It was a late Friday night, and I found myself the only one awake in my home. I paced anxiously in the living room, taking breaks every couple of minutes to rush to the bathroom. I was convinced I had a UTI and eagerly awaited the morning when I could visit urgent care. However, after a urine test revealed no infection, the physician’s assistant advised me to head to the ER if my symptoms worsened.
As the hours passed, I continued to make frequent bathroom trips. After I finally managed to doze off, I awoke with an intense pain in my right flank, as if someone were stabbing me repeatedly. The pain surged, and I was soon pacing again, waiting for my husband to gather our kids so we could go to the emergency room. After two hours of agony and a series of tests, I was diagnosed with a kidney stone.
After being discharged at four in the morning, I waited in the ER until my husband arrived. The intake nurses, who were incredibly considerate, asked about my diagnosis. When I mentioned it was a small kidney stone, their faces lit up with surprise. One nurse remarked, “Kidney stones can be more painful than childbirth.” I was taken aback; how could something so small inflict such immense suffering? The other nurse explained that kidney stones are rough, like tiny burrs, and can incapacitate even the strongest individuals.
Following four days of catching my urine (not the most pleasant experience) and taking medication to relax my urinary tract, I finally passed the kidney stone. I woke that morning with more pain and urgency, but as soon as the stone came out (gross), the pain subsided. I stared at the tiny brown stone and thought about how such a small object could cause me so much distress. I braced myself for the hefty medical bills, having spent nearly a week in torment, unable to work or care for my family.
Once the relief finally came, I dove into research about kidney stones, eager to understand what they are and why they can be so painfully debilitating.
What Are Kidney Stones?
According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney stones are “hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys.” There are four main types: calcium stones, struvite stones, uric acid stones, and cystine stones. If you’re fortunate enough to catch your stone, the doctor can analyze it to help prevent future occurrences. For example, if you pass a calcium stone, your doctor might suggest dietary changes or adjustments to your medications. Although collecting the stone in a strainer is awkward, it can provide valuable insights for future prevention.
What Are the Symptoms of a Kidney Stone?
I experienced flank pain, but that’s just one symptom. Dr. Lisa Turner, an emergency medicine physician, noted that patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, and blood in their urine. Pain can radiate from the flank area to the lower back or abdomen and may come and go, sometimes extending toward the groin. If a kidney stone gets stuck in the ureter, it can block urine flow and cause excruciating pain. It’s essential to seek medical attention for any suspected kidney issues rather than attempting to self-diagnose.
How Long Do Kidney Stones Last?
The duration for passing a kidney stone can vary based on its size. Stones measuring 4mm or less are generally easier to pass and can take around 31 days on average. Those between 4 and 6mm can take up to 45 days, while stones larger than 6mm may take nearly a year. Additionally, the location of the stone can influence how quickly it passes; those situated closer to the bladder tend to exit faster.
Why Are Kidney Stones So Painful?
Dr. Turner revealed that over a million individuals visit the Emergency Room each year due to kidney stones. The pain can be “excruciating” during passage. A study indicated that 63.3% of women who experienced both childbirth and kidney stones rated the pain from the stone as worse. The pain typically arises from spasms caused by a stone lodged in the ureter, combined with pressure in the kidney due to urine buildup.
How Are Kidney Stones Treated?
Fortunately, kidney stones are usually not life-threatening, and most patients can return home to consult a urologist, according to Dr. Turner. When seeking emergency care, the primary focus is on managing pain and associated symptoms, as well as checking for any complications such as obstruction or infection. I was advised to drink plenty of water, take my prescribed medication, and manage my pain. My stone was small enough to expect it would pass naturally, but larger stones may require surgical intervention.
How to Prevent Kidney Stones?
While kidney stones can be incredibly painful, the good news is they’re often preventable. Here are some tips to minimize your risk:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help dilute urine and prevent crystals from forming into stones.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise can increase urine production, aiding in the elimination of minerals from the body.
- Adjust Your Diet: Since kidney stones are linked to various salts and minerals, dietary changes—like reducing sodium intake and increasing vegetable consumption—can help.
- Visit Your Doctor Regularly: Routine check-ups can help identify potential issues early, saving you significant pain down the line.
I was lucky that my stone was small and passed relatively quickly, but the experience was painfully unforgettable. I’ve never faced such agony in my life, not even after my major surgery. I still don’t know the composition of my stone or if I’ll need to adjust my diet or medications, but I sincerely hope I never have to endure that level of pain again.
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Summary:
Kidney stones can cause excruciating pain, often compared to childbirth. They are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can vary in size and type. Symptoms include flank pain, nausea, and blood in urine. Treatment focuses on pain management and may involve dietary changes to prevent future stones.