Small kidney stones usually work their way through your system in a few days. Stones under 6mm are considered small and typically pass within 48 hours. When you are really lucky they become embedded in your ureter and require surgical intervention. Here is what to expect when your kidney stone gets stuck.
One of the first things you will notice when your kidney stone is stuck in your urinary system is pain. Kidney stones hurt exquisitely. Along with waves of pain will come nausea and the constant urge to urinate. If your stone is non-obstructive and you can urinate, you will also notice lots of blood in your urine. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you want to get to the doctor as soon as possible.
A week ago I went to the hospital and was diagnosed with a kidney stone. The stone was small and the doctors expected my symptoms to subside within a few days. When I came back to the hospital a week later they were surprised to find the stone in the exact same place in my ureter. The stone had become embedded in the lining of my ureter so they decided to perform a cystoscopy and remove it surgically. During my procedure, the doctor found the stone, removed it, and installed a stent to keep my ureter from closing off because of inflammation.
After the procedure, urination was even more painful and bloody. It took my body a couple days to adjust to the stent and heal from the procedure. According to the specialist, I have at least two more stones they think are too big to pass on their own so I am scheduled for a Lithotripsy in two weeks. This procedure will break apart the stones allowing them to pass through my system. After the Lithotripsy, the doctor will remove my stent and I should be healed up in a few days.
Kidney stones are quite painful. If you ever have one, I suggest going to the hospital as soon as possible. After your diagnosis, drink lots of water and stay on top of your medication. If your symptoms don’t subside within a few days, go back to the hospital because your stone may have become embedded in the wall of your ureter. If this is the case the stone may need to be surgically removed and you are in for a real treat. Expect pain, nausea, a constant urge to urinate, blood, a cystoscopy, more pain, more blood, a stent, and maybe even a Lithotripsy!
