms where gone.
Moral of the story: Make sure you have a prescription for DETROL LA 4MG when you leave from surgery and when you leave from the stent removal. The PHENAZOPYRID 200MG TAB are good for any irritation of your urinary system so you should be sure to ask for them as well for after your surgery and stent removal.
Because of the arrogance of my FORMER urologist I was in the worst pain of my life from 4:15 to 9:00 pm.
I changed my two month followup appointment to another Dr. in the group today.
Good luck to anybody else who has to go through the procedure.
Last night I accidently tugged on the string attached to the stent when wiping, on now it is most difficult to sit. The string is out about 4” now. Could I have dislodged the stent and pulled it into my bladder? I also do not seem to be passing as much urine now.
Yesterday, the pain from the stent was unbelievable. It is not so bad now, but my kidney pain is terrible. I am also nauseous.
I called the dr on duty and he tells me to stop drinking so much fluid… and not to worry about the stent. I do not think I should be feeling a “pokie” pain when I sit down.
THanks
This is my 2nd or 3rd stent I have had. They told me I'd have it 14 days and then called and said 4+ weeks, I just cried... they pain has subcided a bit but I am still taking pain killers. I agree these things hurt worse than stones... It is like a pinching pain sometimes.
I have had 5 surgeries since January and I think the worst part is the stent.
I don't remember what the pain was like last time it was removed but I still can't wait to get it out. It is very hard to do much of anything. I had a PNL for a huge stone, then a uretoscopy, then Lithotripsy and because of the scar tissue there was a narrowing in the ureter they had to enlarge. They say I might have to have it again I sure hope not. Good luck everyone
I am in excruciating pain and he won't prescribe anything but Detrol, because I am already in pain treatment through the same University hospital system. Even though the pharmacologist told me, and him that I needed something stronger than Vicodin. I live in pain everyday, and I deal with it. Anything on top of the pain is just too much for me to emotionally and physically handle.
It took everything in me to keep myself from crying in front of him. I waited until they brought my car up and then could barely drive through the tears. I've never been so angry in my life that I had to deal with this man's condescension over my pain and need for proper medication.
Anyone who is going in for a stent should be given whatever they need for pain, as a doctor has no way to judge my pain just because "I look better" than before he put the stone in... Duh, I have been sleeping, laying on my porch and put on a little makeup before my appointment.
Angry is the only way to describe my experience. And I have litho scheduled for this coming Tuesday with him. I may refuse surgery if he will not prescribe pain medication that matched my tolerance level. I would rather wait another week and go to someone else in his practice.
I am in excruciating pain and he won't prescribe anything but Detrol, because I am already in pain treatment through the same University hospital system. Even though the pharmacologist told me, and him that I needed something stronger than Vicodin. I live in pain everyday, and I deal with it. Anything on top of the pain is just too much for me to emotionally and physically handle.
It took everything in me to keep myself from crying in front of him. I waited until they brought my car up and then could barely drive through the tears. I've never been so angry in my life that I had to deal with this man's condescension over my pain and need for proper medication.
Anyone who is going in for a stent should be given whatever they need for pain, as a doctor has no way to judge my pain just because "I look better" than before he put the stone in... Duh, I have been sleeping, laying on my porch and put on a little makeup before my appointment.
Angry is the only way to describe my experience. And I have litho scheduled for this coming Tuesday with him. I may refuse surgery if he will not prescribe pain medication that matched my tolerance level. I would rather wait another week and go to someone else in his practice.
Last year they found an 8mm stone on the left and a 14 x 28mm stone on the right. Had 2 lithos done in Jan and one in May. No problems until June, 1st fragment of stone passed, left side, 2nd one followed 3 weeks later. Emergency room visits for both. Love the "cocktails". They wouldn't let me take any home just in case it happened again. Well it did, last week. A stent was put in. Doc said I'd be ready to go to San Deigo on a planned resort vacation after it was done. What a joke! I was in the hopsital for 2 1/2 days. Voiding was uncontrollable at first. Kept the nurses busy, lots of pain, (still lots of pain)sitting still not moving a muscle was great,followed by a continuous (every 4 hours, 24/7) dose of percocet, if you get past the painful bladder spasms and the need to urinate NOW.... RIGHT NOW! ALL THE TIME, and lets not forget the burning at the end of voiding...... I too am a school teacher. walking is a joke, hurts like a large tug of war is going on between the bladder and kidney. Every step I take jars my insides and creates a sharp pain. I feel everyone's frustration AND pain. The removal is painful as well, I was told. Short term sharp pain as it is removed, a few days of aching afterwards. I will be rethinking the stent thing before I allow it to be done again. Surely there is another way. Anyone who can get a Urologist to answer any of these queries, you get the prize! By the way, the people who are having problems with getting pain meds, appropriate pain meds, your Dr. is required and mandated by law to do pain management stuff as part of his patient services. Don't let them treat you otherwise. If you are not happy with the service, don't be afraid to speak up about it.
