Kidney Stones: A Painful Experience That Rivals Childbirth

It was a Friday night, and I found myself the only one awake in my home. I paced the living room, taking breaks every couple of minutes to relieve myself, convinced I had a UTI. As I eagerly awaited the morning to visit urgent care, I was met with unexpected news: no UTI was detected. The physician’s assistant advised me to head to the ER for a CT scan if my symptoms worsened.

The following hours were torturous. I drifted into an uneasy sleep only to be jolted awake by agonizing pain in my right flank, as if someone were simultaneously stabbing and kicking me. After a frantic two-hour wait for my husband to get the kids ready, we finally made our way to the emergency room. Following tests and a CT scan, I was diagnosed with a kidney stone.

As I stood in the ER waiting room around 4 AM, the kind intake nurses asked about my diagnosis. When I mentioned the tiny kidney stone, their expressions changed, and one nurse remarked, “Kidney stones can be more painful than childbirth.” I was astounded—how could something so small inflict such intense suffering? Another nurse explained that kidney stones are rough, like a burr rolling around inside your body, and that they can incapacitate even the toughest individuals.

After four days of straining to catch my stone (not the most pleasant experience), I finally passed it one morning. The pain subsided almost immediately after the stone exited my body, and I found myself staring at the tiny brown rock, baffled by the chaos it had caused in my life. The looming medical bills and the disruption to my daily routine left me questioning how something so small could have such a monumental impact.

What Is A Kidney Stone?

According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys. There are four main types: calcium stones, struvite stones, uric acid stones, and cystine stones. If you manage to catch your stone, it can be analyzed to help identify ways to prevent future occurrences. For instance, passing a calcium stone may lead to dietary changes or adjustments in medication.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The hallmark symptom is flank pain, but other signs include nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. The pain can radiate to the lower back or abdomen and may come and go. Additionally, if a stone becomes lodged in the ureter, it can block urine flow, leading to more pain. It’s crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect kidney stones, as misdiagnosis can occur.

Duration of Kidney Stones

The time it takes to pass a kidney stone varies by size. Stones smaller than 4mm are typically easier to pass and can take about 31 days, while those between 4-6mm may take up to 45 days. Larger stones can take much longer, depending on their location within the urinary tract.

Why Are Kidney Stones So Painful?

Over a million people visit the ER each year due to kidney stones, which can induce “excruciating pain.” Research published in the Journal of Pain Research noted that a significant percentage of women found kidney stone pain to be worse than childbirth. The pain usually results from spasms caused by a stone stuck in the ureter, combined with pressure from urine backing up in the kidney.

Treatment for Kidney Stones

Fortunately, kidney stones are generally not life-threatening, and most patients can follow up with a urologist after receiving initial care. Emergency treatment focuses on controlling pain and addressing any complications. My own instructions after discharge included drinking plenty of water and taking medication to relax my urinary tract.

Preventing Kidney Stones

While kidney stones are no laughing matter, they can be prevented. Here are some tips to help avoid them:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking fluids dilutes urine, reducing the chance of crystals forming into stones.
Stay Active: Regular exercise can boost urine production and help flush out minerals.
Adjust Your Diet: Altering your diet—like lowering sodium intake and eating more vegetables—can help mitigate risks.
Regular Check-Ups: Routine visits to your healthcare provider can help catch potential issues early.

I was fortunate my stone was small and resolved quickly, but the pain I experienced was unlike anything else—even surpassing my mastectomy. While I’m still unaware of the stone’s composition and what changes I might need to make, I sincerely hope to avoid such agony in the future.

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Summary

Kidney stones can cause intense pain, sometimes even worse than childbirth. These mineral deposits form in the kidneys and can lead to various symptoms, including flank pain, nausea, and blood in the urine. Their size and location determine how long they take to pass, and while they’re not life-threatening, medical intervention is often necessary. Prevention strategies include staying hydrated and adjusting one’s diet.