after 8 xrays finally got diagnosed with 4mm kidney stone. had op last week to remove kidney stone. woke up and was told kidney stone alot bigger than thought and couldnt be removed so put in a stent instead. not sure what happens to kidney stone? defenetly worst pain experienced in life so far, far far wose than childbirth and alot worse than a kidney stone.
so now, thanks to doctor, i still have kidney stone, got excruciating pain in right kidney again, cant walk properly thanks to pain down below, very constipated, weeing almost constantly what looks like just blood, had an allergic reaction to pain killers, now got an infection in kidney as well. wake up during the night in tears as the pain killers wear off. cant work as i am a child carer and am in no fit state.
my honest advice is try everything else before a stent. it hurts so so much and i will be making sure they put me to sleep when they remove it and i will never have one again if i can choose. i think having a stent should not be a day operation, you should be monitered for a few days in hospital. the service i recieved from nurses was appaling. originally sent home with no painkillers. almost as soon as i woke up they said good bye and now ive had this infection brewing all weekend.
believe me having a kidney stone is bliss compared to stent... especially a kidney stone and stent.
i feel very sorry for anyone going through this while pregnant and unable to take strong painkillers.
drinking water does help!!!....until you have to urinate!
after 8 xrays finally got diagnosed with 4mm kidney stone. had op last week to remove kidney stone. woke up and was told kidney stone alot bigger than thought and couldnt be removed so put in a stent instead. not sure what happens to kidney stone? defenetly worst pain experienced in life so far, far far wose than childbirth and alot worse than a kidney stone.
so now, thanks to doctor, i still have kidney stone, got excruciating pain in right kidney again, cant walk properly thanks to pain down below, very constipated, weeing almost constantly what looks like just blood, had an allergic reaction to pain killers, now got an infection in kidney as well. wake up during the night in tears as the pain killers wear off. cant work as i am a child carer and am in no fit state.
my honest advice is try everything else before a stent. it hurts so so much and i will be making sure they put me to sleep when they remove it and i will never have one again if i can choose. i think having a stent should not be a day operation, you should be monitered for a few days in hospital. the service i recieved from nurses was appaling. originally sent home with no painkillers. almost as soon as i woke up they said good bye and now ive had this infection brewing all weekend.
believe me having a kidney stone is bliss compared to stent... especially a kidney stone and stent.
i feel very sorry for anyone going through this while pregnant and unable to take strong painkillers.
drinking water does help!!!....until you have to urinate!
This was my 17th surgery I have had in my life and the post-op was the worst by far. I have had 3 C-sections and I have an incredible threshold for pain ( I had an ectopic pregnancy and burst my fallopian tube. It happened in the morning and I didn't agree to go to the hospital until late that night because I thought I was having a bad period) So I am no wimp.
I am very disappointed because I thought this was supposed to cure my constant UTI's. Infact I have had cloudy urine and pain like I have a UTI since the surgery. I am living on the pain pills. I told my husband that I thank God I do not have an addictive personality because I would have to go into rehab. I take at least one hyrdocodone each day if not a few to be able to function without living on the toilet.
The doctor and I are going to have a come to Jesus meeting. I would prefer to live on antibiotic than go through this again. I am looking into alternative medicine (accupunture) because I can't experience this pain any longer.
The stent certainly helped relieve some of the pain, but I was surprised at how strong and how frequently the urge to urinate was. I was in the restroom every 15-20 minutes all day, every day.
I'm reading a lot of horror stories about stents, and I certainly hope I'm not in the minority. My stent was uncomfortable but not really all that painful. I was sore from all the work that was being done, but I could manage it with pain pills. In fact, the day I had the stones removed (with the stent left in) I was in the back yard pushing my kids on the swing.
The stent removal was probably the worst for me. It was intense, but at least it didn't take long (< 1 min). I remember sweating profusely through it. I soaked my clothes and the table I was on. I'll bet I walked out five pounds lighter :o)
I think I have been fortunate to have one of the best surgeons in the country for this type of thing. From what I understand, he developed the procedure where they use a laser to break up the stones and remove the smaller pieces manually. Here's the URL to the local news story:
http://wcco.com/health/kidney.stones.Patrick.2.372643.html
At a follow-up appointment, I learned that I have several more stones that need to be removed. I'll be scheduling the surgery for sometime in the next few weeks. I trust the doctor completely, and I am not worried about the stent at all. I'm not looking forward to the stent removal, but I'd take that any day over the possibility of repeating what happened in June.
Anyway, I thought I would present a semi-positive experience with stents so that people reading this know that not every experience is bad.
For those of you that are experiencing the awful pain from kidney stones, infections, stents, etc., my heart goes out to you. I'll just say that Jesus is there with you through the whole thing. Put your trust in him, and he will take care of you.
I have a laproscopic procedure done a month ago and since then have a leakage problem. After that had a stent put in on the right ureter as they found a hole in there. After putting the stent I was still leaking. Then then put a naphrostomy tube in and still I am leaking. Right now I have a catheder and the naphrostomy tube and I am still leaking. Drs cant undetstand why? So tomorrow I am going in again with some imaging they want to do and then decide to do a reconstructive surgery. can u please explain as to what are the possibilities of this sort of a problem. All this is beyond my understading all I know is I am going thr hell...... Any input would be great.......
First thank you all for your postings. I'm so glad I found this site prior to having a stent put in.
I woke up a few weeks ago with excriciating pain on my left side. First passed it off as gas until the spasms started and I couldn't move. My husband rushed me to the hospital where it was dicovered I had a 3mm stone in my left ureter closest to the kidney. I was sent home with a bunch of pain killers and told to drink lots of water. If the pain wasn't better after a few days to see a Urologist.
A week later I went to see the recommended urologist. After the XRay, I was told that I had a 5mm stone, and it has not moved at all. They recommended Lithroscopy to blast the stone. Two days later I had the procedure.
Over the next few days I passed lots of fragments with pain off and on. The pain meds kept it under control for the most part. Ten days after the procedure, I started experiencing extreme pain again and visited the Urologist (for the follow-up).
After another XRay they said that there was still a large fragment, around 3mm, stuck in the narrowest part of my ureter close to my bladder. Because of the location, they couldn't do Lithroscopy again and suggested a stent instead. I was told it was a simple procedure and they mentioned nothing about pain. The doctor also prescribed Flomax, .4mg to be taken every night. It was said to make the stone passage easier.
Note that I too am no stranger to pain. After 18 surgeries related to a brain tumor and a very large fibrod, I've been on every pain medication known to man and experienced every pain imagineable! The last thing I need is more of it.
As a result of reading this, I'm delaying the stint insertion as indefinitly and hopefully the stone will pass on its own.
Thanks again,
Lucy.
On a whole the stenting is not too bad id rather that any day to renal colic....
I had two lithotripsy surgeries for the first one alone and in between the two a ureteral stent. The stone was located near my kidney.
When I went for surgery two days ago for the current stent and the laser type lithotripsy through the cytoscope my doctor discovered that the stone must have dislodged when he drained my bladder before he started the surgery.
I had no pain at all when the first stent was removed but it was moments after the second lithotripsy. I was awake but maybe there was some pain killer given through my IV.
I think ureteral stent insertions should require at least 1 day as an impatient. For the first time it's scary. You don't know if the pain you are having is normal and the bloody urine can make you think something is seriously wrong.
I have a very competent doctor and know I am in good hands so far but there has to be a better way. The pain is so menacing when I urinate. I get very nervous when I have to go. I feel like a little kid again. I have to talk to myself to get throug it. Sometimes if you tense up your abdomen, like when you are mid way through a sit-up,it helps but sometimes it doesn't. I think the more water you have to pee the easier it is.
Yes I have had many stents and they are unbelievably painful to say the least. I do not do Lithortiposys any more as they left so much dust in my kidneys (taht turned to stones)that I am now FILLED with stones!The pain is very tough but please ALL do not let this stop you as you surely DO NOT want to loose a kidney! Keep in mind THAT THE STENTS WILL BE REMOVED IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME! It is much better than loss of a kidney or sepsis. The blood, clots, pain & tiredness taht come with the stents ARE REAL! I guess I am lucky that my Doc's know the pain is unbearable and keep me highly medicated. There is a great site to go to for stone formers it can be found at
www.cystinuria.org
On the left is a Community tab, click on Cystinuria forums, it really is a wonderful site for stone formers. You will find many caring people here including Doctors to help you. I do not have Cystinuria but I can not tell you all how much the people on this site have helped me! A stone is a stone!
My right stent has been in since Nov.11.2008 it will come out next Thursday do not ask me why so long. I just had a left stent removed 6 weeks ago and believe it or not I now have another large stone passing again in the left!!!
I will check back on post ALL hang in there. My thoughts are with you ALL for a better New Year!! God Bless!!
Carol X's 30 Years of Stones!!
I thought the removal was not bad. I was surprised that I experienced the same pain that I had when the stent was in place for the next two days.
It is five days after stent removal and I still have low grade pain and tiredness. I am curious how long the low grade pain lasts?
I feel for everyone going through this. I have had a few bout with stones, but this last one a 4mm in the right kidney had to be removed and a stent put in for a week. It was extremely painful the day they put it in an continued until they took it out. The pain when I voided radiated from the kidney to the bladder...I hated the thought of even using the bathroom and waited as long as possible to pee. Removal wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. But it has been 2 weeks since the removal of the stent and I am still out of work due to being exhausted and if I do to much the pain comes back. I am completely frustrated. Has anyone else every had pain for this long after the removal of the stent?? Hope everyone has a Happy Holiday! And a much better New Year! God be with you all through this difficult time!
Chris
When that got pulled out I screamed this really inhuman high pitched yell. I am sure the lobby heard it.
Now its out but the pain goes on just as bad as before the stent went in. Relaxing in a warm bath with pain meds helps. Also I havent had a decent bowel movement since i got this stone agony over a week ago. Today I tried to go and strained to hard,what a mistake that was. I was in agony for over an hour from just trying to take a dump. So here I am in bed typing this.
Rob
Following a routine visit to my PCP at the end of 5 weeks following surgery, he became concerned because I had pressure near the surgery site and it was warm to the touch. It didn't really hurt ... it was uncomfortable. He consulted my urologist and they got me in for a CAT Scan. They found I had sprung a leak in my kidney (a Urinoma). My Urologist admitted me to the hospital for an overnight stay (now at the end of 6 weeks following surgery) and inserted a stent. The first few days after the stent placement, I seemed pretty good. I used the pain meds cautiously and only mildly suffered.
I was scheduled to go on a Christmas trip which my Doctor said would be OK provided I continued my care. During the trip I started experiencing the terrible urges to urinate and burning upon completion. The only thing that would take the edge off was my pain meds (Oxycodone). I had a one week prescription that I stretched the use to three weeks. I even tried taking Advil and Tylonel to ease the urge. I decided the best way to get through it is to gut it out. I did call my Doctor upon my return on Monday and he prescribed Vesicare to relax the bladder. It hasn't helped much. Every time I stand up, I have to go. When I sit down I feel the darn thing and have to hold my breath.
I am now two months after my surgery. I am getting a bit down over it all. I feel like I am only partially functional at work (and sometimes not at all). I had a Cat Scan this morning, but won't get the results till next Thursday. Hopefully the stent will be removed then. I am afraid to ask for more pain meds. My doctors are wonderful and I am sure they would give them to me ... but I am afraid of becoming addicted. Oh well ... this has given me a good reason to get a lot of reading in. It is about the only thing I can do without having to go!
Best wishes to all. Just look at this as a character builder.
So my advice is to try all options to pass the stone if its small enough. Drink lots of lemonade and try the lemon juice/olive oil cocktail and let me know if it works.. If you have to have it surgically removed plan for at least 4-5 days recovery before going back to work. Drink lots of water, like at least 3-4 liters a day, and have someone to take care of you because you're not going to want to do anything. Ask your doctor to use stents that can be pulled out with strings because from what I hear the cystoscopy is a lot more painful. Good luck.
I called doctor again and begged nurse to have doctor take out stents. Well my wish was granted today--and let me tell you it was a blessing after the fact, as the procedure was terrible--no local was given(even though I was under the impression one was to be given).
Well the relief lasted about 2 hours and now I am back to the same old same old. The major pain is gone but the spasms are killing me. Got lots of good info from this site in regards to meds and I know there is someone worse off then me, not that makes me feel better. I wish you all the best, and I hope I never have to go through this again.
Thank God I am not working at this time as I could never had survived going to work. Changing diet to see if it makes a difference in the stone situation as it seems I get one every 2 years--usually in the winter after not drinking enough all summer it seems. Take care everyone and thanks for letting me vent!
Be sure to let your doctors know of your experience. They need this informatin to improve this proceedure in the future.
Also, learned here some useful techniques to deal with stent pain such as wearing loose clothing, drinking plenty of water, tightening your stomach when voiding, not lying down on your stent side, stool softener, etc. And the pain should moderate with time.... I hope.
This is a character building experience. Good luck.
All the best through your experience. Nona
! I fully sympathise with all of you who have and have had stents because its hurts worse than the kidney pain itself. id rather have kidney pain then feela stent!
Two weeks later I had lithroscopy supposedly for a 13mm still in the left kidney but instead the urologist zapped a 6 mm stone in the ureter. The nurse gave me demerol in the same hip being lasered. BG MISTAKE. The pain was excrusiating. It felt like someone hit me with a 2 x 4 hundreds of times every minute. The urologist used 250 mg demerol to complete the lithroscopy. The pain continued not only in the effected area but also from severe muscle ache from straining during the treatment.
The stent still bothers me after three weeks.
I went on search for alternatives and found cornsilk, hydrangea, and marshmallow. The cornsilk lines the ureter and urinary tract to help pass the stone. It's like a kidney stone slip and slide.
The hydrangea helps break up the stone.
the marshmallow helps in circulation issues.
Drink a gallon of purified water every day, sipping all day, not chugging a quart at a time.
No sugar, no high fructose, no caffeine, no red meat.
Do this and you wont ever need a urologist.
Think about it... demerol, toradol, morphine, antibiotics, antispamatics, and other drugs are all very damaging to the kidney.
I'm off all pain meds for one week solid now. The stent is still in and two stones smaller than the urologist estimated are sitting stuck at the edge of the stent about an inch apart.
This stent is out of here as soon as I have my lithroscopy follow up.
I do not believe a word this Dr says. Of course he tells me that I can resume my activities and every thing will be okay. Except a few poeople complain of a "little urgency" All I can say is F that! I havn't been back to work, I can't be active, I really can not do anything.
It feels like the worst bladder infection in my life. I googled stent problems and now I see that this is common. I'd like to stick a stent in that Dr and see how his "little urgency" feels!
I do not believe a word this Dr says. Of course he tells me that I can resume my activities and every thing will be okay. Except a few poeople complain of a "little urgency" All I can say is F that! I havn't been back to work, I can't be active, I really can not do anything.
It feels like the worst bladder infection in my life. I googled stent problems and now I see that this is common. I'd like to stick a stent in that Dr and see how his "little urgency" feels!
I do not believe a word this Dr says. Of course he tells me that I can resume my activities and every thing will be okay. Except a few poeople complain of a "little urgency" All I can say is F that! I havn't been back to work, I can't be active, I really can not do anything.
It feels like the worst bladder infection in my life. I googled stent problems and now I see that this is common. I'd like to stick a stent in that Dr and see how his "little urgency" feels!
Never in my 39 years of life have I experienced such pain and discomfort! While the ditropan does help with the bladder spasms, the Darvocet did not even begin to help with pain relief!!
Post-op I returned home to intense burning during urination, bloody, clotted urine, and a pain that was worse than ever. It's difficult to find a comfortable position to sit, sleep or even lay down and my doctors haven't been much help.
A midnight call to the GU resident resulted in me being told that "everything you're telling me is normal so you'll have to just deal with it." Wow...wtf!???? I was even told that were I to go to the ER that I would be seen by this same resident and discharged....*sigh*
A call into the urologist's office got me some Vicodin which barely takes the edge off the pain. I saw my urologist yesterday and he was perplexed when I described my symptoms and tried to explain that I feel worse off now than before. He insisted that the stent "was properly placed and bypasses the kidney stone so there is no reason for you to be in pain at all." The office visit ended with me being scheduled for Litho on 06/18/09 (tomorrow).
In short I'd like to say that I not only agree with most everything said here but can relate to it. I don't know what the problem is with most of our physicians not understanding or wanting to help with our pain and discomfort but I really wish that would change.
I'm not looking forward to the surgery or the stent removal but am wiling to go through it in an attempt to get this done and over with. My concern, though, is that the fragments could remain and act as seed material for further stones - can anyone comment on this please?
I think that as a pre-requisite for the position of a urologist, each physician needs to have had kidney stones and had the placement of a stent. Were that the case, I firmly believe their dismissive attitude would change...drastically.
Good luck to everyone.
Colby
This has happened to me 7 times since 06/04/09 - it's not consistent but when it hits.....OMG! Has anyone experienced this type of onset before? I brought it up to my doctor who didn't seem to have a clue about it.
Thanks in advance,
Colby
I was released from the hospital after 10 days and told by my urologist to schedule a stent placement when I got home. Being on hard hitting pain meds in the hospital, I didn't bother to ask any questions, came home, and made my appointment.
When I called for my appointment, the nurse told me I would have "conscious sedation", which is what I was also told for the nephrostomy - worst pain I have ever felt in my life, especially while someone is standing over you saying " you may feel a little pinch". This sent me into a panic, not wanting to go through that sort of pain again. I was given NO information about what to expect, what complications may be, if any pain meds would be given, that these things weren't permanent...
I have now sat up till 5 am in the morning, due at the hospital at 7:30am. I am cancelling my appointment until I can get more information. I'm not happy about sitting longer with this bag sticking out of my back, but I'm also not willing to subject myself to more needless torture.
Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Now I can actually go and cut the grass, which is growing like a weed. Yippee.
In my internet search I also found that “The implanting physician is responsible for informing the patient of the requirements, consequences, and complications associated with stent placement. Failure to do so has obvious management and potential mediocLEGAL implications.” PERHAPS WE SHOULD EXPLAIN THIS TO OUR DOCTORS!
This site is wonderful, but I feel the AFTERCARE management section should include some of the information some of the other User Contributors have offered as well as: 1) That patients should continually sip water not gulp down sporadically. 2) To monitor the urine output/flow. Not Enough Input-No Output-Say Hi to UTI! 3) Stent caused symptoms like bladder irritation causing frequency and urination discomfort and leakage. 4) Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) due to the implanted stent. 5) Should the stent pass on it’s own the office will want to see it. **Though once the stent/s are removed all symptoms resolve almost immediately.
I also liked the description of the ureteral stent as being about the same size as a plastic coffee swizzle stick and about 10-12 inches depending on the type used due to the size of your particular ureter/s.
Did I mention I LOVE THIS SITE! Thank YOU all for sharing and hopefully others can come here and learn more about what is happening to them before it happens to them! It is not often that we can honestly say I FEEL YOUR PAIN! To bad we can not bottle it and share. = (...)
Take care, Alice
Well, that morning I chickened out, and opted to not go to the appointment for stent placement, and called my urologist instead. We discussed at that time that ureter reconstruction was more than likely where I would end up, so it was agreed that 6 weeks later, we would proceed with the surgery. About 4 days after that appointment, the nephrostomy began to leak, filling my pelvis with fluid, and making the decision for me that the reconstruction surgery had to occur immediately.
I woke up from this surgery to be in the absolute worst pain of my life. I still had the nephrostomy, and added a stent to my newly replaced left ureter, as well as a foley catheter and a surgical drain from my stomach. As days progressed, I felt much better, with some pretty bad pain in my groin - I am assuming due to the stent. After a month in the hospital, I finally made it home, still with a foley, still with a stent, and still with a nephrostomy. I was able to leave my house yesterday for the first time to attend an open house for my 8 year old's school. This felt GREAT to be able to leave the house, but after about 30 minutes, had to come home and hit pain meds.
Hopefully, I lose the foley and nephrostomy on Monday. Both of these procederes have caused me a little anxiety, along with the idea of getting this stent removed in another 3 weeks. At least it will (should) be over for me then.
I can say that the stent pain I have has gradually gotten better. I have actually been able to go one day wothout pain meds. I don't know what it will be like when the foley is removed and I have to pee on my own, but hopefully it won't be to horrible.
Thank you so much to all of you that have posted. I received enough insight from your posts to no longer fear the unknown. Good luck to you all!!
I, too, am going through the burning at the end of voiding (which is how I found your post here), and the need to go NOW is horrible. I am getting my stent out in a week or so. But please, please, if they tell you you need the stent, DO IT. The alternative is worse. I had a kidney stone move and block the urethra TOTALLY. The poisons built up in the kidney, and moved to the bloodstream. The scary thing is that there was no pain, nothing I could put my finger on as a problem other than that things "weren't right." My husband finally called an ambulance after I spent a day at home in bed, and was unable to decide anything (like, "Are you hungry?" "I dunno....") By the time I got to the hospital, the infection had moved into my bloodstream, and I was very close to death. I spent over 2 weeks in the hospital as they tried to get me over it. They succeeded (naturally -- I'm writing this, right?), and I have now gone through 3 rounds of lipotripsy (sp?) to blast those stones into little bits that I can pass. So yeah, I'm dealing with the burning, looking forward to the removal of the stent, but also glad to be alive to complain about the burning!
Thank god I found this website! I'm glad to hear everyone else is experiencing the same things I am.
I'm 25 and 27 weeks pregnant with a stent in my right side. I am in the most unbearable pain I've ever experienced. I went into the hospital with right flank pain Aug 25 and they couldn't find any stones but apparently my baby is blocking my kidney, so therefor they had to place a stent. I have two words.... I'm miserable!!! I can't do anything for myself, I can't walk more than 2 seconds and I'm in constant pain. Like everyone else my doctor told me that it was only going to be uncomfortable.... Ha ha ya right... I still have blood (lots) in my urine and occasionally have clots, its so painful wen I urinate that I literally grab something and squeeze for dear life. I'm crying all the time. Its horrible!!!! I have decided that I'm not waiting till my babys born to get it removed I'm going this week to get it out. I would rather have the pain in my flank than go through this 24/7.... I wish all of u good luck and hope ur pain eases.
I am on the 2nd doctor in the group cause the first one was a jerk. This guy is very informative, but said nothing about pain from the stent. He did not say it would be staying though. He said it would be to drain the kidney cause it is full and not going anywhere.
He did talk about a tube from the back with a bag to see if the kidney was functioning at all before he would take the kidney out.
The first guy said it would be okay to leave it in even if it didn't work as long as I was having no pain.
This guy said it should not stay in cause it could cause secondary infection and cause more problems.
We have been told by my husbands MS doctors that "Medicine is not an exact science" YA THINK????
I do not want to be one of "DR HOUSE's" patients believe me.
Thank you all for your time and honesty. I do want to be an informed patient.
I pray for peace and a pain free life for you all.
alice
It is now 6 years later, and after thousands of dollars, they have still not found my parathyroid, but we are still looking. The main point of this post, is, any women out there that are pregnant and just started getting kidney stones, or women that have already had children, but started having kidney stones while pregnant, please go have your calcium levels checked! At one point mine was as high as 12.5, and I think the norm is 3.5-5.0.
I hope this helps even just one person so they don't have to go through having kidney stones for the rest of their lives!
Good luck to everyone. I get my stent out on Monday, and I can't wait! I don't care how bad it hurts, at this point, nothing really hurts that bad anymore anyway!!!
p.s. The BEST PART of this… my son turned 6 yrs old on August 27th and is totally healthy, happy and normal!!! :)
I'm heartily fed up with the whole thing. I've lost 3 months of being able to walk and rumble with the kids. 20 years ago I guess they'd open me up, remove the stones and sew the holes up, with maybe 2 weeks of downtime. Now days, I get 3 months of downtime.
Good luck to everyone else with stones. I'll post back and let you know how it goes.
Robbie (New Zealand)